Raiders Week 7 Impact Play

A film series examining an impact play from the Raiders previous game

This this series recognizes players who put the Las Vegas Raiders in a position to win. So far, the previous Impact Plays have gone to:

1. KJ Wright (4th down stop)
2. Carr to Ruggs (61 yard touchdown)
3. Alec Ingold (Goal-line fumble recovery)
4. Trevon Moehrig (Pass Break-up)
5. None (Raiders lose, Gruden resigns)
6. Carr to Drake (31 yard touchdown)

Going up against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Raiders looked to extend Rich Bissaccia’s record to 2-0. They faced an Eagles team that although put up a fight, were outclassed by Las Vegas on both sides of the ball.

There were many great plays to choose from in this game that felt like a bigger win than perhaps the box score suggests. Ultimately the offense got back to their ball control approach that has served them well sustaining long drives in the past. There were less chunk plays from the offense than we have grown accustomed to so far this season. While the offense was surgical, the defense went up in the turnover margin by recovering two loose footballs. The first fumble was forced by defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson.

The Raiders had put together a 10 play, 96 yard touchdown drive their previous possession making the game 14-7 in favor of Las Vegas. After a Daniel Carlson touchback, the Raiders defense takes the field. Eagles tailback Kenneth Gainwell takes the hand-off and heads towards the right guard. The Philadelphia back would run into a pileup of blockers created by Denzel Perryman. I’ll let Brian Baldinger tell the rest.

I agree with him. Quinton Jefferson’s quick thinking helped permanently turn the tide of the game in the Raiders favor. This play also highlights the Raiders defense emphasis on forcing and recovering fumbles. The Raiders are ranked 5th in the NFL in fumble recoveries, this isn’t an accident. It is proof that players are focusing on getting the ball out and falling on the prize.

With this offense’s ability to score 25-plus points in five contests this season, getting the ball back in the hands of Derek Carr is sure to end in points.