Raiders seeing 'fruit of [their] labor' at a crucial time
The Raiders' 38-20 victory over the Texans could be a turning point. The win proved head coach Josh McDaniels has a plan that can work.
"We saw the fruit of our labor," McDaniels said after the win.
The Raiders finally did something they struggled to do early in the season: finish a game in the fourth quarter. They erased a four-point deficit by scoring 21 unanswered points with Josh Jacobs and Duron Harmon leading the charge. Jacobs scored two TDs in the fourth quarter, and Harmon grabbed a 73-yard pick-six.
After losing four games by an average of 3.5 points, the victory reminded them that they're progressing.
"It lets me know we're getting better," Duron Harmon told The Athletic's Vic Tafur.
If the Raiders can find a way to win more games, they could shake up the AFC's playoff picture by making a late-season playoff push.
Although they're 2-4, their roster is one many teams envy, headlined by Maxx Crosby, Josh Jacobs and Davante Adams.
According to McDaniels, the key to connecting the pieces is to remain calm.
"We don't need to go up, down, scream and throw helmets. I have learned that over the years," McDaniels said.
McDaniels, a Bill Belichick disciple, is taking a cue from his mentor to prove he's a legitimate head coach.
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