Matt Ryan threw a 35-yard touchdown pass to Parris Campbell to lead the Indianapolis Colts to a 25-20 win over the Las Vegas Raiders.
The touchdown came with 5:07 left in the game, after the 37-year-old veteran quarterback successfully converted a third down and 3 on a 39-yard run to the Raiders’ 36-yard line. It was his longest career win on the floor.
It gave former football analyst and longtime Colts player Jeff Saturday his first victory at the helm of the team in his very first experience of coaching. He had never managed in the NFL, or even at the college or professional level.
“I am completely comfortable in this situation. I know what I can do, I know I can lead these guys. I know football and I’m passionate about the sport, I have no fear of not being qualified for this job,” expressed Saturday in response to those who questioned this hiring.
“I spent 14 years in a locker room, I went to the playoffs 12 times. I played with five players who made it to the Hall of Fame, so I know what talent and excellence are. I know how to prepare, how DGs work. Maybe after eight games I’ll realize that I’m terrible in this position and that I’m not made for it, but I’ll never give up. »
The Raiders (2-7) suffered their third straight loss, putting pressure on first-year coach Josh McDaniels. The team that took part in the playoffs last season was booed by their fans as they left the pitch.
Matt Ryan completed 21 of 28 passes for 222 yards in his return as a starter after being left out by former coach Frank Reich in favor of Sam Ehlinger to start the last two games. Jonathan Taylor rushed for 147 yards and a touchdown. The running back went 66 yards to the end zone, good for only his second touchdown of the season, which put his team ahead 19-14. It’s Taylor’s first game of at least 100 yards since the opener against the Houston Texans, when he had 161.
The duo ultimately eclipsed the work of Raiders receiver Davante Adams, who had nine catches for 126 yards and a touchdown. Derek Carr completed 24 of 38 passes for 248 yards and two touchdowns.
Still in his analyst role two weeks ago, Saturday wrote on Twitter that the “Raiders were horrible” in their 24-0 loss to the New Orleans Saints. They didn’t look much better today when the Colts took a 10-0 lead in the second quarter. In the first quarter, Indianapolis fetched no less than five first downs during an 11-play, 70-yard streak. The Raiders got none in the first quarter and Carr even missed all five of his pass attempts in that span, his team trailing 111-5 in yards gained.