Derek Carr and the Raiders looked like a much different team Sunday night.
In a game they seemingly had to win, Carr came out throwing effectively downfield early, and the rest of the offense followed, in Oakland’s 27-24 victory over host Miami.
The victory bumps the Raiders' record up to 4-5 and gives them momentum at the start of the second half of their 2017 season after a loss in Buffalo last week.
Last week, critics wondered why Carr wasn’t taking shots downfield against the Bills – and why he hasn’t been efficient going deep this year the way he did last year. So, he came out firing.
Carr completed six of his first seven throws of more than 10 yards past the line of scrimmage for 143 yards and a touchdown, with the big one being a 44-yard scoring strike to Johnny Holton in the second quarter to put the Raiders up 10-7.
For the night, Carr was 21-of-30 for 300 yards, with the one TD and one interception.
Meanwhile, Marshawn Lynch returned from a one-game suspension to rush for 57 yards and two TDs, including a 22-yard weaving burst through the Miami defense in the third quarter to put Oakland up 20-10. Lynch later added a 3-yard TD to give the Raiders a 27-16 lead.
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The Dolphins came right back to drive 83 yards to close the gap to 27-24 (following a two-point conversion run) with 1:32 remaining.
After Oakland’s Amari Cooper controlled the Dolphins’ onside kick attempt, the Raiders were able to run out the clock and collect the victory.
The Raiders now go into their bye week. They’ll try to keep their winning ways going on Sunday, Nov. 19, when they’ll host the New England Patriots.
