The Raiders faced an accomplished Bears defense in London on Sunday but won the battle at the line of scrimmage and the game, 24-21.
Former Raiders’ All-Pro defensive end Khalil Mack barely touched his old friend, quarterback Derek Carr, and Oakland’s offensive line yielded zero QB sacks. Plus, the line paved the way for 169 rushing yards, led by 123 yards and two touchdowns from running back Josh Jacobs.
Meanwhile, the Raiders piled up four sacks of their own.
Coach Jon Gruden heaped well-earned praise on his team after the game during his press conference
“Trent Brown and Kolton Miller, they should get game balls,” Gruden said, adding that the Raiders’ tight ends Darren Waller and Foster Moreau, fullback Alec Ingold, Jacobs, and the interior line also deserve credit.
On the other side of the ball, defensive end Maxx Crosby got to Bears QB Chase Daniel first, then DE Benson Mayowa followed suit with a sack of his own. Defensive tackle Maurice Hurst added a pair to put the Raiders’ sack total at four for the day.
“We’ve got some good young players … All we hear about is their pass rush. It’s great to talk about ours,” Gruden said.
This game figured to be a dogfight up front, with the Raiders having to withstand an aggressive and talented Bears front. Instead, it was the Raiders that were the aggressors early and throughout the game, especially on offense. Gruden’s gameplan, which kept the Bears off balance, aided his players and they took advantage, even after blowing a 17-0 lead.
The defense displayed that it’s turned the page after trading Mack, with youngsters Crosby and Hurst making an impact. The Raiders’ identity has formed into a balanced, aggressive team, and now the squad has a 3-2 record heading into the bye week.
