Ravens at Raiders: Play of the game

The Ravens came up short in Week 1, falling to the Raiders in overtime by virtue of a game-winning touchdown pass by Derek Carr. However, while it was in a losing effort, the Ravens manufactured several highlight-worthy plays in a Monday night, high-scoring thriller.

These noteworthy plays are worth mentioning despite the end result. Check out some of them below and vote for your choice for this week’s “play of the game.”

Ty’Son Williams 35-yard rushing touchdown: In his NFL debut and first game as the Ravens’ new starting running back, Ty’Son Williams was the first player to score. On a 4th-&-1 attempt late in the first quarter, Williams burst through the line of scrimmage and found room to run in the second level. It was reminiscent of some of his touchdown runs from the preseason and got the Ravens on the board first.

Marquise Brown 10-yard touchdown reception: After the Ravens defense forced another three-and-out, the Ravens quickly moved the ball into scoring position. On a 3rd-&-6, Lamar Jackson escaped the pocket in wizardly fashion. Flushed out to his right, he delivered a perfect strike to Marquise Brown in the back of the end zone. Brown did a nice job getting open late in the play and making himself available. On the first play of this drive, Brown had a 29-yard reception — so this was icing on the cake.

Sammy Watkins 49-yard reception: The longest pass play of the game, for either team, came late in the fourth quarter at a crucial moment. Looking to break a 17-17 tie and answer the Raiders’ touchdown, Jackson found Sammy Watkins for a 49-yard hookup. It was a beautiful throw and catch, as Jackson dropped it over Watkins’ head and into his “breadbasket” — as they say. Immediately following this catch, Latavius Murray scored an 8-yard rushing touchdown.

Lamar Jackson 28-yard rush: Jackson is a good bet for at least one or two magical runs every game. In this instance, it came at awfully important moment. Facing a 2nd-&-10 with two minutes left in the fourth quarter, Jackson scampered for 28 yards to move the Ravens into Las Vegas territory — evading and eluding defenders in the process. It was this run that set Justin Tucker up to nail a 47-yard field goal to put the Ravens up 27-24 with under a minute remaining.

Anthony Averett interception: Anthony Averett picked a great time to record his first career interception. With the Ravens defense on their heels in overtime, Averett was in the right place at the right time. Derek Carr’s pass bounced off the hands of Willie Snead IV and high into the air, where Averett tracked the ball and secured it. Smartly, he immediately fell down to ensure a touchback. This gave the Ravens another chance to win the game late in overtime.