If the Raiders move to Las Vegas, Del Rio will be a very popular coach in their new home, and the city already sort of has a hotel named after him. And because a number of the Raiders’ top players are young, Oakland is becoming a popular dark horse pick to contend for an AFC playoff spot.
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The Saints had a 14 point lead in the second half only to be outdone by the Raiders in the end 35-34. Oakland kicked a field goal on the drive to pull to within 24-13, then scored 22 points in the fourth quarter as quarterback Derek Carr threw for 111 yards and a touchdown, completing six of 10 passes. “We’re going to look at the tape and correct all the things we need to correct”. “I didn’t really ask for any feedback there”.
Saints quarterback Brees called the late two-point try gutsy but not surprising. Even though they were down by 2 TD, they responded like big teams do and good teams should, never gave up, and they were rewarded for their efforts.
Head coach Sean Payton confirmed the injury Monday during a conference call.
“We were unable to get off the field on third down. He’ll be able to make a full recovery and be back with us this season and play”, said Payton.
New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) scrambles against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016, in Glendale, Ariz.
Del Rio also praised Oakland’s running game after the Raiders rushed for 167 yards, including a 75-yard touchdown by undrafted rookie Jalen Richard. That’s a pretty good defense the Saints posted over 500 yards of total offense against, albeit for a loss. “We challenged the receivers”, Williams said. “Drew felt comfortable back there”.
The presence of Breaux allowed the Saints to play a lot of man-to-man press coverage and leave the second-year cornerback on an island with receivers at times. The defense held their rushing attack to 88 yards and no scores, but the secondary must regroup if the team is to make any noise this season. This is the type of balanced production that will help carry the Raiders back to the playoffs for the first time since 2002.
Breaux, a 16-game starter past year in his first season with the Saints, led the team with three interceptions and 23 pass breakups in 2015.
Brees eclipsed 400 yards passing for the 14th time in his career, tying Peyton Manning for the most such performances in National Football League history.
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Brees’ 98-yard touchdown pass to Brandin Cooks was a Saints franchise record.
