The Raiders had one last chance to get back in the game against the Jets but faltered on this week’s agonizing drive of the game.
Having been dominated for more than one half of football, the Raiders were trailing the Jets 20-3. Oakland took the ball with plenty of time to mount a comeback — just under 13 minutes to play in the third quarter — thanks to a quick score by New York to open that period of play.
On 3rd and 7, after a run for no gain by running back Josh Jacobs and a short pass to tight end Foster Moreau, Carr scrambled beautifully for 11 yards and a first down. Jacobs broke loose for seven yards on the next play, and it appeared the Raiders’ rushing attack would get on track against a stout Jets run defense, which would open up coach Jon Gruden’s playbook.
On 2nd and 3, however, center Rodney Hudson committed a holding penalty on a 2-yard loss by Jacobs, and Oakland was behind the sticks. But Carr found wide receiver Hunter Renfrow who made two defenders miss on his way to an impressive 11-yard reception, setting up a 3rd-and-2 play.
Gruden called Jacobs’ number. He ran forward behind pulling guard, Richie Incognito, and fell with the football right at the line to gain. After a suspect spot of the football, it was 4th-and-1. Gruden didn’t hesitate, and ran yet again, this time with fullback Alec Ingold, the Raiders’ short-yardage specialist.
Ingold was stopped just short of the line, on a play that saw Jacobs motion out of the backfield, removing an element of surprise for the run defense. It was clear who would get the ball. Additionally, the rookie fullback was offset to the right, and ran, for what seemed like forever, to the interior left, when it appeared there was just enough room up the middle for the needed yardage.
One play later, after a lost challenge from Gruden, New York pulled off a double-reverse flea-flicker on its way to another touchdown and the rout was on. It was a dismal day for the Raiders, and this drive was their last hurrah. It didn’t go well, just like the entire day, and the squad might be wise to throw the game film in the dumpster and prepare for their upcoming game against the Chiefs right away.
