OAKLAND — Raiders fans haven’t had much to celebrate this season. Their team has been terrible, easily among the NFL’s worst, lacking the talent required to win consistently.
On Sunday, they gave this long-suffering fan base a reason to cheer.
The Raiders eliminated two fourth-quarter deficits and beat the Steelers 24-21 in dramatic fashion at the Coliseum. Tight end Derek Carrier’s game-winning touchdown catch came on fourth-and-goal, with 21 seconds remaining.
With our All Access Daily newsletter, stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams!
SIGN UP HERE The Raiders are playing better football lately and, as you’ll see in this report card, showing encouraging signs that the team can turn things around under coach Jon Gruden:
Rushing Offense
The Raiders weren’t able to get much going on the ground.
They averaged just 2.2 yards per carry against a tough Steelers defensive front, and running backs Doug Martin and Jalen Richard were stuck in the mud. The Raiders will need better balance in future weeks.
NFL
Grade: C-minus
Passing Offense
Derek Carr was awesome in this game, with 322 passing yards, two touchdowns and a 73.5 completion percentage. He orchestrated two fourth-quarter scoring drives, including the game winner with time winding down.
Carr was his best in that final period, slinging the ball all over the place with confidence and aggression. He threaded several needles, making tough throws in tight windows to keep the offense moving. He was as good as his stellar 2016 campaign, when he was a legitimate NFL MVP candidate.
Oh, and he hasn’t thrown an interception in eight-plus games. An incredible run for a quarterback who’s clearly getting comfortable working within Gruden’s offense.
Grade: A-plus
Rushing Defense
The Raiders didn’t face James Conner, who missed the game with an ankle injury. That clearly was a plus, considering the Steelers weren’t able to get much going on the ground.
Pittsburgh had just 40 yards on 19 carries in what was the Oakland run defense’s best performance to date.
Grade: A
Pass Defense
Gareon Conley is really evolving into an excellent cover cornerback. He had another tip that resulted in an interception, which is becoming a regular occurrence these days.
Conley blanketed Antonio Brown all day, holding the Steelers’ elite receiver to five catches for just 35 yards. That’s a win, even though JuJu Smith-Schuster had a big day with 130 yards and two touchdowns.
Grade: C
Special Teams
Daniel Carlson has become Mr. Reliable kicking field goals, and Johnny Townsend might’ve had his best day as a pro. He had three punts over 50 yards, and dropped another inside the 20-yard line.
Grade: A
Overall
The Raiders found a way to win a close game. That’s important in this team’s development, especially for young players who have lost so often this season.
Carr is rounding into form, and players are working hard for Gruden and defensive coordinator Paul Guenther. These are all encouraging signs for a team in the midst of a full-scale rebuild.
There’s optimism the Raiders can win again before the season’s out. That in itself is a step in the right direction.
Grade: A