Raiders flinch, Bears lead 14-3 at halftime

The Las Vegas Raiders’ defense started the game strong, holding the Chicago Bears to consecutive three-and-outs on their initial drives.

Safety Johnathan Abram has come up big, activated on a blitz that hurried Bears rookie quarterback Justin Fields into throwing an incomplete pass on third and long. The next drive, Abram delivered a shot that left the rookie signal caller visibly rattled.

The Las Vegas offense put together a nice drive, spanning 13 plays and it ended with a field goal. The 69-yard drive was marred, however, with a rash of holding penalties on the offensive line that called back great runs from Josh Jacobs, including what would have a touchdown scamper from the back who looks like his last two weeks inactive have brought a fresh step to week 5.

Chicago’s offense would have an answer, albeit one gift wrapped by bone-headed penalties by defensive ends Yannick Ngakoue and Maxx Crosby roughing the passer and giving away 1st downs. It took the Bears several tries to punch it in. Ultimately, Amik Robertson was targeted in coverage and allowed a touchdown pass to tight end Jesper Horsted, the Bears lead 7-3 at this point.

Derek Carr and the offense looked to get things going with a big scramble play for a chunk gain by Henry Ruggs. Carr immediately went to the seam and his incomplete pass to Foster Moreau drew a pass interference penalty and the Raiders were knocking on the door. Then despite passing the ball so well, the offense went 4 straight run plays and failed to gain 10 yards, turning it over on downs to the Bears deep in their own territory.

The Raiders defense would continue to struggle, getting the offense behind the sticks but allowed 4 consecutive 3rd down conversions including giving up several gashing runs. With Chicago on the goal-line, they ran the ball in on 2nd and goal to score their 14th unanswered points.

The offense couldn’t get anything going in the two minute drill to end the 1st half. The offensive line didn’t hold up and Khalil Mack sacked his former co-worker for the first time in each other’s career.