Las Vegas Raiders (2-4) – Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2): 13-32
The weeks follow one another and are similar for Pittsburgh: TJ Watt, defense, the legs of Justin Fields (14/24, 145 yards, 59 yards and 2 TDs on the ground)… And this time, that was enough (for the 4th time in the season all the same) to seek victory in Las Vegas.
By causing 3 turnovers, including 2 for TJ Watt alone, and a blocked punt, the Steelers defense and the special team put the attack in an ideal position all evening. Offerings that their partners generally knew how to use.
For the Raiders, the gaps exposed in attack are as glaring as ever…
A little tour and then leaves
After a field goal from Pittsburgh (0-3), the Raiders and Aidan O'Connell (27/40, 227 yards, 1TD, 1INT) surprised everyone with a strong start.
On the first offensive series, the quarterback continues the short passes and Alexander Mattison (14 races, 33 yards, 1TD) the effective runs. The latter even manages to conclude his last race with a touchdown (7-3).
Unfortunately for Raiders fans that will be it! Behind the attack no longer produces anything at all. 2 punts, 1 fumble and a final series unfinished due to lack of time… It's too little for the Las Vegas attack. However, the locals stay in their match thanks to their defense.
Indeed, the Steelers attack has difficulty finishing against this defense. After two field goals, we had to wait for Pittsburgh's last offensive series to see a touchdown. It was Justin Fields who managed to score it on an outside run (7-12, 2-point conversion failed).
A touchdown which owes a lot to the starting position, series started on the Raiders' 30 yards thanks to a fumble caused by TJ Watt, and to luck with an interception by Fields canceled for a foul.
It's still sluggish for the Steelers in attack but with this defense, it's enough to take the lead.
Pittsburgh exceeds 30!
In the second half, the Steelers defense continued its demolition work: blocked punt, fumble caused by TJ Watt and interception on the Raiders' first 3 offensive series. Turnovers which notably allow the Steelers to add a field goal and a touchdown via Justin Fields on the action following the interception.
In the meantime, the visitors' attack had still put a little hand in the dough with a drive marked by the imprint of Najee Harris (14 races, 106 yards, 1TD). The runner goes on a 26-yard run then a 36-yard run for the touchdown.
With 29 points on the clock, the Steelers have never been higher this season. And finally gets closer to 30 points scored.
A bar that they crossed on their last offensive series with a new field goal. In the meantime, the defense had loosened its grip by allowing a touchdown reception from Wilkerson (13-32).
