Raiders winners & losers from 38-33 victory over New York Jets

Four weeks of frustration culminated in a thrilling shootout in New Jersey as the Raiders managed to overcome a 33-38 deficit to claim a 38-33 victory over the New York Jets, boosting their record to 4-4. The defense's resilience was crucial, but the Raiders' unyielding determination paid off in the end. Here's a breakdown of the key winners and losers from the game.

Winners:

1. KR Dylan Laube: The kick returner delivered a touchdown-capping 95-yard return on the Jets' opening kickoff, marking the first such score of the NFL season and the Raiders' first since Jacoby Ford's 101-yarder in 2011. Laube's performance ended a long-standing drought for the team.

2. TE Brock Bowers: Bowers had a stellar performance, catching seven passes for 92 yards and scoring two touchdowns, including a 12-yard reception on the opening drive and a 2-yard grab to kick off the second half. His six-game streak of 70-plus receiving yards is a significant achievement, matching only two others in the past 45 years.

3. Klint Kubiak: The coach's promise held true as the Raiders opted to run the ball 33 times, limiting the Jets' pass attempts to 26. Rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. contributed with 25 carries for 83 yards, demonstrating the effectiveness of the team's balanced approach.

4. QB Kirk Cousins: Cousins threw for 247 yards and three touchdowns without an interception, adding a 1-yard scoring run. His precision and clutch performance in the fourth quarter, including a 2-yard pass to Jalen Nailor that sealed the win, were pivotal in the Raiders' triumph.

Losers:

1. Raiders Run Defense: Braelon Allen dominated the ground game, rushing for 147 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries, averaging an impressive 7.0 yards per attempt. The Jets' rushing attack was relentless, accumulating 166 yards and scoring on each of their first six possessions.

2. Raiders Secondary: Cornerback Darien Porter suffered a groin injury early in the game and did not return, leaving the team vulnerable against the Jets' potent receiving corps. Adonai Mitchell capitalized on Porter's absence, catching seven passes for 142 yards, including a 47-yard score and a crucial fourth-and-1 touchdown. Mitchell's performance exposed the Raiders' secondary vulnerabilities.