Raiders at Saints: Highlights, score, and recap

Here are all the highlights, the final score, and a recap of the Week 1 game between the New Orleans Saints and the Oakland Raiders.

One of the more intriguing games on the Week 1 slate had to be between the AFC West’s Oakland Raiders and the NFC South’s New Orleans Saints. Many expected a barn burner in this rare meeting at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. This one did not disappoint, as the Raiders topped the Saints, 35-34 in Week 1.

Oakland boldly went for two inside of one minute remaining in regulation. The Raiders had struggled to get the ball in the end zone through the air in this game, as the Raiders’ previous three pay dirts all came on the ground before quarterback Derek Carr’s five-yard strike to wide receiver Seth Roberts.

A Carr to Michael Crabtree two-point conversion is a pretty brutal way to lose for the Saints, who played well on offense, but once again had enough defensive lapses in the game to cost them a Week 1 victory over the Raiders.

Oakland showed impressive poise with its young corps to pull out an amazing one-point road victory. This is a huge confidence-builder for this group, who will be looking to crack the postseason for the first time since 2002.

Three Stars

1. Brandin Cooks: Cooks was everything for Brees in this game, hauling in six catches for 143 yards and two touchdowns. His 98-yard touchdown catch was borderline unbelievable.
2. Drew Brees: Brees completed 28 of his 42 pass attempts for 424 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions. He’s still excellent in high-scoring NFL affairs, but his defense again let him down.
3. Derek Carr: Carr had to wait until the final drive to get his only passing touchdown of the game. He was 24 of 38 passing with 319 yards through the air, that one touchdown, an incredible two-point conversion, and no interceptions.

Highlights

Next Game

New Orleans will travel to the Meadowlands to face the NFC East’s New York Giants for a 1:00 PM ET kickoff on Sunday, Sept. 18 at MetLife Stadium.

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Oakland will host the NFC South’s Atlanta Falcons for a 4:25 PM ET kickoff on Sunday, September 18 at the Oakland Coliseum.