NEW ORLEANS – Brock Bowers made an immediate impact in his season debut, helping the Raiders secure a 35-27 victory over the Saints, which brings their record to 3-0.
In this game, the talented tight end made an impressive return by catching 10 passes for 116 yards and scoring a touchdown, including several reception highlights.
Although the Raiders had won their first two games without Bowers, it highlighted the strong foundation coach Klint Kubiak was building and quarterback Kirk Cousins’ skill in navigating without his leading receiver.
Yet, there’s a clear distinction between managing without someone and fully leveraging their capabilities.
Bowers quickly demonstrated that difference.
With seven catches for 87 yards in just the first half, he enhanced four scoring drives, becoming a reliable target for Cousins and introducing more challenges for the Saints’ defense. His contributions became a vital aspect of an offense still exploring its potential.
Moreover, his presence isn’t just about the receptions. Bowers’ ability to threaten the middle of the field forces defenses to pay closer attention to him, which can peel defenders away from other receivers like Tre Tucker. When defenses allocate extra resources to cover Bowers, it opens avenues for others.
This expansion of possibilities is beneficial for Kubiak, providing Cousins with another tool at his disposal.
This is particularly valuable when the running game is faltering, which was evident on Sunday. The Raiders are still trying to find balance in their rushing attack but having Bowers on the field gives them a game-changer to mitigate those issues.
It’s encouraging that he returned to an offense that had already seen contributions from various pass catchers, assisting in the team’s consecutive victories.
Sunday’s game showcased the added danger he brings to the table.
Raiders Pass Rush Shows Up When Needed
However, during most of the game, the Raiders struggled to apply pressure on Tyler Shough. They were also missing out on any takeaways.
Then, remarkably, during four straight fourth-quarter possessions, their pass rush turned the game around while their ability to create turnovers came into play.
Maxx Crosby’s recovery of a forced fumble and Zeke Masses’ interception—his third in just two weeks—provided the opportunities the Raiders needed to shift momentum.
Both turnovers were converted into touchdowns, flipping a five-point deficit into a 35-27 lead, showcasing the complementary football that has been emerging as a core part of the Raiders’ identity.
As the Saints approached the end zone later in the quarter, Jeremy Chinn prompted another fumble while sacking Shough. Cornerback Taron Johnson recovered the ball, a pivotal moment for the Raiders.
The timing couldn’t have been better. The Saints had effectively neutralized the Raiders’ pass rush by releasing the ball quickly. This left the secondary without much support against New Orleans’ passing game.
But the Raiders persisted and finally made their efforts count when it mattered most.
Crosby’s recovery gave the offense a chance to capitalize. Masses’ interception showcased his growing ability to affect the game.
Takeaways create opportunities, and turning them into touchdowns is crucial for winning games.
In the first half, the Raiders had settled for field goals on three of their four red-zone opportunities, and that really limited their advantage.
This time, they saw their offense finish the job.
Both units hadn’t consistently performed at their best, but in that crucial fourth-quarter span, they synchronized effectively to support one another.
It’s a way for a team to navigate through uneven performances and position themselves for victory.
RUN GAME STRUGGLES AGAIN
Mike Washington’s 36-yard touchdown run was a glimpse of what a dynamic ground game can provide.
However, the rest of Sunday’s offensive output highlighted the ongoing struggles the Raiders face in that area, with a total of just 113 yards on 27 carries, including only 56 yards from Ashton Jeanty on 19 attempts.
This was especially concerning considering the Saints’ defense was ranked 26th in the league against the run. What could have been an opportunity for momentum instead raised more questions regarding a central part of Kubiak’s strategy.
While the Raiders managed to overcome these issues against the Chargers and again versus the Saints, it doesn’t eliminate the problem altogether.
Relying on Cousins, the passing game, and a strong defense to offset an inconsistent running attack isn’t a practical long-term solution.
Washington’s touchdown was also a reminder of the potential benefits when the Raiders execute properly. They require more consistency in those routine plays that create manageable second and third downs, reducing the reliance on tougher passing situations.
These are essential elements for the balance Kubiak seeks.
However, they’ve often been absent in recent games.
While Bowers’ return offers Cousins another option in the passing game, it is still important for the Raiders to establish a solid rushing attack.
One explosive play can create a significant shift in a game.
But having a reliable rushing attack is what can ultimately sustain an offense throughout an entire season.
