{
  "id": 10751747,
  "title": "Raiders Ballers & Busters for Week 3 vs Saints",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/raiders-ballers-busters-for-week-3-vs-saints",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-29T18:20:18.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/raiders-ballers-busters-week-3-182018507.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Sunday, the Raiders faced their most challenging opponent of the season in New Orleans. The high-powered Saints team played in a hostile environment, and it took some heroic efforts to secure a victory. DE Malcolm Koonce stood out, impacting the game from start to finish. With the Raiders trailing 27-22 in the fourth quarter, Koonce's tackles caused two fumbles, turning the tide in their favor. He also stuffed a run, causing the Saints to turn the ball over again. Quarterbacks Kirk Cousins and TE Brock Bowers had a remarkable game, connecting on three passes for 37 yards. Bowers, who had missed the first two games of the season, showcased his All-Pro form, drawing attention while scoring a touchdown. The duo also played well together, setting up the offense's first touchdown. The Saints managed to tie the game at 13-13, prompting Cousins and Bowers to once again connect for an 11-yard completion. Despite trying to re-establish their lead through the air, Cousins ultimately fell short. Bowers' exceptional playmaking ability shone through again, as he drew attention while scoring a touchdown. In the third quarter, the Raiders fell behind by two scores, but Bowers got back on his feet, making a crucial 20-yard gain on a back shoulder pass. This allowed Mike Washington to break through for a touchdown, narrowing the gap to five points. With three touchdowns in three games, Cousins led the Raiders to a 3-0 record. LB Nakobe Dean, who had 11 solo tackles, made key plays on defense, including a tackle for loss, a pass breakup, and a forced fumble. His work in the final moments of the game sealed the victory. Honorable mentions go to DE Maxx Crosby for his timely plays and the recovery of a fumble, TE Michael Mayer for his key catches and touchdown, and RB Mike Washington for his elite-level patience and a crucial touchdown run.",
  "summary": "The Week 3 Ballers & Busters recognizes the heroics of several Raiders in their Week 3 win over the Saints.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}