2021 NFL Power Rankings Week 13: Cowboys continue to slide, Packers bounce back
By Randy Gurzi
13. team. 28. . . Previous: 18th. Las Vegas Raiders
It seems simple. When Derek Carr throws for more than 300-yards, the Las Vegas Raiders win. When he doesn’t, they lose. That’s why the Dallas Cowboys were hosed as soon as he topped that mark on Thanksgiving Day.
Carr was surgical in the Raiders win, completing 24-of-39 passes for 373 yards with a touchdown and no turnovers. He also moved the ball roughly 100 more yards with penalties — although that was an ugly part of this game as the refs were throwing some tacky fouls on both sides.
Still, Las Vegas did what it needed to in order to secure the win. They jumped out to a big lead early and made the Dallas offense work for every yard they got. They also didn’t flinch when the Cowboys fought back and tied it up in the final minutes of the game. Instead, they just stayed the course and pushed them deep into their own territory to start overtime.
The defense then forced an impressive three-and-out before moving the ball into field goal range. After several penalties on Dallas, Daniel Carlson knocked in the game-winner and Vegas moved to 6-5 on the season.
This win ended a three-game losing streak and keeps the Raiders alive. It’s been a crazy season for them but their resiliency should be respected.