For the first time since 2016, the Raiders are back in the playoffs. It took a 35-32 overtime victory in a spectacular duel against the Chargers to get there. A completely crazy end of the season which will have kept the amateurs in suspense until the end.
• Read also: NFL: Colts’ epic collapse
The scenario was dramatic to say the least as the winner of the match went straight into the playoffs, while the loser was eliminated from the race. The Steelers, who fell from the Ravens earlier in the day, practically held their ticket. Except if the Raiders and Chargers drew, they both made the playoffs while the Steelers would have been knocked out. This means that the supporters of these three teams had enough to tear their hair out!
In the end, the Raiders won despite screwing up a 15-point lead with just over eight minutes left in regulation.
The Herbert Show
Delayed 29-14, the Chargers completely changed the pace of the game with two back-to-back touchdowns and a two-point convert.
The first touchdown came when Justin Herbert joined Joshua Palmer in the end zone for 23 yards, fourth down and 21 yards left. Earlier in the streak, the Chargers also converted a fourth down and six yards to go.
The Chargers then curbed the Raiders’ offense after three quick plays and picked up the ball for a memorable offensive streak. After 19 games (all assists!), 83 yards and three more converted fourth downs, Herbert shone again as he joined Mike Williams in the end zone when there was no time on the board.
This means that in their last two stretches, the Chargers have converted five times from the fourth downs. Herbert, including overtime that followed, finished the game with 383 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.
Suspense in overtime
The mystery hung in the air for the extension. After all, both teams had a chance to take it easy and were guaranteed a playoff spot in the event of a draw.
They kept their foot on the mat, however, and traded two field goals to bring the score to 32-32.
With 4:30 minutes to go, the Raiders regained the ball and progressed slowly but surely on the pitch. Forward Josh Jacobs gained seven yards on a rush to bring his own to the opponent’s 46 line. As time passed, Chargers head coach Brandon Staley called for time out, claiming he wanted to change the staff on the field to better cope with a racing situation.
The Raiders gave the ball back to Jacobs, who gained 10 yards. Daniel Carlson’s winning placement came on the next play.
After the game, a few Raiders players hinted that before Staley’s timeout they were likely going to settle for a draw, but that the break would have changed their approach.
It’s hard to know if that’s the case, but one thing is certain the Chargers lost the game allowing 17 yards on two carries, even though they knew full well the Raiders were going to run. It’s a logical end to their season, they who have been battered on the ground all year.
A lot of merit
For the Raiders, Derek Carr finished the game with 186 yards and two touchdowns to Hunter Renfrow, while Jacobs rushed for 132 yards. The real hero of the game, however, was defensive end Maxx Crosby, who applied constant pressure with two quarterback sacks. Poor Storm Norton, who faced him more often than not, was eaten up and the Chargers’ offense never adjusted to give him support.
The Raiders haven’t stolen their playoff spot, just a second appearance since 2002, winning their last three games. This season, they’ve sailed through all the swells created by the crashing start of their pilot Jon Gruden, as well as the fatal crash in which their drunk receiver Henry Ruggs was involved.
It was unimaginable a few weeks ago that they finished their course in the playoffs. Moreover, they become the first team since 1961 to qualify for the playoffs despite a change of head coach during the season. We must salute interim coach Rich Bisaccia, who did a good job of keeping the troops focused despite the turmoil.
The Raiders face off against the Bengals next week in the first round of the playoffs. The other duels in the American conference will pit the Patriots against the Bills and the Steelers against the Chiefs.
In the national conference, the Eagles will face the Buccaneers, while the 49ers will face the Cowboys and the Cardinals will face the Rams.