TC Martin

Raiders Improve to 3-0, Chiefs Up Next     

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You like that?  The famous words of Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins say it all as the Las Vegas Raiders rallied from behind to defeat the New Orleans Saints 35-27 Sunday afternoon at the Superdome to improve their record to 3-0. 

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This is significant for two reasons:  The Raiders totaled only three victories all of last season and the 3-0 start is the franchise's first since 2021.  

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Cousins threw for three touchdowns and completed 22 of 33 passes for 248 yards in leading the silver and black back from an 11-point second half deficit.  Cousins' precision was a key but the game shifted on one big play made of the Raiders defense.

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With the Saints leading 27-22 and on the verge of extending their lead deep in Raiders territory, Defensive End, Malcolm Koonce sacked Saints quarterback Tyler Shough while he was in his throwing motion forcing a fumble.  Max Crosby recovered at the Raiders 29-yard line with 13:06 remaining in the game to change the momentum of the contest. 

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Immediately thereafter, Cousins led Las Vegas on a six-play drive capped off by a four-yard toss to Cody White to give the Raiders the lead 28-27.  From there the defense came up big again with an interception on the Saints next drive. 

 

Las Vegas capitalized by putting the game away as Cousins found Brock Bowers in the end zone for the game clinching touchdown with 6:22 to go. Bowers made his season debut after missing the first two games due to injury.  The tight end caught 10 balls for 116 yards. 

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The defense made a huge statement in shutting down New Orleans in the fourth quarter.  The Saints final four drives ended in turnovers courtesy of a ball hawking Las Vegas defense. The Raiders forced four turnovers including three fumbles and one interception. 

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Las Vegas now turns their attention to a familiar foe.  The Raiders will face their arch nemesis Kansas City next Sunday at Allegiant Stadium.  The Chiefs are also 3-0 which means this becomes a very rare occurrence with both teams facing each other as undefeated squads.  Kickoff is Sunday at 1:25pm.