Raiders vs Washington recap, final score: Raiders a shell of themselves, fall 27-10

Most of the Raiders sat for the National Anthem in Washington. Then they never got up. They laid down and got run over, looking absolutely horrendous on pretty much every facet of the game. This was not the team we are used to seeing at all.

It was a game of uncharacteristic problems for the Raiders. But don’t worry, their characteristic issues showed up as well.

On the second play of the game, Derek Carr did something he hadn’t done yet this season — he threw an interception. He went for Amari Cooper and was intercepted by safety Montae Nicholson.

Washington took the ball at their own 33 and marched 67 yards for a touchdown. To get there, the Raiders showed a characteristic problem -- covering the tight end. Even with Jordan Reed inactive, 33-year-old Vernon Davis had his way. On this drive, he caught a 25-yard pass on third and 6. It ended with Chris Thompson wide open and taking a pass 22 yards for the score. Thompson’s big day was just beginning.

When the offense came out, it was more strange doings with Carr being sacked two times in a row to force a three-and-out. Carr had been sacked a total of two times in the first two games this season combined.

A stop by the defense was a plus. But the offense couldn’t capitalize. Even Marshawn Lynch on third and 2 was stuffed short for another three-and-out.

The next time the Raiders got the ball, the drops started. Carr threw behind Crabtree who dropped it in close range, then Amari Cooper dropped a third down pass right on his hands that would have been a first down. He’s done that in every game this season.

It was then the second quarter and the Raiders still hadn’t gotten a single first down. The defense kept doing their job for the most part, but with the offense floundering they were getting gassed.

The offense got their first first down of the game on a 9-yard pass to Jared Cook followed by an offsides penalty. Then on third and 1, Derek Carr threw to a well covered Seth Roberts and it was intercepted again.

Just like Washington did on the first pick, they took the ball and drove for a touchdown. Again, it was Vernon Davis who did the damage. After they churned out the yards on a worn out Raiders defense, Davis finished it off with an 18-yard touchdown catch.

Washington would start the second half on offense up 14-0 and no signs of life from the Raiders. And they drove for a third touchdown. On third and 8, Chris Thompson was left wide open again to go for 19 yards. Then on 2nd and 20, it was another pass to a wide open Thompson for 16 yards. Two plays later, Cousins would go deep for Josh Doctson. David Amerson had position and looked like he might make a play on the ball, but Doctson leapt and plucked it over him and walked in for the 52-yard score.

The Raiders offense came back on the field and the sacks started again. Carr was sacked twice again and the Raiders punted.

Late in the third, the Raiders would catch a much needed break. Jamison Crowder couldn’t handle Marquette King’s punt, James Cowser recovered it at the 18-yard line and the Raiders had their chance to chip into that deficit. After a tackle for loss on a Cordarrelle Patterson run, Carr connected with Jared Cook for the 21-yard touchdown. It was a glimmer of hope down 21-7.

The hope didn’t last long, with Chris Thompson, again, wide open on a screen taken for 74 yards. Amerson tackled him just short of the end zone and Washington would make it a three score lead again at 24-7.

A fumble by Samaje Perine forced by Cory James would give the Raiders the ball at the Washington 12-yard line. A pass Washington interference gave the Raiders first and goal at the 4-yard line. But instead of handing it to Marshawn Lynch as they did last week when they were in first and goal at the 4, they went with the play calls that failed them, throwing in three straight times. And it failed them again, settling for a field goal to bring it to 24-10.

A late field goal by Washington would give us the final score of 27-10.

The Raiders fall to 2-1 on the season. Washington improves to 2-1.

Derek Carr went 19 for 31 for 119 yards and a touchdown with 2 interceptions. Marshawn Lynch led the team in rushing with six carries for 18 yards.

The Raiders as a team were 0 for 11 on third down. They had an average gain on offense of 2.7 yards.

Meanshile Kirk Cousins went 25 of 30 for 365 yards and 3 touchdowns. Chris Thompson caught six passes for 150 yards and a touchdown.

Not what anyone expected. If anything we expected the opposite.