The Baltimore Ravens had the best record in the NFL last season, but a fourth-quarter comeback by the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday left them to start the season 0-2.
The Raiders beat the Ravens 26-23 on the road in what may be the biggest upset of the week for Antonio Pierce's team.
Fresh off a strong game in Kansas City, where they lost to the Chiefs because Isaiah Likely's toe didn't stay in the end zone on the final play of the game, the Ravens were expected to beat the Raiders at home, but Lamar Jackson and the Ravens offense struggled to get it going throughout the game.
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Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) catches a touchdown pass against Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey (44) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Baltimore finished with 383 yards of total offense but was just 3 of 11 on third down as the Raiders' defense struggled to keep the ball off the field.
And they needed that big stop on their final drive of the game after Daniel Carlson took the lead with 27 seconds left on his fourth field goal of the game from 38 yards out.
The Ravens employed Justin Tucker as their placekicker, a renowned kicker capable of making field goals from 60 yards or more, but he has struggled to make field goals from 50 yards or more since last season, a trend that continued after he missed a 56-yard field goal attempt in the first half that led to the Ravens' loss.
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But with no timeouts and under 30 seconds left, Jackson just couldn't get within field goal range and attempted a desperate lateral play to end the game, but there was no magic.
While Carlson's kick was decisive, the drive prior, led by Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew, was what Las Vegas needed to get in position to take the game-winning kick in the first place.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) throws a pass to wide receiver Zay Flowers (4) during the first half of a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at M&T Bank Stadium. (Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images)
After the Raiders defense blocked three straight attempts, Minshew got the ball at the 30-yard line and needed a touchdown to tie the score. What followed was a nine-play, 70-yard drive that culminated with a bold pass to Davante Adams from the 1-yard line to tie the score at 23-23 after the extra point.
Minshew was efficient against a stout Ravens defense, completing 30 of 38 passes for 276 yards with a touchdown and one interception to Adams. Adams had nine catches for 110 yards and rookie tight end Brock Bowers had nine catches for 98 yards.
Zay Flowers got into the end zone to lead Baltimore with seven catches for 91 yards. Jackson was 21 of 34 for 247 yards, a touchdown to Flowers and one interception.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Nesta Jade Silvera reacts after sacking Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. (Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images)
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As mentioned above, the Raiders defense was strong, with Maxx Crosby picking up two sacks on the always-tough Jackson when it came to tackling. Robert Spillane led the Raiders with 10 tackles and caught the team's only interception.
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