This time the Raiders defense held. Still, Oakland fans had to hold their breaths over the final seconds Sunday.
The Raiders defeated the Titans in Tennessee, 17-10, staving off a late Titans drive in which an apparent touchdown pass from Marcus Mariota to Andre Johnson with 27 seconds remaining was waived off because of offensive pass interference on Johnson.
After the call, the Titans still had one play remaining from the Raiders 12 with 16 seconds left, but a fourth-down pass was incomplete, even as Tennessee fans shouted for pass interference to be called on TJ Carrie.
With the victory, the Raiders improve to 2-1 and bounce back from a disappointing loss at home last week to the Falcons.
After allowing more than 500 yards per game in their first two weeks and being ranked 32nd in the NFL in total defense, Oakland showed improvement Sunday, in part because of the insertion of rookies Karl Joseph and Cory James into the lineup.
Joseph, making his first career start at strong safety replacing Keith McGill, led Oakland with 10 tackles and gave the Raiders some improved pass coverage.
At one point in the second half, Jimmy Durkin, who covers the Raiders for the Bay Area News Group tweeted: “It’s pretty obvious: Karl Joseph is the key to this defense. Only drive the Titans scored on is the one he missed.”
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James at middle linebacker was in on seven tackles, including one for loss.
Embattled cornerback Sean Smith also showed improvement with an interception, batted pass and three tackles. Cornerback David Amerson was terrific, with four passes defensed.
Overall, Oakland held Tennessee to 393 yards, a big improvement from games against the Saints and Falcons. The Raiders also won the turnover battle, 3-1.
The Raiders controlled the Titans for most of the game. Oakland trailed 3-0 early, but countered with Latavius Murray’s 22-yard touchdown run to go up 7-3. In the second quarter, Oakland built a 17-3 lead on Sebastian Janikowski’s 52-yard field goal and Seth Roberts’ 19-yard TD pass from Derek Carr.
Carr completed 21-of-35 throws for 249 yards and a TD, while throwing his first interception of the season. Michael Crabtree had eight catches for 102 yards while Amari Cooper added four for 62 yards – but had a couple of key drops. Rookie DeAndre Washington had just six carries, but led the Raiders with 57 yards rushing, including a 30-yard burst.
The Raiders next week will travel to Baltimore to take on the Ravens.
