East Rutherford, N.J. — Kirk Cousins delivered a standout performance Sunday afternoon, throwing three touchdown passes and adding a rushing score as the Las Vegas Raiders rallied from a nine-point halftime deficit to defeat the New York Jets, 38-33, at MetLife Stadium.
The victory snapped Las Vegas’ four-game losing streak and moved the Raiders to 4-4 on the season. New York dropped to 2-6 after suffering its third consecutive defeat.
Cousins completed 19 of 26 passes for 247 yards and three touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to lead the offense through a back-and-forth contest. His biggest throw came in the fourth quarter when he connected with Jalen Nailor on a two-yard touchdown pass to give Las Vegas a 35-30 advantage with 11:33 remaining.
The 38-year-old quarterback also provided one of the afternoon’s most memorable moments with a one-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. After crossing the goal line, Cousins celebrated by flapping his right elbow like a chicken wing near the Raiders’ sideline.
Cousins later explained that the unusual celebration was a tribute to the team’s wellness and training staff, who help players recover and maintain their health throughout the season. Tight end Brock Bowers reminded him to perform the celebration after Cousins initially forgot.
Bowers was another major contributor, catching two touchdown passes from Cousins as the Raiders continued to battle back.
Las Vegas received a significant boost from rookie running back Mike Washington Jr., who rushed for 83 yards on 25 carries. Ashton Jeanty, working with a reduced rushing workload, contributed three receptions for 64 yards, including a critical 45-yard screen pass reception during the Raiders’ go-ahead scoring drive.
With Las Vegas trailing 30-28, Cousins found Jeanty on a screen pass. After stumbling initially, Jeanty broke into open space and raced 45 yards to the New York 13-yard line. Five plays later, Cousins found Nailor in the end zone to put the Raiders in front.
The Jets attempted to respond with a 31-yard field goal from Jason Sanders, cutting the deficit to 35-33. However, Las Vegas controlled the clock on its next possession and extended the lead when Matt Gay converted a 53-yard field goal with 31 seconds remaining.
New York still had an opportunity to steal the game.
Quarterback Geno Smith moved the Jets into Raiders territory with a 15-yard completion to Garrett Wilson. An unnecessary roughness penalty against Jeremy Chinn advanced the ball to the Las Vegas 35-yard line.
But Chinn made the play that ended New York’s comeback hopes.
With 14 seconds remaining, Smith launched a desperation pass toward the end zone. Chinn secured the interception while keeping his feet in bounds, preserving the Raiders’ five-point victory.
Smith finished 20 of 32 for 290 yards, throwing touchdown passes to Adonai Mitchell and Isaiah Williams. He also threw the costly interception in the closing seconds.
Running back Braelon Allen delivered an impressive performance for New York, rushing for 147 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries. His production gave the Jets a consistent presence on the ground, but the offense could not generate the final points needed to complete the victory.
The opening half featured several momentum swings.
New York began the scoring with a 21-yard field goal by Sanders. Las Vegas responded when Cousins connected with Bowers on a 12-yard touchdown pass on third-and-goal.
The Jets answered with another Sanders field goal, this time from 36 yards, before Smith found Isaiah Williams for an 18-yard touchdown.
Las Vegas immediately responded in spectacular fashion. Dylan Laube returned the ensuing kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown, giving the Raiders a 14-13 advantage. It was the NFL’s first kickoff-return touchdown of the season and the first of Laube’s professional career.
New York regained control when Smith connected with Mitchell on a 12-yard touchdown pass on fourth-and-1, giving the Jets a 20-14 lead.
Sanders added a 39-yard field goal with nine seconds remaining in the first half, sending New York into the locker room with a 23-14 advantage.
The Raiders came out of halftime determined to change the direction of the game. Cousins threw a two-yard touchdown pass to Bowers, bringing Las Vegas within 23-21.
Allen answered with a 21-yard touchdown run, extending the Jets’ lead to 30-21. Cousins responded with his one-yard rushing touchdown, cutting the deficit to 30-28 and setting the stage for the Raiders’ fourth-quarter comeback.
New York’s offense, which had scored on its first six possessions, finally stalled on its seventh drive late in the third quarter. Las Vegas took advantage, eventually putting together the scoring drives that secured the victory.
For the Raiders, the performance was an important step after a difficult stretch. Cousins provided veteran leadership, Bowers delivered in the red zone, and the defense came through with the decisive interception.
The Jets had several opportunities to close out the game but could not protect their lead. Allen’s strong rushing performance and Smith’s passing production were not enough to overcome the late defensive breakdowns.
INJURY REPORT
Las Vegas cornerback Darien Porter suffered a groin injury on the Raiders’ first defensive play and did not return.
WHAT’S NEXT:
The Raiders travel to San Francisco next Sunday to face the 49ers. The Jets head to Kansas City for a matchup against the Chiefs.
