Both teams got excellent play from their defense and special teams, but it was the Giant offense that came through when it mattered as the Giants held on late to top the Raiders 24-20 for their third consecutive win. For the Raiders that is their second loss in the last three games.
This game started off on a high note when Jerrel Jernigan fumbled the opening kickoff and the Raiders returned it to the five yard line. A couple of plays later and the Raiders led 7-0 on a Pryor quarterback sneak. Unfortunately that would be Pryor’s only highlight of the game.
Pryor was only 11 of 26 for 122 yards and no touchdowns. In addition he threw a horrible interception when he stared down Denarius Moore allowing Terrell Thomas to step in front and take it all the way to the Raiders three yard line. Andre Brown would give the Giants a 21-20 lead that they would not relinquish.
Rashad Jennings was solid again in place of the injured Darren McFadden, rushing for 88 yards on 20 carries, and adding another 19 yards on two catches. Moore led the Raiders in receiving with 45 yards on three catches.
The defense played a very good game for the Raiders as both Sio Moore and Usama Young continually made plays. A Tracy Porter 43 yard interception return for a touchdown gave the Raiders a 17-14 going into the half. A Sebastian Janikowski field goal on the opening drive of the second half would give the Raiders a 20-14 lead, but that would be the end.
Penalties again killed the Raiders as they were penalized eight times for 65 yards, including numerous infractions on tackle Khalif Barnes.
The Raiders had one last chance to make something happen after Kevin Burnett deflected a Steve Weatherford punt, but the offense was unable to do anything and the Giants would run out the clock behind the returning Andre Brown who totaled 115 yards on 30 carries.
The Raiders will look to get back on track next week when they travel to Houston to play the Texans.
