The Oakland Raiders traveled to M&T Bank Stadium and collected their first franchise road victory against the Baltimore Ravens. In a 28-27 victory, the offense came up with big plays, capped off by a 23-yard Michael Crabtree touchdown.
During Sunday’s contest, the Raiders and Ravens battled constantly, with multiple lead changes throughout the game. At one point during the fourth quarter, the Raiders held a two-possession lead and thought it was over.
However, the Ravens battled back and scored twice, giving them a 27-21 lead. The Raiders got the ball back, with just under four minutes remaining.
At this moment, quarterback Derek Carr took over the game, demonstrating his clutch abilities once again. Carr connected on two consecutive first downs, followed by the game-winning touchdown to Crabtree.
The Raiders then took a 28-27 lead, with one more defensive stop needed. At a little over midfield, the Ravens then failed to convert on fourth down, sealing the third victory of the season for head coach Jack Del Rio.
Crabtree, who leads the Raiders with 26 receptions, has flourished this season. While defenses have been focused on stopping counterpart Amari Cooper, Crabtree has taken the reigns as Carr’s go-to target.
The Texas native hauled in three touchdowns, a part of Carr’s career-high four for the game.
After the contest, Crabtree participated in an interview with NFL Network’s Deion Sanders. During the conversation, the seven-year played laid the foundation for his goals this season:
“I’m playing like I got something to prove. I just want to win. The program is so legendary. I just want to win.”
In Raiders fashion, Crabtree alluded to former owner Al Davis and the “just win, baby” mentality that has encompassed the franchise.
Going into the next week, Crabtree also admitted that there were facets of the game to improve on. The key for the Raiders and coach Del Rio will be consistency. The Raiders find themselves second in the AFC West, a game behind the 4-0 Denver Broncos.
With their Week 5 game at the Coliseum against the San Diego Chargers, the team has a full week to prepare and improve on areas they see fit.
Crabtree also alluded to the clutch play of his quarterback, as it set the foundation for the game-winning drive:
“He can really throw the ball. I got nothing but confidence in No. 4. ”
For the game, Crabtree hauled in seven catches for 88 yards, including the three touchdowns. Now in his eighth season, the 29-year-old has hauled in 26 receptions, for 308 yards and four touchdowns in four games played.
