Raiders-Jets: 17 things we learned

Key Points:

• The Las Vegas Raiders ended a four-game losing streak with a 38-33 win over the New York Jets, improving their record to 4-4 while the Jets fell to 2-6. The Raiders outscored the Jets 24-10 in the second half after trailing 23-14 at halftime.
• Quarterback Kirk Cousins had a strong performance, completing 19 of 26 passes with three touchdowns, leading the Raiders to a perfect 4-for-4 red zone conversion and improved third-down efficiency. This helped quiet speculation about starting rookie Fernando Mendoza.
• The Raiders' defense struggled, allowing the Jets to score on their first six drives and giving up 30 or more points in five consecutive games, the longest such streak in the NFL since 2020. However, the Raiders limited the Jets to just two red zone scores on six attempts.
• Key players included rookie running back Mike Washington with 83 rushing yards, kick returner Dylan Laube who scored a 95-yard kickoff return touchdown (the team's first in 15 years), and rookie guard Trey Zuhn who made his starting debut.
• The Raiders face a critical stretch with upcoming games against winning teams San Francisco, Seattle, and Denver; a loss next week could force difficult decisions before the November 10 trade deadline.