Raiders Today

Raiders vs. Saints Live Game Thread

The Las Vegas Raiders face off against the New Orleans Saints in a game that could have significant implications for their immediate and long-term future.

Ezekiel Trezevant

Mar 28, 2022; New Orleans, LA, USA; Detailed view of the Caesars Superdome and the Champions Square preparing for the NCAA Mens Final Four at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Mar 28, 2022; New Orleans, LA, USA; Detailed view of the Caesars Superdome and the Champions Square preparing for the NCAA Mens Final Four at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images / Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
In this story:

NEW ORLEANS, Louis.-- The Las Vegas Raiders are set to face the New Orleans Saints on the road today. After winning for the first time in months last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Raiders are looking to win consecutive games for the first time this season.

However, a win in New Orleans would likely be detrimental to the team's draft position this offseason. Still, the Raiders are facing a Saints team that has lost three of its last four and 10 of its last 13 games, meaning the Raiders have a legitimate shot of winning.

The Saints and Raiders are alike in many ways. Both teams have suffered numerous injuries, including to their starting quarterbacks.

Both teams have had extended losing streaks. At one point this season, the Saints lost seven games in a row and the Raiders had lost 10 consecutive games before their win last week.

The Raiders will dodge a meeting against former quarterback Derek Carr, but Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham knows the Saints' offense is still dangerous.

"I mean, they're at home. It's the holidays," Graham said. "I'm sure they have family in town. I mean, they're professionals, but they're going to be hungry. There's a lot of veterans on that team defensively. The interim head coach right now [Darren] Rizzi, he's done such a good job with the special teams over his career. He's doing a good job as an interim head coach. I expect them to be ready to go. And that building is one of the hardest places to play. Keep in mind, they're all on vacation and it's going to be a tough place to play. So, I'm looking forward to the challenge. I'm sure the players are, but it's the NFL. These guys know they're only guaranteed 17 opportunities to play this game. So, they'll be ready to go.” 

Like the Raiders, the Saints are shorthanded but still formidable. Graham elaborated on one of the Saints' best offensive weapons, wide receiver Chris Olave.

" I mean, I saw the freshmen from Ohio State in the playoff game. I mean, he's pretty good. And then these guys that come to the league, there's just a lot of growth in terms of their skill set. One thing that stands out to me is just how competitive they all are. Again, it's the same thing that I talked about with LSU. So, you see a guy who's explosive, who can make plays, make tough catches. So, we'll see if he's ready to go and we'll have to be prepared for him."

Be sure to follow along with our live game thread throughout the contest.

--

START OF THE FIRST QUARTER

PENALTY: Offsides called on the Saints defense.

SCORING UPDATE No.1: Raiders make 31-yard FG. Raiders lead 3-0.

PENALTY: False start on New Orleans.

PENALTY: Unnecessary roughness on the Raiders.

TIMEOUT: Raiders use first timeout of the first half.

TIMEOUT: Raiders lose second timeout of half on lost challenge.

END OF THE FIRST QUARTER

--

START OF THE SECOND QUARTER

SCORING UPDATE No. 2: Saints score on 30-yard TD pass. Saints lead, 7-3.

SCORING UPDATE No. 3: Raiders connect on 39-yard FG. Saints lead, 7-6.

PENALTY: Holding on Saints offense.

PENALTY: Illegal shift called on Saints offense.

PENALTY: Holding on Saints offense.

PENALTY: Holding on Raiders offense.

TIMEOUT: Saints use first timeout of half.

TIMEOUT: Saints use second timeout of half.

SCORING UPDATE No. 4: Raiders score on short pass. Raiders lead, 13-7.

TIMEOUT: Saints use final timeout of half.

PENALTY: Illegal formation called on Saints offense.

SCORING UPDATE No. 5: Saints connect on 34-yard FG. Raiders lead 13-10.

END OF THE FIRST HALF

--

The good news for the Raiders is that through the first half, they have played solid football. They have dominated the time of possession, nearly possesing the ball double the amount of time the Saints have.

The Raiders have not turned the ball over, were only penalized twice for five yards and nearly rushed for 100 yards in the first half.

The bad news is, for as well as they have played, they are only up three points. The Saints have done a solid job of hanging around, as poor field position on multiple drives kept the Raiders from being able to pull away.

This is a very winnable game for the Raiders, but Saints get the ball to start the second half. The Raiders must get a stop on the first drive after halftime.

--

START OF THE THIRD QUARTER:

SCORING UPDATE No. 6: Raiders connect on 54-yard FG. Raiders lead 16-10.

END OF THE THIRD QUARTER

--

START OF THE FOURTH QUARTER

SCORING UPDATE No. 7: Raiders connect on 25-yard FG. Raiders lead 19-10.

PENALTY: Holding on Saints offense.

TURNOVER: Raiders' Jack Jones intercepts Spencer Rattler. Raiders ball.

SCORING UPDATE No. 8: Raiders score touchdown on 18-yard pass from O'Connell to Tre Tucker. Extra point blocked. Raiders lead 25-10.

PENALTY: Delay of game on Saints offense.

TIMEOUT: Saints use first timeout of second half.

TIMEOUT: Saints use second timeout of second half.

TIMEOUT: Saints use third timeout of second half.

PENALTY: Roughing the passer called on Raiders defense.

PENALTY: Offensive pass interference called against the Saints.

PENALTY: Unecessary roughness called against the Saints.

TURNOVER: Raiders intercept the Saints.

END OF THE FOURTH QUARTER

--

Raiders win 25-10.

Ensure you follow on X (Twitter) @HondoCarpenter and IG @HondoSr and never miss another breaking news story again.

Please let us know your thoughts when you like our Facebook page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE

Published |Modified
Ezekiel Trezevant
EZEKIEL TREZEVANT

Ezekiel is a former Sports Editor from the Western Herald and former Atlanta Falcons beat writer.

Home/News