Raiders dropped their second straight game; losing to Steelers, 32-13, in Sin City

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (right) gets by Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (left) for a touchdown in the first half at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sun Oct 13, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Michael Roberson

LAS VEGAS, Nev. — The Las Vegas Raiders (2-4) rolled Craps against the Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2), 32-13, on a Sunday Afternoon in the Silver State.

The Raiders fell two games below .500, while failing to stop the Steel City boys from the Quaker State from controlling the scoreboard and the stadium 32-13. There was an overwhelming presence by the well traveled Western Pennsylvania Steelers’ Faithful,, as well as several hundred, to thousands of transplants.

Pittsburgh got on the board first with a 52-yard field goal by kicker Chris Boswell.. The Steelers first drive slowed down, and they settled for a FG. Within the first five minutes of the game, the Black & Goal led the Silver and Black 3-0.

Within the last five minutes of the quarter, the Raiders responded. A three yard TD run by running back Alexander Mattison put the home team up 7-3. That was also the score after the first 15 minutes expired.

The second stanza was all Pittsburgh, as Justin Fields and Boswell provided all the scoring. Boswell booted a 49-yarder, and Fields converted a three yard keeper. At the midpoint of the contest, the Keystone State guests were up 12-7. Justin Fields used both modes of operation, as he passed for 83 yards and rushed for 43.

The second half was more of the same, with Pittsburgh totally controlling the third quarter, adding ten more points to their total. Boswell hit another FG through the uprights (37), and the Steelers led 15-7 at that point of the game. About five minutes later, running back Najee Harris scampered into the the end zone from 36 yards from scrimmage. 22-7, Steelers after 3/4 of the battle was over..

The final quarter was perpetual steel driving, as an interception by the disrespectful Pennsylvanians was immediately converted into more points. Justin Fields decided to end all the nonsense and rush to pay dirt with another keeper (7). Steelernation went up by 22 points, 29-7.

There was still a lot of the quarter left, and the Raiders managed to use that to their advantage. Aidan O’Connell tossed a nine yard TD pass to wide receiver Kristian Wilkerson to bring the deficit to 16 points (29-13), because they failed on the two point conversion.

The Steelers had more ammunition as Boswell used his leg again to increase the lead. With just under four mints left in the game, Pittsburgh’s kicker made another one from 36 yards. The Steelers led 32-13, and would hang on to that margin until the final whistle, after 60 minutes of regulation time.

The Raiders are next in action Sunday, October 20 in Los Angeles, to take on the Rams at 1:05 PM PDT on CBS. The Steelers fly cross-country to host the New York Jets, also on the 20th at 8:15 PM EST.

Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O: Raiders kick off season with Chargers Sunday; Jets-49ers open season on Monday Night; plus more news

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew takes warm ups before a pre season game on Sat Aug 17, 2024 against the Dallas Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Minshew is the starting quarterback for the opener on Sun Sep 8, 2024 against the Los Angeles Chargers at So Fi Stadium in Los Angeles. (AP News photo)

On Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O:

#1 Charlie the Las Vegas Raiders kick off in Los Angeles today against the Chargers at So Fi Stadium. The Raiders will be starting Gardner Minshew who was the starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings last season. Minshew just edged out Aidan O’Connell for the starting job.

#2 The San Francisco 49ers open up their season against the New York Jets at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara for Monday Night Football. The 49ers are sighing with relief after the recent signings of wide receiver Brandon Ayiuk and offensive tackle Trent Williams.

#3 One of the most impressive things about the recovery of shooting victim and first round draft pick Ricky Pearsall is while in the hospital less than 24 hours after being shot he wanted to get on field practice, workout and get ready for Monday Night Football. Coach Kyle Shanahan said for Pearsall to reign it in and Pearsall is on the four week non football injury illness list.

#4 Turning to Major League Baseball, talk about a tough turnaround the Oakland A’s played a 13 inning game on Friday night which ended around 1030pm and had to be back at the Coliseum Saturday morning for a day game. The A’s battled the Detroit Tigers Friday in a game that was knotted up 6-6 until the A’s Seth Brown hit a bottom of the 13th inning RBI single scoring the ghost runner for the 7-6 win.

#5 The A’s are nearing the very end of the tenure in Oakland. Today is their last home game on this current homestand wrapping it up with the Detroit Tigers. Their next homestand will be the A’s last homestand in Oakland ever. Their very last home game will be Thu Sep 26 afternoon. You’ve been here for many years covering that’s going to be a tough send off as the A’s leave Oakland. How much from a business and an economical standpoint do you see this relocation being a mistake?

Catch Headlines Sports podcasts each Sunday with Charlie O at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Tony Renteria: O’Connell looks to be starter in Minnesota on Saturday

Las Vegas Raiders quarterbacks Aidan O’Connell (14) and Gardner Minshew (12) in practice camp on May 21, 2024 are battling for the starting job. The Raiders play the Minnesota Vikings Sat Aug 10, 2024 in the first pre season game at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis (AP News file photo)

On the Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Tony R:

#1 The Raiders have a quarterback controversy on their hands and head coach Antonio Pierce says nothing has been decided yet as both Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell continue to battle for the starting job.

#2 Tony, here is something that coach Pierce said about the controversy on Monday, “We can’t sit here and say anyone has won yet. Gardner has had good moments… when I look at Aidan I see some good moments, some drops by the receivers, too. They are going against a very good defense, and I think they are feeling that.”

#3 Tony, first pre season game Sat 10th in Minnesota it’s all too pre mature to predict anything but shouldn’t at least the first few pre season games help determine who should be the starting quarterback?

#4 The question at practice on Monday was who will start at quarterback this Saturday and as coach Piece said it’s going to take an evaluation from this week’s practices that will determine that. It’s most likely expected that O’Connell will get the starting nod.

#5 The OTA’s didn’t take anything from the competition of both teams. Pierce has both Minshew and O’Connell doing simple drills. The Raiders held mandatory mini camp Monday which coach Pierce ended early. O’Connell made some great throws in practice on Monday.

Join Tony Renteria for the Raiders podcasts each Tuesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NFL podcast with Michael Roberson: 49ers may have to face it and trade Aiyuk; Raiders Devante Adams in a good place

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk as seen at Super Bowl 58 in preparation to face the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Feb 11, 2024 has formerly asked for a trade. The 49ers are trying to work a deal with Aiyuk talks still continue. (AP News file photo)

On Headline Sports podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1 San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk who is requesting a trade as he formerly made the request on Tuesday. Aiyuk who has one more year left on his rookie contract will be paid $14.124 million. Aiyuk is looking to double his salary with an extension. Aiyuk is expecting to be paid as one of the top six receivers in the NFL.

#2 Aiyuk’s numbers are critical and the Niners are doing everything they can to get him signed. In his second year Aiyuk had a career 1,342 yards in receiving, and led the league in yards per target at 12.9 and finished second in catches with 17.9. Aiyuk has also expressed interest in playing for the Washington Commanders with his college quarterback friend Jayden Daniels.

#3 The latest on Wednesday through sources that Aiyuk who was in practice in Santa Clara spoke with general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan. The three looked like they were welcoming and talks according sources could be in the works. Aiyuk had been attending practices to avoid being fined for not reporting. The 49ers are trying to hold onto Aiyuk and to work out an extension with him.

#4 Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce has made it clear that the quarterback job is for the one who wants it most. Either Aidan O’Connell or Gardner Minshew. “I’d like to see — again, I’m going to keep saying it — somebody to just take it and say, ‘I’m the guy, Pierce told the AP during practice this week in Henderson NV “Make it clear and evident, and then we’ll make that decision at that point.”

#5 Raiders wide receiver Devante Adams said last season you saw raw emotion that there weren’t always the brightest points but said there was also some good moments too. Adams says that he’s in a good place right now and is happy to be in camp with the Raiders.

Michael Roberson is a podcast contributor for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Tony Renteria: Is O’Connell the odds on starter for Raiders?

Las Vegas Raider quarterbacks Gardner Minshew (15) and Aidan O’Connell (right) at practice on Jun 4, 2024 in Henderson NV (AP News photo)

On Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Tony R:

#1 The Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Devante Adams says he feels very comfortable right now. He’s happy that quarterback Aidan O’Connell has the inside track to win the starting job. The only thing that could stop that is if O’Connell was to start having a bad camp or he gets injured. Adams is behind O’Connell for starter.

#2 Tony, talk about the Adams-O’Connell combo is this a quarterback-wide receiver combination that could be a huge battery to get the Raiders to the post season?

#3 Head coach Antonio Pierce has said that there is no clear leader for the quarterback role. Is that because as head coach Pierce has to say the right thing right now and give O’Connell or quarterback Gardner Minshew a equal chance.

#4 Adams said he’s in a really good place and is happy to be working with the guys and likes O’Connell. On the changes in quarterbacks over the last two seasons with former quarterback Derek Carr and Jimmy Garoppolo and how sure are the Raiders with O’Connell?

#5 Minshew was a former Indianapolis Colts quarterback and threw against the Raiders in a 23-20 win during week 17 last season. There is no doubt that Minshew has capabilities.

Join Tony Renteria for the Raiders podcasts each Tuesday for the Raiders podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports with Michael Roberson: Davis taking United to court over “Don’t hit me” accusation; Caitlin sets WNBA record with 19 assists; plus more news

left to right; Terrell Davis lawyer Parker Stinar, Davis’ wife Tamiko Nash, and Davis sit during an interview on CBS News with Gayle King discussing being accused by a United flight attendant of being hit when he only tapped him for a cup of ice (CBS News still)

On Headline Sports podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1 Former Denver Bronco Terrell Davis lawyer Parker Stinar is considering taking United Airlines to court after an UA flight attendant accused Davis of hitting when Davis and his family were flying from Denver to Orange County to go to Disneyland. Those vacation plans were set aside after the FBI and Orange County Sheriffs slapped the cuffs on Davis and accused him of assault. When it was later found out that he tapped the flight attendant supported by another passenger who said that Davis didn’t hit the attendant Davis was released from custody. Davis and Stinar are considering litigating United for defamation of character and the FBI and Orange County Sheriffs for false imprisonment. Michael did this all boil down to a matter of Davis “flying while black” as it was mentioned in some the interviews with Davis? Davis said, “I certainly felt like that wouldn’t have happened if I were a white person.”

#2 No one thought at least in Indiana Fever Caitlin Clark’s rookie season that she would be able to pull off some record setting numbers but Clark did it breaking the WNBA all time with 19 assists Wednesday night against the Dallas Wings, Clark also had 24 points and went 10-19 in shooting has hit her stride. This is the final WNBA game before the league takes an Olympic break for a month.

#3 Michael how much pressure is on Los Angeles Lakers Bronny James to go out and have a superstar performance each night. Bronny hit a 17 foot shot off a screen, he’s averaging 4.3 points per game with a 22% field goal percentage. That’s got to be a lot of pressure just for being LeBron’s son?

#4 Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell has been getting support from wide receiver DeVante Adams. Adams says that O’Connell has grown. Adams said he should be the starting quarterback for the season. Adams says the chemistry is right and he’s really looking forward to working with O’Connell this season.

#5 The 2024 MLB All Star Game in Arlington drew a TV rating of 7,443,000 viewers which outdrew the 2023 All Star Game that was played in Seattle. The bad news is the 2024 Mid Summer Classic was the second lowest rated All Star Game in TV ratings. There’s always next All Star Game in Atlanta.

Michael Roberson is a podcast contributor at http://www.sportsradioservice.com