The Raiders started hot against the Steelers but slowly fell apart on their way to a 32-13 blowout defeat on Sunday, as Pittsburgh (4-2) scored 26 straight points after an early Las Vegas touchdown.
Despite a new starting quarterback in Aidan O’Connell, this game was eerily similar to last week’s blowout loss to the Broncos. The Raiders offense fizzled, the defense had issues tackling, and the team committed multiple costly penalties.
Turnovers were another familiar theme. Two fumbles cost the Raiders dearly, and O’Connell threw an interception as Las Vegas tried desperately to claw back into the game.
Here are the winners and losers for the week after the Raiders dropped to a disappointing 2-4 on the season.
Winner: TE Brock Bowers
Once again, tight end Brock Bowers was a bright spot for the Raiders. He was a big part of Las Vegas’ hot start and ended up with nine catches on 10 targets for 71 yards. But fitting the theme for this game, an incredible one-handed grab for Bowers was ruined by an unsightly holding penalty on center Andre James.
The Raiders were without their top two receivers, Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers, but Bowers still produced. It didn’t work out for the Raiders today, but Bowers has the skill to power a potent offense if he gets more help.
Can’t stop Brock!#PITvsLV | 📺 @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/v4iZKBaeHW
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) October 13, 2024
Winner: LB Divine Deablo
Linebacker Divine Deablo returned from injury and made an impact early and often. When the game was still hanging in the balance, he had a sensational QB sack on an ill-fated trick play from the Steelers. He also had six total tackles, two tackles for loss, and a QB hit.
Welcome back Divine Deablo 🤝#PITvsLV | 📺 @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/jLJVHR9oNH
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) October 13, 2024
Loser: RB Dylan Laube
The Raiders coaching staff decided to give rookie running back Dylan Laube a carry in the second quarter, and it was a disaster. He fumbled after Steelers defensive end TJ Watt punched the ball free. The Raiders had a 7-6 lead and had a solid drive going.
PUNCHED OUT BY @_TJWatt 💪
📲 Stream on NFL+: https://t.co/COxKRnrEBK pic.twitter.com/1NdONSDjNE
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 13, 2024
The Raiders were intent on not turning the ball over after last week’s turnover fest, and this costly mistake was the first of three turnovers on the day, in addition to a blocked punt allowed by the…
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