Recap: Colts squeak by Raiders to spoil Adams’ big day

The Las Vegas Raiders’ playoff hopes ended Sunday when they suffered a 23–20 loss to the Indianapolis Colts.

All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams had a monster game for the Raiders, recording 13 receptions for 126 yards and two touchdowns — including one with 43 seconds left in the fourth quarter. However, the Colts had taken a 14–3 lead with two first-half touchdowns and never trailed in the game. These scores and three field goals by Matt Gay were ultimately all they needed to pull out a victory.

Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell completed 30 of 47 passes for 299 yards and the two touchdowns to Adams. Running back Zamir White, who filled in for injured Pro Bowler Josh Jacobs, rushed 20 times for 71 yards. While Adams led the team in receptions, wideout Jakobi Mayers added six receptions for 56 yards and White recorded five catches for 35 yards.

The Raiders defensive unit had a forgettable day, recording only one sack by defensive tackle Adam Butler, and forced no turnovers.

Meanwhile, Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew completed 15 of 23 passes for 224 yards with a 58-yard touchdown strike to receiver Alec Pierce. Running back Jonathan Taylor led the team in rushes with 21 for 96 yards and a five-yard touchdown run. Michael Pittman Jr. had five receptions for 46 yards with Pierce recording the only touchdown through the air.

With this loss, the Raiders’ win-loss record has dropped to 7–9 this season. While they are headed for an early off-season, they have at least improved from their 6–11 campaign a year ago. Despite this defeat, interim head coach Antonio Pierce is reportedly still being considered for the job on a long-term basis.

With one game remaining, a Jan. 7 showdown against the Denver Broncos, the Raiders have an opportunity to conclude the regular season with a victory. But can they accomplish this feat? Maybe. Maybe not. This question will be answered shortly.