Las Vegas Raiders (6-10) – San Francisco 49ers (12-4): 34-37 after overtime
The game was supposed to be a formality for San Francisco. On a series of 8 consecutive victories, the Californians faced their former neighbors this Sunday for the first time since the move of the Raiders to Vegas. Raiders who may have turned the page Derek Carr, and who established the unknown Jarrett Stidham (traded last summer from New England).
And yet, San Francisco had to work, and this is an understatement, to beat the Raiders with difficulty who only confirm that they can have regrets for having left so many victories during the season.
Stidham like an old veteran
In the first period, the 49ers present a very aggressive defense to disrupt the Vegas pitcher. Error in judgment: the quarterback has done his range with Tom Brady, and enjoys taking what the defense gives him.
Jarrett Stidham (23/34, 365 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT) is impeccable, well helped by a Davante Adams of the big days: 7 receptions, 153 yards, 2 TD. The receiver also becomes the most prolific Raider in history over a season (1443 yards), and returns to third place in the league (behind Justin Jefferson and Tyreek Hill).
The Raiders score repeatedly, until they gain a 10-point advantage. The Niners are groggy.
San Francisco is fighting back
Upon returning from the locker room, the adjustments of the Californian defense are felt. Notably, individual defense on Davante Adams was dropped in favor of zone defense, with Charvarius Ward and Deommodore Lenoir failing to contain the All-Pro receiver.
On the first series of the locals, the Niners are about to cause a 3&out but Fred Warner commits a penalty which the Raiders take advantage of to score a touchdown.
On the following drives, Las Vegas does not advance (punt, interception, punt). As usual, the defense gives air to the attack to allow him to come back.
Not scared, Brock Purdy (22/35, 284 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT) made the necessary plays and allowed his team to pick up the score, then take the lead for the first time in the match in the middle of the fourth quarter. time: 27-24. Once is not custom, it is by relying on an unleashed Christian McCaffrey (19 races, 121 yards, 1 TD, 6 receptions, 72 yards) that the Niners have advanced the chains.
Purdy has the last word
The end of the match is under high tension, the two teams surrender blow for blow. San Francisco first, via a run from rookie Jordan Mason (34-27). Vegas responds with Josh Jacobs (STATS): 34-34. The Niners have the winning drive with 71 seconds left. Brock Purdy passes passes to Brandon Aiyuk (9 receptions, 101 yards, 1 TD), who places Robbie Gould in a chair for the winning field goal: it’s a miss, overtime direction!
By winning the toss, Stidham has the opportunity in turn to give victory to his own, but on yet another pressure from Nick Bosa, he launches an interception returned to 7 opposing yards by Tashaun Gipson. Robbie Gould is not holed up this time and gives a victory more difficult than expected to his people.
9 in a row for San Francisco, which takes second place in the NFC at the expense of the Vikings, defeated in Green Bay, which would ensure two home games in the play-offs. In the event of a misstep by the Eagles, San Francisco could even take first place!
On the Raiders side, again and again regrets (this is the theme of the season), but to see the glass of water half full, it may well be that the team has found a replacement for Derek Carr.
