The Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday did what they were supposed to. Beat an inferior opponent.
This is what the Raiders need. To show up and take care of business when it’s expected. There will be much tougher times ahead. You can’t lose these ones.
And they didn’t, sending Miami home a 27-13 loser at Allegiant Stadium.
It was at times so methodical for the Raiders, especially a season-opening drive that went 93 yards over 16 plays and a hefty 8:58 off the clock.
Kirk Cousins was 9 for 9 passing on the drive for 64 yards, including a 15-yard scoring pass to Jack Bech.
It also appears the ankle injury running back Ashton Jeanty suffered in practice is beyond healed.
He looked more than capable both running and catching the ball, particularly the latter. Jeanty had two scoring receptions from Cousins, both from 13 yards out. The first was the 300th touchdown pass of Cousins’ career.
Sure. It was all against Miami. But even without tight end Brock Bowers (knee), the Raiders looked more sharp than not for the most part.
This is why they got Cousins. A veteran who could start the season and while rookie Fernando Mendoza sat and watched and learned.
Just as long as Cousins isn’t throwing the ball into coverage with two high safeties. Both of his interceptions fell squarely on the quarterback’s shoulders.
He wasn’t great. He was solid. He finished 21 of 30 for 160 yards with three scores and the two interceptions. But he also showed the types of things the Raiders hoped would occur with Cousins leading the way.
For instance, they won.
Yes. It’s one game. It’s Miami. But this is what the Raiders needed to do Sunday. Line up against and impose their will. And they did, getting terrific efforts from both lines.
There likely won’t be many chances like this in the coming months. The Raiders are going to have to beat better teams to earn victories. They’re going to have to win as underdogs.
But don’t count out a veteran quarterback who has seen it all, especially when he’s not throwing the ball to wrong jerseys. Or a second-year running back with all sorts of talent.
I have no idea how many games the Raiders might win, but at least they have a chance to make things a bit more exciting and fun to watch than recent seasons.
Hey, even that’s a step forward.
Ed Graney, a Sigma Delta Chi Award winner for sports column writing, can be reached at egraney@reviewjournal.com. Follow @edgraney on X.
