1. #5 Derek Carr to Foster Moreau for a 48 yard touchdown
The Las Vegas Raiders needed a spark after the Indianapolis Colts put up 10 unanswered points in the first quarter, and it came in the form of a 48-yard touchdown throw from Derek Carr to Foster Moreau. The drive featured a lot of great offense from several key members, including Josh Jacobs, who contributed 19 yards to the team. The Raiders were still down 10-7, but they showed some life here.
2. #4 Derek Carr to Nelson Agholor for a 21-yard score.
Derek Carr connected with Nelson Agholor for a 21-yard score and the lead late in the second half. This at least gave the Raiders a chance at victory and securing a wildcard spot.
What was interesting here is how the Raiders looked look like a playoff team for a moment. Of course, they ended up losing the game pretty badly and damaging their chances of making the playoffs, but they looked like a competitive team here for the first time in weeks.
3. The Raiders stopping the bleed
At some point, it becomes a matter of stopping the bleeding, and that’s exactly what the Raiders needed to do. After a touchdown from Phillip Rivers to Michael Pittman and an interception by Kenny Moore, the Raiders needed a stop. Interestingly enough, they would get one after the costly interception and would be able to hold the Colts to a field goal on the next drive. This made the game 20-14 in the Colts' favor but was at least a stop.
Keep in mind that the Raiders are considered one of the worst teams in the league, and you can see why this is a big accomplishment. Sure, it might have taken 13 plays, 3.30 seconds, and a few good plays by the defense, but the Raiders finally got the Colts off the field with a field goal.
4. #2 Field goal to put the Raiders in range.
It’s the second half, and you’re down by ten. Derek Carr is your quarterback, and you need to score to keep the game competitive. A touchdown was what the team needed, but the Raiders would have to settle for a field goal after several subpar passes from Derek Carr.
It’s interesting how the defense has been the Raiders' biggest problem all season, but it was Derek Carr who seemed to fail the team here. Of course, he doesn’t have the weapons he needs and has an offensive line that's beyond battered, but he must do better if he wants to be the starter.
5. #1 Derek Carr carrying the team on his back for a four-yard touchdown
This wasn’t the game-winning score or even what put the Raiders in range to win a game, but it symbolic. While Derek Carr has had a dip in performance this season, his five-yard rushing touchdown on Sunday symbolizes that he will need to carry his team if he wants a shot at the playoffs.
If nothing else, Derek Carr needs to prepare for his next three games, or he might be looking for another place to play next year. If Carr doesn't come away with at least two wins at the end of this final stretch, coaches are going to start thinking about benching him. That’s not a conversation the Raiders want to have, especially with Mariota as their backup.