Amid the celebration in the locker room, Raiders owner Mark Davis took time to congratulate players after their long-awaited victory on Sunday. The jubilant atmosphere overshadowed concerns about the implications of the win on their draft position, as the Raiders secured a 19-14 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, ending a 10-game losing streak.
Quarterback Aidan O’Connell, returning from injury, threw for 257 yards in his first start in two weeks. The win marked the Raiders’ first since defeating the Cleveland Browns 20-16 on September 29, moving their record to 3-12 and pushing them ahead of the New York Giants (2-13) in the draft order.
“Just to come in here and win, the vibes are way better,” said Raiders tight end Brock Bowers.
Coach Antonio Pierce dismissed concerns about the draft implications, saying, “Talk to (general manager) Tom Telesco.”
The Jaguars, now also at 3-12, have lost seven of their last eight games and moved to third in the draft order. They struggled with turnovers, losing two fumbles and committing eight penalties for 60 yards. Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones passed for 247 yards and a touchdown, but the team’s inefficiencies have been a recurring issue.
“It’s the most frustrating thing that I’ve ever seen or been a part of,” said Jaguars coach Doug Pederson. “It’s something that’s been holding us back all year.”
O’Connell expressed relief at finally seeing smiles among teammates after a challenging stretch. “It was just fun to see the smiles again. It’s a big part of why you play the game,” he said.
Bowers had an impressive game, catching 11 passes for 99 yards, just 10 yards shy of breaking Mike Ditka’s 63-year-old NFL rookie record for tight ends. He became only the third rookie tight end to surpass 1,000 receiving yards in a season, joining Ditka and Atlanta’s Kyle Pitts.
On the other side, Jaguars rookie Brian Thomas Jr. caught nine passes for 132 yards and a touchdown, setting new franchise rookie records for receptions (73) and receiving yards (1,087).
The Raiders’ defense made crucial plays, with safety Isaiah Pola-Mao forcing both of Jacksonville’s fumbles, a feat not accomplished by a Raiders defensive back since Charles Woodson in 1999. “That’s pretty cool, but I’m glad we got the dub,” Pola-Mao said.
This game was notable for the Raiders, as it marked the first time this season they did not trail by double digits. Their 10-game losing streak was the fifth-longest in franchise history and the longest since a 16-game skid between the 2013 and 2014 seasons.
Las Vegas had a chance to extend their lead late in the third quarter, but kicker Daniel Carlson missed a 46-yard field goal attempt. Jacksonville capitalized on the missed opportunity, with Jones connecting with Thomas for a 62-yard touchdown, giving the Jaguars a 14-13 lead.
The Raiders responded with a 10-play, 70-yard drive, culminating in a 7-yard touchdown run by Ameer Abdullah early in the fourth quarter. A failed two-point conversion left the Raiders with a 19-14 lead.
Injury updates included Jaguars’ LT Walker Little (ankle), RT Anton Harrison (shoulder), S Darnell Savage (concussion), and LB Ventrell Miller (ankle). The Raiders were without CBs Nate Hobbs (illness) and Sam Webb (back/illness), along with G Jordan Meredith (ankle).
Next up, the Jaguars will host the Tennessee Titans, while the Raiders will visit the New Orleans Saints.
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