Aidan O’Connell puts his all into the pass at quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders against the New York Jets at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sun Nov 12, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Las Vegas Raiders (5-5) and the New York Jets (4-5) traded field goals through three quarters of football Sunday night. The play of the game came when Robert Spillane intercepted the Jets quarterback Zach Wilson in the fourth quarter to finish off New York 16-12.

After putting a beat-down on the Giants last Sunday 30-6, the Raiders took on the Jets on the national stage Sunday night. Both teams have been sorely challenged this season and this was a very close contest.

Game Recap: This game emerged into a flurry of field goals through three quarters. Neither team was able to find the end zone. The Jets were first up on the scoreboard with Greg Zuerlein kicking a 47 yard field goal in the first quarter.

Raiders tied up the game 3-3 at 6:15 in the quarter with a Daniel Carlson 41 yard field goal. The teams would continue to trade field goals in the first quarter. Zuerlein kicked a second field goal, a 53 yarder taking a 6-3 lead going into the second quarter.

New York took a 9-3 lead with yet another Zuerlein field goal, this one a 30 yard kick. The Raiders Carlson would add to the Raiders tally 9-6 with a 53 yard kick as the game clock ran out on the second quarter. The Raiders were still trailing but this was still anyone’s game as the two teams headed into the locker room at the half.

The Raiders tied up the game in the third quarter with another field goal from Carlson, this one for 40 yards. Through three quarters each team had kicked three field goals but did not score a touchdown. This game went into the fourth quarter tied up at 9 points apiece.

Las Vegas hit pay dirt in the opening minute of the fourth quarter. Quarterback Aidan O’Connell found Michael Mayer for seven yards and the first touchdown of the game taking a 16-9 lead with a lot of game still to be played.

The Jets would pull closer with their fourth field goal, a 45 yard kick. The Raiders still had a 16-12 lead and the play of the game for Las Vegas would not materialize until 1:22 left in the game.

With the clock running down and the Jets threatening to take the lead Robert Spillane intercepted a Jets quarterback Zach Wilson pass intended for Allen Lizard. With everything on the line Spillane made the play of the day locking down the win for the Raiders.

Spillane who leads the team in tackles stepped up when it counted most. Las Vegas held on for the final minute of play and with the 16-12 win is now at .500 (5-5) for the season.

Next Sunday, the Raiders will travel to Miami to take on the Dolphins looking for a third win in a row. The game is scheduled for 10:00 AM.