Jalen Richard Makes Good for the Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders carried the momentum into the second half in Monday’s night against the New Orleans Saints until a silly mistake turned the ball over.
The Raiders were up, 24-17, when backup running back Jalen Richard mishandled a toss play that looked to pick up a first down and more in a critical drive looking to extend the lead.
Richard‘s turnover was the break the Saints were looking for, and for a moment, they stopped the Raiders momentum.
On the next drive, the Raiders coaching staff gave Richard another chance on the same toss play, which resulted in a touchdown run, giving the Raiders a 31-17 lead.
“Jalen’s fumble was obviously a key play in the game," Raiders Coach Jon Gruden said. "We had a play set up, I think for big yardage, we were going to get a first down there, I believe. It looked good. Unfortunately, he just mishandled it and you really gotta tip your hat to Richard, you know, to come back and make a play like he did to redeem himself. That’s what a professional has to do. You got to have thick skin and Kirby Wilson is a great running backs coach and our staff (offensive coordinator) Greg Olson showed a lot of confidence to give him another shot.”
After turning the ball over, Richard made up for a touchdown and finished the night with two rushes for 26 yards and one touchdown.
“It’s always a downer when you make a mistake on the field,” Richard told reporters after the game. “But we always talk about snapping clear. All my teammates were behind me, the coaches, next play, next play. I’m happy the coaching staff and my teammates got faith in me to give me that play again and you know I made up for myself.”
Las Vegas eventually won, 34-24, in the club’s first game in Allegiant Stadium.
But it shows how much trust the coaching staff has in their players to bounce back and make plays on second chances.
With the Raiders building momentum, they will travel to Foxborough, Mass., and take on the Patriots on Sunday afternoon, looking to stay undefeated.
How to watch or listen to the Las Vegas Raiders versus the New England Patriots Sunday?
TV: CBS 1 PM ET/10 AM PT
Radio: Raider Nation Radio
Odds: New England -5.5
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