Category: NFL

Raiders Close Out Season Beating Denver Broncos 27-14

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The Denver Broncos cornerback Ja’Quan McMillan (29) takes a diving stab at the Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DeVante Adams (17) who catches the football for a touchdown in the first half at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sun Jan 7, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Sunday afternoon the Las Vegas Raiders (8-9) closed out their 2023 season taking on the Denver Broncos (8-9) at Allegiant Stadium in front of a packed crowd. It has been an up and down season for the Raiders and a win would definitely take some of the sting out of the disappointment this year and that is exactly what Las Vegas did. 

They went out and played a great game beating the Broncos 27-14. Quarterback Aiden O’Connell had a terrific game throwing two touchdowns and 244 passing yards with zero interceptions. While it was not even a five hundred season, this final game was a great way to close out 2023.

After the first quarter, the Raiders had a 7-0 lead. Jakobi Meyers rushed for five yards and the first score of this game.

The Broncos tied up the game in the second quarter. Quarterback Jarrett Stidham found Jerry Jeudy for 24 yards and the touchdown. The Raiders would take back the lead 10-7 at 7:09 when Daniel Carlson kicked a 49 yard field goal. Las Vegas tacked on more points to close out the quarter. Davante Adams caught a three yard pass from O’connell extending the Raiders lead to 17-7 at halftime.

Both defenses stepped up in the third quarter. Neither offense was able to find the end zone in the third and this game would go into the fourth quarter with the Raiders leading 17-7. Las Vegas added to their lead in the opening minute of the final quarter. 

O’Connell threw his second touchdown of the game. He connected with Meyers for 33 yards extending their lead to 24-7. The Raiders had this game well in hand. The Broncos would rush for their second touchdown of the game in an effort to remain relevant in the game but it was just too little too late. 

The Raiders would add a second field goal in the closing minutes of the game, a 21 yard Carlson kick, and that was the ball game 27-14.

This was the perfect way to close out the season and it was not long after this game ended that both players and fans made it known that their preference for next seasons coach was current interim coach Antonio Pierce. 

This would make perfect sense. This guy is without doubt a player’s coach. Pierce is beloved by not only the players but also the fans. He certainly has made waves since he stepped in. The games they lost were close and they not only beat the rival Bronco’s today but the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day. In fact the “AP” chants actually began before the game had even ended.

Both teams ended the season with 8-9 records. The Raiders were able to light up those cigars after all and the locker room was, despite their record, a huge party. Former Raiders Marcus Allen, Ted Hendricks, Jim Otto, Jim Plunkett and Charles Woodson joined in on the fun. 

Now it remains to be seen who will lead this team next season. While Pierce enjoyed the celebrating today, he is no doubt hoping to continue this ride into the 2024 season. He has this team believing in him, believing what he is teaching them and that sure sounds like a perfect fit especially since he has gotten some outstanding results. 

It should not be too long before the announcement will be made. Who will be the head coach for the Las Vegas Raiders next season? Bill Belichick, Jim Harbaugh or Antonio Pierce? Stay tuned! 

Barbara Mason covered the 2023-24 Las Vegas Raiders season for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Rich Perez: Raiders finish 2023-24 season with 27-14 victory; Will Pierce be back as head coach?

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Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell (4) confers with head coach Antonio Pierce during the second half at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sun Jan 7, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Rich:

#1 Aidan O’Connell led the Las Vegas Raiders (8-9) for 244 yards and two touchdowns in the Raiders 27-14 win to conclude the 2023-34 season.

#2 Former Raider quarterback Jarrett Stidham and current Denver Bronco (8-9) quarterback went 20-34 for 272 yards and one touchdown.

#3 . Both Broncos and Raiders didn’t score in the third quarter both defenses held each other off.

#4 Raiders scored ten points in the fourth quarter to stay ahead of Denver.

#5 How special was it for Raider head coach Antonio Pierce to get this win? The players like him but will he be able to return next season?

Rich Perez did the Las Vegas Raiders podcasts for the 2023 season at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O: Powerful 49ers have four players with over 1,000 yards; What Raiders will be looking for next season; plus more news

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Although the San Francisco 49ers didn’t win this game 49ers backup quarterback Sam Darnold (14) got some reps in against the Baltimore Ravens and linebacker Malik Harrison (40) in the second half on Mon Dec 25, 2023 at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara. Darnold is slated to start against the Los Angeles Rams Sun Jan 7, 2024. (AP News photo)

On Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O:

#1 Charlie in last week’s game against the Washington Commanders, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle became the fourth 49ers player to have 1,000 yards or over. Kittle joins Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel.

#2 The 49ers close out the regular season and will rest most of their starters. Quarterback Brock Purdy will get two weeks rest until the playoffs and Sam Darnold will get the start today against the Los Angeles Rams.

#3 The Las Vegas Raiders (7-9) close out their 2023-24 season against the Denver Broncos (8-8) today at Allegiant Field in Las Vegas. The Raiders had many ups and downs this season but got things turned around once interim head coach Antonio Pierce took over and since that 63-21 demolishing of the Los Angeles Chargers on Sun Nov 26th, they’ve defeated the Kansas City Chiefs and nearly beat the Indianapolis Colts.

#4 The Raiders finish up the season today against the Broncos at 1:25pm PT. The Broncos have won their last three out of six. The Raiders have won two of their last three games. Charlie talk about some of the things that coach Pierce will be looking for in this last game?

#5 Turning to MLB and the Oakland A’s story that owner John Fisher may not have the $1.1 billion to pay for his share of the construction costs for the new Tropicana Ball Park on the Las Vegas strip. If he were to get a loan from Goldman Sachs with interest that will cost him $1.5 billion after it’s paid back. He was reportedly going from casino to casino talking to casino owners and sharing the new renderings with them and talking about getting a loan toward his share of the construction cost. How difficult does this have to get for the A’s?

Join Charlie O for Headline Sports each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco 49ers podcast with Joe Hawkes: McCaffrey to rest calf will not play this Sunday vs. Rams; Mitchell to get some reps Sunday

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San Francisco 49errs running back Christian McCaffrey (23) seen here looking for some daylight against safety Kamren Curl (31) of the Washington Commanders at FedEx Field in North Englewood MD on Sun Dec 31, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the 49ers podcast with Joe Hawkes:

#1 Joe as someone wrote that the flight home from Washington didn’t suck after the San Francisco 49ers picked up a win over the Washington Commanders on Sunday at FedEx Field after that tough loss a week earlier to the Baltimore Ravens.

#2 The starters will rest this Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams. Running back Christian McCaffey says he’s glad for the two week break for himself and all the starters before the post season starts in mid January.

#3 McCaffrey also said that his calf injury is pretty minor but head coach Kyle Shanahan said that is one of the reasons why McCaffrey will not play against the Rams this Sunday to get those two weeks rest and not to make the calf much worse.

#4 The 49ers Elijah Mitchell is healthy according to Shanahan. Mitchell has played in 15 of 33 games in the past two years and set the 49ers record for rushing with 963 yards back in 2021. Mitchell has missed the last three games and Shanahan said that when Mitchell is in the line up he’s as good as anybody. Also Shanahan said when McCaffrey was down Mitchell came in and took over against Washington.

#5 The 49ers host the Los Angeles Rams this Sun Jan 7th at Levi Stadium are on a run they’ve won their last three games. They’re last win coming against the New York Giants in an nail biter 26-25 at the Meadowlands. The Rams like the 49ers plan to rest their starters. How do you see this match up on Sunday?

Joe Hawkes does the 49ers podcasts weekly at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Tony Renteria: Despite loss Raiders defense show vast improvement

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The Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) gets tackled by the Indianapolis Colts cornerback Ju Ju Brents (29) at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sun Dec 31, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Tony Renteria:

#1 Tony no doubt the defense held their own again for the Las Vegas Raiders but they came up short this time 23-20. There were no two touchdowns from the defense in seven seconds on Sunday.

#2 The Raiders defense allowed three touchdowns talk about how impressive that was just in of itself considering how this defense had struggled earlier this season and even though they lost to the Colts the defense held their own..

#3 Las Vegas took a tough loss by three points as the Indianapolis Colts kicker Matt Gay hit a 45 yarder with 3:11 left in the game that proved to be the game winner but showing how the Raiders hung with the Colts Davante Adams scored his second touchdown of the game to pull within three points.

#4 Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell had an improved performance over last last Monday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs. O’Connell against the Colts threw for 299 yards, was 30-47 and had two touchdown passes.

#5 The Raiders meet a struggling Denver Broncos team who has lost three of their last five games. The Broncos got a seven point win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday 16-9 at Mile High Stadium in Denver. The Broncos and Raiders play their final game of the season at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sun Jan 7th how do you see this on playing out.

Tony Renteria did the 2023 Raiders podcasts Tuesdays for http://www.sportsradioservice.com. Tony will return next Tuesday with the NFL podcast Tuesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco 49ers podcast with Augie Mesenburg: 49ers will rest starters vs. Rams Sun Jan 7th at Levi

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) sends a pass to wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) at FedEx Field in DC on Sun Dec 31, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the San Francisco 49ers podcast with Augie Mesenburg:

#1 Augie, how big was it for the 49ers to make this comeback against the Washington Commanders on Sunday after losing to the Baltimore Ravens last week on Monday Night Football?

#2 Augie, take a look at quarterback Brock Purdy a vast improvement over two weeks ago when the 49ers dueled with the Baltimore Ravens in a loss at Levi Stadium. In Washington DC the 49ers in the second half of Sunday’s game got two touchdowns that put away the game 27-10.

#3 Purdy threw for 230 yards, going 22-28, and two touchdowns. Was this a matter of the offensive line giving Purdy time to throw or the Washington defense just couldn’t push through to put pressure on Purdy?

#4 With the win and the loss of the Philadelphia Eagles the 49ers clinch for post season. Purdy thanked the Arizona Cardinals who defeated the Eagles that helped the 49ers clinch for a post season spot.

#5 The 49ers conclude the 2023-24 regular season with a game against the Los Angeles Rams. Augie, do you see the 49ers using their bench for most of this game or do you see head coach Kyle Shanahan using his starters for this one?

Augie Mesenburg filled in for David Zizmor for this week’s 49ers podcast at http://www.sportsradioservice.com. Augie is a sports reporter for KHAI 103.5 Honolulu.

Las Vegas Raiders Playoff Hopes Squelched By Indianapolis Colts 23-20

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Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) carries a first half touchdown into the end zone against the Las Vegas Raiders at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sun Dec 31, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Las Vegas Raiders (7-9) hopes for a wild card berth in the playoffs came to an end in Indianapolis. The Indianapolis Colts (9-7) topped them 23-20. The Raiders drop two games below .500 going into the final week of the 2023 season.

Game recap: This game remained close after the first quarter with the Colts leading 7-3. Indianapolis scored first when Jonathan Taylor rushed for five yards giving the Colts an early 7-0 lead. Las Vegas went to work looking to tie up the game but had to settle for a 40 yard Daniel Carlson Field Goal. The score was 7-3 in favor of the Colts as the first quarter came to an end.

Indianapolis extended their lead in the second quarter scoring their second touchdown of the day. Quarterback Gardner Minshew found Alec Pierce for 58 yards and the score now leading 14-3. The Colts would take the 14-3 lead into the locker room at the half and the Raiders had a lot of work to do in the second half.

Ace wide receiver Davante Adams would score the Raiders first touchdown of the game. The score was a four yard pass from Aidan O’Connell and Las Vegas was back in this game 10-14. The Raiders would need their defense to step up and put a stop on the Colts.

 Indianapolis moved downfield but had to settle for a 38 yard Field Goal from Matt Gay. The Raiders trailed by a touchdown desperate for some offense. Las Vegas didn’t put out much in the way of offense in their next possession and this game went into the fourth quarter with Indianapolis hanging onto a 17-10 lead.

With 7:34 left in the game, the Colts added to their score when Gay kicked a 33 yard Field Goal. Trailing by the score of 20-10, the Raiders were running out of time. Desperate for a touchdown, the Raiders had to settle for a Daniel Carlson 33 yard Field goal and with the score 20-13 it would be up to the defense to give Las Vegas a chance in this game. 

The clock became a factor with 3:46 left in the game. The Colts attempted a 50 yard Field Goal which failed but the Raiders were offsides giving Indianapolis a second shot at three points. 

Gay connected a 45 yard attempt which was good and that all but sealed the win for the Colts. With 43 seconds left on the clock, Davante Adams caught his second touchdown of the day but it was too little too late for the Raiders. The final was 23-20 in favor of Indianapolis.

Hopes for a Raider playoff berth were possible, but a long shot. The Indianapolis Colts put an end to any possibility with their 23-20 win Sunday over Las Vegas. O’Connell finished with two touchdowns and 299 passing yards for the Raiders. 

Adams had a great day with 126 receiving yards and two touchdowns and rushing yard honors went to Zamir White with 71 yards. The Raiders had better stats passing and receiving but needed more defensive effort. Neither team had any turnovers.

Minshew finished with 224 passing yards and one touchdown for the Colts. Taylor had 96 rushing yards and Alec Pierce finished with 58 receiving yards for Indianapolis.

Post game notes: The Raiders came into Indianapolis on a high after pulling off a Christmas miracle in Kansas City beating the Chiefs 20-14 on Christmas day. They got a spectacular effort from their defense which accounted for 14 points in the game. They celebrated with victory cigars after that game and had to leave those cigar boxes alone after Sunday’s narrow loss to the Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Colt’s kicker Gay hit a 45 yard field goal which was to be the game winner with 3:11 left in the game.

The Las Vegas Raiders will finish off their season next Sunday as they take on the Denver Broncos in a game that means little to either team. The Raiders will finish their season at Allegiant Stadium. Kickoff for that game is TBD.

  

 

   

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Rich Perez: Raiders just can’t ring in the New Year with a win; Vegas loss in a nail biter 23-20 in Indianapolis

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The Indianapolis Colts cornerback Jaylen Jones without helmet puts the tackle on the Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) in the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sun Dec 31, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Rich:

#1 Rich, the Las Vegas Raiders (7-9) made a mad dash effort scoring a touchdown and a field goal in the fourth quarter but just couldn’t seal the deal against the Indianapolis Colts (9-7) in a narrow 23-20 loss at Lucas Oil on New Years Eve.

#2 Aidan O’Connell at quarterback for the Raiders threw for 299 yards, was 30-47 and two touchdowns a huge improvement over his performance against the Kansas City Chiefs last week on Monday Night Football.

#3 Wide receiver Davante Adams had himself a game with two touchdown catches going 126 yards and 13 receptions.

#4 The Raiders defense did a great job again and held the Colts to three touchdowns but the Colts got by with a fourth quarter field goal it was Matt Gay’s 45 yard field goal with 3:11 left in the game that proved to be the game winner putting the Colts up 23-13 at the time.

#5 It’s back to the drawing board for the Raiders as they return home to Allegiant Stadium Sun Jan 7th, after this two game road trip and host the Denver Broncos to close out the 2024 season. The Raiders would like nothing more than to finish the season with a win and the players have been very open about bringing back head coach Antonio Pierce for the 2024 season.

Join Rich Perez after ever Raider home and away game for the Raiders podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O: 49ers hoping to come back from embarrassing loss to Ravens; Raiders hope to keep it up in Indianapolis today; plus more news

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San Francisco 49ers quarterbacks coach Brian Griese (left) and quarterback Brock Purdy (13) stand on the sidelines trying to make sense of it all as the Baltimore Ravens and quarterback LaMar Jackson were in full control at Levi Stadium on Mon Dec 25, 2023 (AP News photo)

On Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O:

#1 Charlie when you look at the Baltimore Ravens (12-3) quarterback LaMar Jackson last week he had all the time in the world to throw against the San Francisco 49ers (11-4) pass rush. It almost seemed like he was in command of that game on Monday Night Football and was able to find a receiver when needed.

#2 For 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy no doubt one of his toughest outings since he got injured against the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship last season. Purdy got into all sorts of trouble having to run out of the pocket, not time to pass and threw into traffic and got picked off four times.

#3 The Las Vegas Raiders (7-8) simply put it all together all afternoon last week in Kansas City against the Chiefs (9-6). They scored twice in just seven seconds in the second quarter and that pretty much took the wind out of the sails of head coach Andy Reid, Travis Kelce, quarterback Pat Mahomes and Taylor Swift.

#4 On tap today the Raiders need a big win in Indianapolis against the Colts (8-7). The Colts are no slouch winners of five of their last seven games. The Colts did take a tough loss from the Atlanta Falcons last Sunday 29-10. Seeing how these teams match up do you see this being a close game for the Raiders today or will the Colts have home field advantage at Lucas Oil Stadium.

#5 Schools over Stadiums and Oakland A’s fans have announced that they will host a FanFest at Jack London Square on Sat Feb 24th. More details are coming. Last Dive Bar who X’d the message said they will be joined by the following groups at the FanFest, the Oakland 68s, Oakland Ballers, Oakland Roots, Oakland Soul, Oaklandish, Breast Oakland, and the Last Dive Bar. Schools over Stadiums are hoping to attend. The A’s will not host a FanFest and are expected to play their last season at the Oakland Coliseum this season and leave Oakland and play at a alternate location. This FanFest could measure in helping raise funds for Schools over Stadium’s legal fees in their campaign to get an initiative on the Nevada ballot to stop the use of public funds for the A’s Las Vegas Ballpark.

Join Charlie O for Headline Sports podcasts each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco 49ers podcast with Augie Mesenburg: Jackson was practically a one man show on Monday night

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Quarterback LeMar Jackson (8) did it all for the Baltimore Ravens under center he carried, he threw and ran and it was successful against the San Francisco 49ers on Mon Dec 25, 2023 at Levi Stadium (AP News photo)

On the 49ers podcast with Augie Mesenburg:

#1 Augie, how much was this the battle of the two quarterbacks for the Baltimore Ravens LaMar Jackson he had all the time to throw the football and executed and frankly he could have kept going if the time didn’t run out on the game clock. Jackson threw 23-35, 252 yards, and two touchdowns on Monday Night Football Christmas night.

#2 For the San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy a long and tough afternoon. Purdy 18-32, 255 yards, and those four big interceptions. Is this kind of game reflective of Purdy under center or was it just an old fashion beating by the best team in the NFL.

#3 The 49ers are hoping to turn it around in their next game against the Washington Commanders in DC. The Commanders have struggled they’ve lost six straight games and their last win came against the New England Patriots 20-17 back on Nov 5th. Commanders have the home field how do you see this one on New Year’s eve?

Augie Mesenburg filled in for David Zizmor. Catch Dave for the 49ers podcasts each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com