Did you catch the
Las Vegas Raiders vs New England Patriots (12/18)? Here's the good, bad, and ugly.
The Good: The Las Vegas Raiders pile on the point in the second quarter
[caption id="attachment_23046" align="alignnone" width="1024"]

Source. YouTube[/caption]
The Las Vegas Raiders needed to come out guns blazing against the New England Patriots and did so during the second quarter. Derek Carr accomplished this with two touchdown drives that put the Raiders up 17-3. The quarterback even had two of his key weapons step up during those drives.
The first was a 25-yard pass from Carr to Darren Waller to go up 7-3. They then responded with a five-yard pass to Mack Hollins for a big lead heading into halftime. The embattled quarterback might not have had a great completion percentage in the first half, but he still scored when it mattered.
Better: Mack Hollins scores a touchdown to save the game for the Raiders
[caption id="attachment_23048" align="alignnone" width="819"]

Source. https://www.facebook.com/Raiders/photos/6231884096842025[/caption]
Derek Carr needed to make a play in the fourth quarter, which he did by connecting with Mack Hollins in the endzone. The play tied the game 24-24 and sent the two teams to overtime to fight it out. This is one of Carr’s better clutch plays of the season and might have even saved their playoff chances. This was also a great effort by Hollins, who is proving to be one of Carr's better receivers.
Related: 5 things Las Vegas sports fans can be thankful for
The Bad: Derek Carr gives away pick six in the third quarter
[caption id="attachment_21741" align="alignnone" width="1024"]

Source. YouTube.[/caption]
Derek Carr came into Sunday’s game against the Patriots with his job on the line but didn’t do much to help his position. In fact, the two well-timed touchdowns in the first half were instantly erased when Carr tossed a pick-six in the third quarter. The turnover destroyed the momentum that the Raiders had and put the game in jeopardy.
The ill-fated ball was caught by New England Patriot Kyle Dugger, who returned it 16 yards for another game-changing score. That play cut the lead down to seven and put the pressure back on the Raiders' defense after a great start. Carr likely put another nail in his own coffin with this throw.
The Ugly: Multiple mistakes almost cost the Raiders the game
[caption id="attachment_23045" align="alignnone" width="1024"]

Source https://www.facebook.com/newenglandpatriots/photos/10160533470342372[/caption]
The Las Vegas Raiders may have defeated the Patriots last Sunday, but it didn’t come without its setbacks. Las Vegas even gave up a total of 13 points in the second half, almost sealing their fate. Another problem was Carr, who had trouble completing drives in the second half. Not even Joshua Jacobs could gain much ground against the Patriots' defense.
Carr's aforementioned interception during the third quarter was particularly ugly and almost put the game in jeopardy. The defense then started giving up big play after big play that allowed the Patriots to stay in close proximity. The Raiders eventually won and kept their playoff hopes alive, but it was by the thinnest of margins.
Next: What the Raiders are doing for charity this holiday season and how you can help!