Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) breaks a tackle by New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) to score a touchdown on an interception during the second half at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sun Dec 18, 2022 (AP News photo)

Raiders Beat New England Off A Bizarre Patriot Play 30-24

By Barbara Mason

The Las Vegas Raiders (6-8) took on the New England Patriots (7-7) Sunday after losing a close one to the Los Angeles Rams 17-16 last week. The Raiders controlled the first half in that game but had a real letdown in the second half only scoring a field goal in last week’s loss in Los Angeles. The Raiders down 24-17 came back with no time left to beat the Patriots 30-24 on Sunday at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

The Raiders had a 17-3 lead after the first two quarters of today’s game in Las Vegas. As in last week’s game, they played a solid first half.

It was not looking very good for Las Vegas allowing the Patriots to score 21 straight points in the second half. When it looked like the Raiders would lose their second straight game Las Vegas scored two touchdowns in the final 32 seconds. it was another thriller for the Raiders as the clock began to wind down. A wilder finish could not have been more beautifully scripted.

With the score tied at 24 and .32 seconds left on the clock the Patriots attempted a number of pitches more than likely trying to avoid overtime. The Patriots did avoid overtime but in favor of the Raiders.

The final lateral was a disaster ending up in the hands of Raider pass-rusher Chandler Jones who got past New England quarterback Mac Jones and saw nothing but open field. He romped for a 48 yard touchdown and the improbable win 30-24.

Derek Carr finished with 231 passing yards, three touchdowns and one interception. Running back Josh Jacobs had 93 rushing yards continuing to shore up the Raider running game. Las Vegas had a cumulative 231 receiving yards with Keelan Cole catching for 50 yards, the team high. Carr and Jacobs both had one fumble but recovered both of them.

This was a most dramatic finish for Las Vegas and really messed with New England’s playoff hopes. It is a shame that the Raiders started to come around so late in the season. A better start by Las Vegas could have possibly put them into a good position for a post-season.

Next week the Raiders will be taking on the Pittsburg Steelers on Saturday evening at 5:15. Both teams have 6-8 records. Las Vegas will be on the road for that game.