OAKLAND – The Raiders typically start fast, jump out to quick leads and dictate early tempo. The Minnesota Vikings played that role on Sunday afternoon at O.co Coliseum.
They scored a touchdown on their first series, tacked on some field goals and got some magic from special teams.
This game was a grinder for the hometown team outside a stretch where the Raiders offense cranked up. The Vikings played solid, fundamental defense. They didn’t turn the ball over, got two big takeaways and a kickoff return touchdown from Cordarrelle Patterson eventually surged to a 30-14 victory.
The Raiders are 4-5 and fall under .500 for the first time since Week 5. They didn’t play bad, but the offense couldn’t get cranking and eventually made a few mistakes.
The biggest came with the Raiders on the comeback trail late in the fourth quarter. Carr’s second interception of the day came 11 yards from pay dirt. He was trying to find Andre Holmes but Terence Newman got in the way, eliminating any hope of a late-game comeback.
Star running back Adrian Peterson compounded that mistake on the next play, with an 80-yard touchdown run that iced a Vikings victory with less than two minutes remaining.
Peterson found a solid rhythm in the second half and kept it cranking, especially on a fourth-quarter drive that put the Vikings up two scores. Peterson finished with 203 yards on 26 carries, a solid showing turned great with his big touchdown run.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr completed 29-of-43 passes for 302 yards, two touchdowns and two costly interceptions in the loss. The Raiders ran well at times, but weren’t able to sustain enough drives to get on top of the Vikings.
The Minnesota defense was as good as advertised, especially in pass defense. That helped the Vikings fast start stand.
The Vikings scored 13 straight points to start the game with a Teddy Bridgewater touchdown pass and two field goals from kicker Blair Walsh.
One of them came from a Carr interception. The Raiders quarterback tried to force one to Amari Cooper and Terence Newman stole it instead, setting up a field goal that would put the Vikings up 10-0.
The Raiders eventually kicked it in gear, using big plays to get back in it. Carr worked his offense downfield and found the end zone on a 10-yard touchdown pass to Clive Walford. He doubled down on the next series, completing a four-play touchdown drive with a 34-yard strike to Andre Holmes.
Vikings’ tide-turning return: The Raiders were down double digits in the first quarter, but jumped on top with 14 straight points. They were feeling good near halftime, hoping to take momentum into the break.
Didn’t happen. Cordarrelle Patterson stole it back on the ensuing kickoff. He fielded a squib kick and returned it 93 yards down the left sideline for a touchdown. The Vikings set up a return left, and had plenty of protection as he headed downfield.
McGill’s big block: The Vikings were in position to go up two scores on with a 39-yard field goal, but Blair Walsh’s effort was blocked by reserve cornerback Keith McGill. He got a hand on it, which sent the attempt wide right and well short of the uprights.
That kept the Raiders deficit with 11 minutes left in the game.
Injury update: Raiders cornerback DJ Hayden went down with an ankle injury in the first quarter, but returned later in that period. He started at cornerback opposite TJ Carrie, who returned to the position with Nate Allen back at safety.
Hudson among inactives: Center Rodney Hudson was doubtful to play Sunday after missing the practice week with a sprained right ankle.
Hudson was seen on the field without crutches or a walking boot protecting his ankle, but he wasn’t ready to play a game a week after getting hurt. Tony Bergstrom started in his place.
Other Raiders inactives: CB Dexter McDonald, WR Rod Streater, OL Matt McCants, RB Roy Helu, LB Neiron Ball, TE Gabe Holmes.
What's next: The Raiders start a two-game road trip in Detroit, where they’ll face a Lions team fresh off a victory against the rival Green Bay Packers.
