Raiders vs. Washington score: Taylor Heinicke leads another game-winning drive, defeats Las Vegas on road

Washington's game-winning field goal extended its win streak to four

The Washington Football Team extended their win streak to four, as they defeated the Raiders in Las Vegas 17-15. It was a low-scoring affair that was lacking in big plays, but Taylor Heinicke overcame a fourth-quarter interception which ultimately gave the Raiders the lead, to guide his team to a game-winning drive of his own. 

Heinicke completed 23 of 30 passes for 196 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He was inaccurate at times throwing the ball downfield, but kept plays alive with his feet and made plays when they mattered most. With just over two minutes remaining in the game down a single point, he led an eight-play, 44-yard drive, and new kicker Brian Johnson connected on a 48-yard field goal to steal back the lead. Derek Carr and the Raiders' offense had 31 seconds to try to get Vegas in field goal position, but they were unable to do so. 

Without J.D. McKissic, it was the Antonio Gibson show on the ground for Washington. He rushed 23 times for 88 yards and caught a touchdown. Logan Thomas played a huge role in this game, but suffered a knee injury in the second half. He caught three passes for 48 yards and one touchdown.

The Raiders really could have used Darren Waller in the passing game this Sunday, but he was inactive due to back and knee injuries suffered last week against the Dallas Cowboys. Carr threw for 249 yards while Josh Jacobs rushed for 52 yards and a touchdown. Not much was going for Vegas on offense this week, which was surprising since this unit dominated the Cowboys defense on Thanksgiving.

So, what went down in Sin City on Sunday? Let's take a look. 

Why Washington won

It was deja vu for Washington fans. Back in Week 2 against the New York Giants, Heinicke threw what appeared to be the game-deciding interception in the fourth quarter. However, he was given a chance at a game-winning drive, and he capitalized. Operating with a short memory, Heinicke led the offense 50 yards down the field on 11 plays to set up the game-winning field goal. 

Heinicke did the same thing this Sunday, as he threw a fourth-quarter interception that resulted in the Raiders stealing the lead, and then led a game-winning drive to have the final say. Not every quarterback in the NFL can do that, but Heinicke appears to thrive in these kinds of moments. He's not the most talented signal-caller in the NFL, but over the past month he has certainly looked like a legitimate starter. Backups usually don't dominate the moment like Heinicke has. 

The defense is playing great ball, the offensive line is paving the way for the running backs and Heinicke is keeping the chains moving and coming up big when called upon. Washington doesn't seem like a team you want to play right now. 

Why the Raiders lost

The Raiders' offense dominated the Dallas Cowboys last week on Thanksgiving. Carr completed 24 of 39 passes for 373 yards and one touchdown, Hunter Renfrow caught eight passes for 134 yards and DeSean Jackson caught three passes for 102 yards -- including a 56-yard touchdown. While Renfrow went for over 100 yards receiving again with nine catches for 102, this offense was so stagnant -- especially in the early goings. 

Carr also didn't see the field well at times and missed a couple of potential big plays. In the first half on a second and short, Carr hit his check-down Jacobs without taking an extra second to survey his options. He missed a wide open Jackson, who would have picked up at least 20 yards. It wasn't the only time TV cameras showed a wide open Jackson looking for the ball. The same seemed to happen with Zay Jones in the red zone, as Carr opted to try Foster Moreau in the middle of the field instead of Jones one on one on what appeared to be a post route.

Turning point

Heinicke and the offense picked up three first downs on the game-winning drive, and the three happened on back-to-back-to-back plays. Washington moved the ball quickly and efficiently down the field, and as soon as it crossed midfield, it felt like this one was taking a turn in favor of the Football Team.  

Play of the game

I'm not sure you can choose a play other than this one. Brian Johnson, who was making his first start for Washington and kicking his first field goal attempt of the game, knocked in a game-winner from long distance. This is the same kicker who the New Orleans Saints cut a couple of weeks ago after he missed two extra point attempts! Talk about clutch for the 22-year-old. 

What's next

Washington returns to Landover, Maryland, next week to host the rival Cowboys. As for the Raiders, they hit the road to take on Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs next Sunday. 

[Dec 5, 2021 at 7:02 pm ET · Jordan Dajani]

Brian Johnson with the potential game-winning field goal! It was his first field goal attempt of the day! 

[Dec 5, 2021 at 7:00 pm ET · Jordan Dajani]

Oh man. Samuel is down just short on third down. What will Rivera do? I think I would try to get the defense to jump. 

[Dec 5, 2021 at 6:58 pm ET · Jordan Dajani]

Washington moving the ball very well on this drive. Heinicke going to engineer another one of these? 

[Dec 5, 2021 at 6:48 pm ET · Jordan Dajani]

Josh Jacobs is lucky he didn't fumble when he came down to earth after that hurdle.

[Dec 5, 2021 at 6:43 pm ET · Jordan Dajani]

Not good. Logan Thomas quickly ruled out with his knee injury. He was able to walk off on his own power. 

[Dec 5, 2021 at 6:43 pm ET · Jordan Dajani]

Heinicke got hit on the arm on the throw, but still where he was going with the throw was questionable.