The defense again played a major part in an early-season victory, as the Raiders beat Pittsburgh 26-17 at Heinz Field.
Ed Graney
Ed Graney came to the Review-Journal in May of 2006 as its lead sports columnist. He has covered all major sporting events, including Super Bowls to NBA championships to every Final Four since 1995. Graney also covered the Olympic Games in Beijing (2008) and London (2012). A graduate of San Diego State University, he is a five-time Nevada Sportswriter of the Year and past winner of Associated Press Sports Editors Top 10 for columns. He and wife Bonnie have two children, a son (Tristan) and daughter (Bridget).
Including a doubting columnist, the Raiders have proven many wrong by beginning the season with wins against Baltimore and Pittsburgh.
Grades of A all around as Raiders begin season 2-0.
The Raiders go from defending quarterback Lamar Jackson of the Ravens on Monday to Ben Roethlisberger of the Steelers six days later.
Hunter Renfrow is in his third season and has played above and beyond his status as a fifth-round draft pick in 2019.
On his 29th birthday and against his former team, Raiders tight end Darren Waller had 10 catches for 105 yards and a score against Baltimore.
It was Raiders defensive end Carl Nassib who forced the fumble that helped lead the team to a 33-27 overtime win against Baltimore.
Grading the Raiders’ 33-27 overtime win against the Ravens.
How the Raiders look as a team against Baltimore on Monday might be just as important as to what the scoreboard reads at game’s end.
While change might be constant in most things, the reliability by which Baltimore — which meets the Raiders on Monday — defends is absurd.
When Jim Fassel, who died this year, talked about that horrifying day 20 years ago, a million eerie feelings rushing back, tears inevitably welled in his eyes.
The best of the best NFL quarterbacks elevate the play of those around them. Derek Carr needs to be that kind of QB for the Raiders this season.
Jon Gruden has brought teams to the playoffs five times, but the Raiders have made the postseason just once in 18 seasons.
K.J. Wright, a Super Bowl champion and Pro Bowler who has played all 10 years of his career in Seattle, signed a one-year contract with the Raiders.
Beginnings can be memorable or brutal. There isn’t much in between when talking wins and losses. Except this one. It was just nuts.