Raiders beat Saints 35-27 as Brock Bowers returns to lineup

The Las Vegas Raiders erased a 13-point hole in the fourth quarter to beat the New Orleans Saints 35-27 on Sunday, moving to a 3-0 start to the season. Tight end Brock Bowers, returning from injury, recorded 10 receptions for 116 yards and a touchdown, providing quarterback Kirk Cousins with a reliable target in the first half and helping sustain four scoring drives.

The Raiders had won their first two games without Bowers, but his presence forced the Saints’ defense to allocate extra coverage, opening opportunities for other receivers. Coach Klint Kubiak noted that the added attention on Bowers expands the offense’s options, especially when the running game is inconsistent.

Defensively, the Raiders generated key turnovers in the fourth quarter, including a forced fumble recovered by Maxx Crosby and an interception by Zeke Masses, both of which led to touchdowns that turned a five-point deficit into a lead. Cornerback Taron Johnson also recovered a fumble after a sack by Jeremy Chinn, further stalling the Saints’ comeback attempt.

The Raiders’ ground attack remained uneven, finishing with 113 rushing yards on 27 carries. Running back Mike Washington contributed a 36-yard touchdown, but the team managed only 56 yards on 19 carries by Ashton Jeanty against a defense ranked near the bottom against the run. The performance highlighted ongoing concerns about the consistency of the rushing game.

Overall, the win showcased the Raiders’ ability to combine timely defensive plays with an improved passing attack, while underscoring the need for a more reliable running game to sustain success throughout the season.