Anyone who watched the Monday night football game between the Baltimore Ravens and Las Vegas Raiders could tell you just how exciting the last quarter was.
The thrilling back and forth game was a great way to wrap up the opening week of the 2021 season. Baltimore led by two touchdowns up until halfway through the second quarter. RB Josh Jacobs, the Raider’s backbone, ran into the end zone to help close the gap in the score. Jacobs has been a huge contribution to the team over the past few seasons, alongside TE Darren Waller. Waller also had quite the game, racking up over 100 yards and one touchdown.
Not much else happened until the fourth quarter besides a field goal for both teams. Jacobs was able to tie it up again early in the fourth quarter with another rushing touchdown, making the score 17-17. It didn’t take Baltimore long to respond. Latavius Murray rushed for 8 yards into the end zone, putting Baltimore back in the lead again. Unfortunately, it didn’t last long. Waller caught his TD with only 3:44 left in the fourth quarter. When Baltimore got the ball back, it seemed as if there was not a chance for the Raiders to win. Ravens’ kicker Justin Tucker made a 47 yard field goal with just 37 seconds left on the clock, and Vegas had no timeouts. The game looked to be over.
With a few spikes and some very lucky plays, the Raiders were able to line up their kicker Daniel Carlson for a 55 yarder. Carlson made the kick and sent the two teams into a thrilling battle in overtime.
Las Vegas started with the ball, and had a truly impressive drive. QB Derek Carr threw a deep pass that appeared to be a touchdown, but the call was reversed when officials confirmed that the receiver’s knee was down short of the goal line. The referees had to clear the field after players began celebrating the false win and lined the two teams back up, on Baltimore’s 1 yard line. Carr threw an interception, and Baltimore got the ball back. In five short plays, Raiders’ Carl Nassib forced Ravens’ QB Lamar Jackson to fumble, resulting in Vegas getting the ball back.
In the final drive of this wild game, the Raiders were able to close out and win from a 31 yard pass from Carr to WR Zay Jones. This game was thrilling and exciting, and hopefully will be the blueprint for the rest of the 2021 NFL season.
