After a 31-28 overtime victory against the Miami Dolphins, the Raiders are now one of only five NFL teams who are undefeated heading into week four. The Raiders have shown grit and resilience in their style of play this season coming back from point deficits as large as 14 and winning games in dramatic fashion. It is the first time that the Las Vegas Raiders have been 3-0 since 2002.
Part of the reason for this success is things seem to be clicking for the offense. Quarterback Derrick Carr has looked strong and composed in his first three starts and has been reliable in important drives. The offense has been able to play from behind and bring the team back from two-score deficits while the defense has been able to hold teams to no-score drives.
In the backfield, the Raiders have used their running backs strategically. Kenyan Drake has remained a reliable target for Carr and has been targeted consistently. His agility and athleticism have helped him run for consistent yardage on each catch. Meanwhile, Peyton Barber and Josh Jacobs also pose threats in the backfield. At any one moment, the Raiders offense could cycle one of these three and be confident in their running game. As we go deeper into the season and injuries become more and more inevitable, the backfield will not be a position where depth is an issue.
The Raiders are now approaching a Monday night game against the talented young quarterback Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers, 2-1, are coming off of an impressive win in Arrowhead over the Kansas City Chiefs where they handed the Chiefs their second loss in a row. Head coach Jon Gruden is expecting a great battle and is excited for this Monday night matchup. “It’ll be an emotional game, it always is when we play the Chargers. We’re looking forward to it, it’ll be a great challenge,” Gruden said in a press conference on Monday.
The Raiders will kick off in Los Angeles Monday, October 4th at 8:15 PM ET.
