1. 5-yard touchdown from Marcus Mariota to Darren Wallner.
Derek Carr going down with a groin injury was a tough moment, but then Marcus Mariota came in and completely changed this game’s tempo. Between a 7-yard rush for a grueling first down and an 11-yard pass to Wallner early in the drive, Mariota might have just proven that he deserves the starting job.
Whether he gets it remains to be seen and will depend on how much Mariota impressed during Thursday night s game, but he is making a case. Of course, he would have made a better case if he had scored on the second drive as well, but at least the former Oregon Duck is keeping the game close for the Raiders.
2. #4 Defense comes up big in first half.
It s no secret that the Raiders needed a stop in the second half, and while it might have taken a few minutes, the defense eventually achieved that. Not only did that set up the Raiders’ offense for a score of their own on the very next drive, but it also showed that the team might actually still have some teeth heading into the final stretch of the season.
3. #3 Josh Jacobs 3-yard touchdown run
Marcus Mariota went absolutely beast mode during this drive, and it resulted in a much-needed touchdown for the Las Vegas Raiders. The drive really got going after an 18-yard run by Mariota gave the team a much needed first down. Then, Mariota connected with Wallner for another huge chunk of yards and another first down.
Finally, after a key flag for pass interference and a three-yard front flip into the end zone by Josh Jacobs, the Raiders got some points on the board. This leans the quarterback discussion in Mariota s favor, especially with his superior running ability, and might be the first stage of failure for Derek Car. Game tied 17-17.
4. Marcus Mariota runs it in for a 7-yard touchdown.
Marcus Mariota 7 yard Touchdown
If you thought Marcus Mariota went beast mode on the last drive, he upped his game even farther a few minutes later. Later. Much like the first drive, it started with a seven-yard rush by Mariota. Mariota then connects with Joshua Jacobs for a 15-yard gain, followed by a few failed plays. This put Mariota in a crucial position on third down, and he responded with a mega quick pass that moved the chains.
And then it ended with what can only be described as one of the biggest miracle plays of the entire season. It was another fourth down, and Mariota wanted to go for it. Maybe it had to do with the fact they would still be down by four or how superior the Chargers offense had been, but Mariota knew he couldn t give up a chance like this.
Mariota rushed to the goal line and lunged towards it. While the Chargers defense had someone there to stop him, Mariota wouldn t be denied. He actually dived right onto the pylon cam, securing his touchdown. Carr might be a thing of the past for the Raiders.
5. Marcus Mariota chases down Eric Harris after intercpetion.
While Chris Harris’s fourth quarter interception on Marcus Mariota is pretty much what sealed the Raiders fate, it was still an important moment. It was the play that proved Marcus Mariota was willing to do anything to get the starting job.
There should be no more discussions, debates, or even questions about who should be the quarterback going forward. Mariota seems to get more out of the offense and he seems to be much more aggressive than Carr. Again, some might doubt the decision here, but the only way to the playoffs is with a quarterback like Mariota.
