The Las Vegas Raiders are playing at the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. Here is everything to need to know about the game:
First quarter
The Raiders forced a three-and-out for the fourth time in five games Sunday to start the game.
Raiders’ quarterback Geno Smith went to running back Ashton Jeanty for a 29-yard reception on their first offensive play of the game. The Raiders cruised down the field on a long drive, but the drive stalled after a 11-yard sack. Las Vegas settled for a 24-yard field goal by Daniel Carlson with just over three minutes remaining in the quarter. It was a 16-play, 80-yard drive that last nearly 10 minutes. Jeanty had 12 touches for 59 yards on the drive.
The Raiders’ allowed a touchdown on the kick return but it was wiped out by a penalty.
The Colts were held scoreless in the first quarter for the first time this season.
Second quarter:
The Colts finished the drive with a touchdown on a pass from Daniel Jones to tight end Tyler Warren on a drive fueled by a conversion on third and 12. It was 83-yard, 13-play drive. 7-3 Colts early in the second quarter.
Then, the Colts blocked a Raiders’ punt and took over at the Las Vegas 8-yard line. The Raiders’ special teams is awful. Punter A.J. Cole limped off the field after the blocked punt. He went to the medical tent and was carted to the locker room with an ankle injury.
The Colts on the drive. The Raiders hurt Indianapolis kicker Spencer Sanchez on a rough the kicker play by Tristin McCollum. Colts lead 14-3.
On third and long, the Raiders caught a break when a Colts defender fell down and Smith hit Tre Tucker for 33 yards on third and long. But Smith threw his eighth interception, ending the drive in the red zone.
The Colts converted on five of their first six third-down attempts. They went down and scored to take a 20-3 lead with 15 seconds to go in the first half. Because their kicker is hurt, the Colts had to go for two and they missed. It could be an issue in the second half if the Raiders can fight their way back into the game.
The Raiders quickly made some plays and attempt a 56-yard field goal at the buzzer, but Carlson missed it.
Colts 20, Raiders 3 at the half.
Third quarter:
Carlson punted for the injured Cole.
The Colts took their first possession of the second half down the field for a touchdown and lead 26-3 with 6:54 to go in the quarter. They are in full command.
Oh, and now, Geno Smith threw his ninth interception of the season and it set up another Colts’ touchdown. The rout is on. The Raiders are embarrassing.
The Colts have scored touchdowns on five straight drives.
Well, make it six straight drives. This is an all-timer, folks. 40-3. The Raiders haven’t allowed touchdowns on six straight drives since 1988.
Fourth quarter:
The Raiders ended a 40-point Colts run with a field goal to make it 40-6 with 11:39 to go. Yeah, yippee.
Backup quarterback Anthony Richardson came into the game as Daniel Jones was given the rest of the game off. It’s one of those days.
Final score:
Colts 40, Raiders 6.
Now that the game is over, let’s take a look at the key aspects:
Team records: The Las Vegas Raiders are 1-4. The Indianapolis Colts are 4-1.
What the win/loss means for the Raiders:
The Raiders have lost four straight games and look outmanned and outcoached in all three phases. They are a real mess after the first five games of the Pete Carroll era.
Turning point of the game:
The Colts scored touchdowns on six straight drives, scoring 40 unanswered points, after falling behind 3-0. This game was over in the second quarter.
Injury report:
Raiders’ punter A.J. Cole limped off the field after getting a punt blocked in the second quarter. He went to the medical tent. He was carted to the locker room with an ankle injury.
What’s next for the Raiders:
The Raiders host the woeful Tennessee Titans on Sunday. Kickoff is at 1:05 p.m. PT.
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