Raiders fans and media members were enjoying themselves on social media Sunday afternoon as the Raiders rolled toward a 34-20 victory over the New York Jets.
The second straight victory puts the Raiders over .500 at 4-3 and puts them in the running for the playoffs – something the franchise hasn’t tasted in more than a decade.
While the Raiders were en route to the victory Sunday afternoon at O.co Coliseum, many longtime franchise followers were having fun with the sudden turn of events that not only finds the Raiders with a winning record, but with a roster full of playmakers and a coaching staff that has everyone contributing and playing with purpose.
Tweeted ESPN’s Michael Wilbon: “Is it possible that the Raiders are GOOD?”
Former NFL MVP quarterback Kurt Warner added, “How bout these Raiders?”
Wrote Bill Williamson of ESPN.com: “Raiders = fun to watch.”
Tweeted one Raiders diehard: “It’s been almost a decade since I could proudly call myself a Raiders fan … feels good to be relevant again.”
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Certainly, the Raiders are making some noise. On Sunday against the Jets – who came in at 4-2 – the Raiders jumped up big again, with second-year quarterback Derek Carr leading what has become a potent offense.
After trailing 3-0 early, Oakland scored three straight touchdowns on Carr passes of 5 yards (to Andre Holmes), 36 yards (to Michael Crabtree) and 49 yards (to Holmes again). By halftime, Oakland had a 21-6 lead.
In the second half, Carr had his fourth TD pass when a short dump-off pass to Taiwan Jones was turned into a 59-yard play, courtesy of Jones’ quick moves and breakaway speed.
For the day, Carr was brilliant, completing 23-of-36 throws for 333 yards and four TDs without an interception. It’s his third 300-yard game this season. Plus, he’s now thrown for 15 TDs vs. just three interceptions in 2015. He’s the first Raiders QB to throw at least three TD passes in consecutive games since 2004, when Kerry Collins did it.
Meanwhile, behind an offensive line that has become one of the NFL’s best (Carr wasn’t sacked once), running back Latavius Murray rushed for 113 yards. Carr completed passes to nine receivers, with Crabtree (seven for 102 yards) and Amari Cooper (five for 46) leading the way.
Meanwhile, Oakland’s defense sacked Geno Smith three times and picked him off once and held the Jets to 74 yards rushing.
At 4-3, the Raiders are in second place in the AFC West and firmly in the hunt for a wild-card spot – though there’s still a long, long way to go.
Next up for Oakland is a cross-country trip to Pittsburgh to take on the 4-4 Steelers Sunday.
