Las Vegas Raiders bettors can take a massive sigh of relief, as they celebrate victory two separate times over the Baltimore Ravens tonight on the season-opening edition of Monday Night Football. What started out as a slow game controlled by Baltimore ended in glorious fashion for the Las Vegas Raiders.
Unlikely Victory in Ravens vs Raiders MNF
After storming back with two beautiful drives, the Raiders’ fate was on the foot of kicker Daniel Carlson, who nailed a 55 yarder to send it to OT.
While regulation was fun, OT on Monday Night Football made this game unforgettable.
After it looked like Vegas had ended the game on a very nice catch and run, officials reviewed the play and determined the game was not over. Instead, it was first and goal from the half-yard line.
Almost every time the game ends on the next play, with someone sneaking or plowing into the end zone. Naturally, nothing can come easy for the Raiders, as Derek Carr got stuffed on his attempt. The failed rush was followed by an inexcusable false start, an unsuccessful play from the six-yard line, then a deflected interception.
The Ravens had a chance to march down the field and stick the Raiders with an absolutely demoralizing Week 1 defeat, which realistically could have hung over them the entire season. Instead, the offense went nowhere before Lamar Jackson threw a pick of his own.
Seeming to now have all the trust in the world toward Carlson, Gruden decided the best move was to attempt a field goal. This makes a little sense, since Carlson just came through for the team while the offense couldn’t punch it in from within one yard.
The kick never came, as the Raiders were called for delay of game, prompting the offense to take the field once again, and win on a walk-off deep ball to Zay Jones.
Half of a yard caused all of that trouble… but that’s why they play the game, right?