Raiders Put Up Second Straight Lackluster Performance, Being Blown Out By Vikings On Road
Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

The Oakland Raiders traveled to take on the Minnesota Vikings in Week 3 as they looked to get back on track after a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. They weren’t able to do that though as they put up their second straight lackluster performance, resulting in a 34-14 loss.

Right off the bat, the Vikings took the ball 76 yards on just six plays, including a 35-yard touchdown pass from Kirk Cousins to Adam Thielen. After that, their defense put the pressure on the Raiders, forcing a three-and-out.

The Raiders defense looked to be a singular bright spot in the early stages of the game. They caused a three-and-out of their own after an offense holding penalty set the Vikings 17 yards back.

Unfortunately, the Raiders only got one first down on their next drive, eventually punting it away again. By the time the first quarter ended, the Vikings had taken it down to the Raiders 1-yard line. One play into the second quarter, running back Dalvin Cook broke the plane on the carry to extend the Vikings’ lead.

The hope was that the Raiders would settle in, but that didn’t happen as quarterback Derek Carr threw a high pass that was intercepted at Oakland’s 30-yard line. The Vikings took that opportunity to score once more on a play-action with Thielen running it in.

The Raiders were finally able to put a drive together in the second quarter. After a strong six-yard run from Josh Jacobs, Carr was sacked, losing seven yards on the play. On the very next play though, Carr connected with Darren Waller for 30 yards.

Waller was the target again on the next play, going for nine yards. After a pass to Jalen Richard to put the team at the Vikings 29-yard line, Jacobs and Carr pulled off a flea-flicker, and Carr delivered a long pass to J.J. Nelson for the only touchdown of the day before the game was out of reach.

After a blocked pass by Clelin Ferrell and a punt, the Raiders had four minutes to try and get some more points on the board before the half. Carr and the Raiders looked to attack from the air, calling Darren Waller’s number often. Although he had a number of catches, he dropped it on a third and long throw. The Vikings led after the first half, 21-7.

With the second half underway, the Vikings picked up where the left off on both ends of the ball. A 10 play, 92-yard drive ended up with a touchdown, and then they shut down the Raiders on a fourth and one drive by Josh Jacobs.

Waller was the only bright spot for the Raiders offense, finishing with 12 catches for 128 yards. There weren’t many bright spots for the defense either, resulting in the 34-14 final score. Carr connected with Tyrell Williams for the final touchdown when the game was out of reach.