The Las Vegas Raiders finally snapped their four-game losing streak on Sunday with a 20–10 win over the Tennessee Titans at Allegiant Stadium. It wasn’t flashy, but it was physical, defensive, and exactly what Raider Nation needed heading into the middle stretch of the season.
The victory improves the Raiders to 2–4, while the Tennessee Titans drop to 1–5, continuing a disappointing start to their campaign.
Raiders vs Tennessee Titans 2025 Recap
First Half: Defense Sets the Tone
From the first snap, the Raiders came out swinging. Maxx Crosby and company bullied Tennessee’s offensive line, forcing multiple early pressures that threw rookie quarterback Cam Ward off his rhythm.
The Raiders struck first when Daniel Carlson nailed a 50-yard field goal midway through the first quarter to give Las Vegas a 3–0 lead. Tennessee’s offense, meanwhile, could barely get past midfield.
Late in the second quarter, the game’s first big momentum shift came when linebacker Devin White strip-sacked Ward deep in Tennessee Titans territory. The ball was scooped up by the Raiders and placed at the 2-yard line. On the very next play, Geno Smith connected with Michael Mayer for a short touchdown, extending the lead to 10–0.
The Titans had one more shot to score before halftime, but Ward’s throw into tight coverage was picked off — his first of two turnovers on the night. The Raiders went into halftime with all the momentum and a shutout intact.
Second Half: Las Vegas Pulls Away
The Raiders’ defensive intensity didn’t fade after the break. They kept the Tennessee Titans bottled up, forcing another three-and-out to open the half.
On the ensuing drive, running back Ashton Jeanty punched in a 3-yard touchdown, capping off a methodical 10-play drive that chewed clock and extended the lead to 17–0. Jeanty finished with 75 rushing yards and that key score.
The Tennessee Titans finally got on the board late in the third quarter when Matthew Wright hit a 46-yard field goal to make it 17–3. But Las Vegas answered right back with another Carlson field goal, pushing it to 20–3 midway through the fourth.
The Tennessee Titans found the end zone in garbage time with a 1-yard touchdown pass from Ward to David Martin-Robinson, but it was too little, too late. The Raiders ran out the clock and walked off the field with a statement win.
Raiders Defense Dominates
This was easily the Raiders’ best defensive performance of the season. They recorded six sacks, forced three turnovers, and controlled the tempo from start to finish.
Maxx Crosby led the charge with two sacks, while Devin White delivered one of his best performances in silver and black — nine tackles, a strip sack, and an interception that swung the game early.
Interior lineman Jonah Laulu added a sack of his own, while the secondary shut down Tennessee’s deep game completely after Calvin Ridley exited with a hamstring injury in the second quarter.
Cam Ward, the Tennessee Titans’ rookie quarterback, finished 26-of-38 for 222 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, but was hit relentlessly all game. The pressure never stopped.
Offense Finds Its Groove
The Raiders didn’t need Geno Smith to be spectacular — just efficient. He finished with 174 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception, spreading the ball to multiple receivers while managing the clock.
Tight end Michael Mayer filled in nicely for the injured Brock Bowers, catching that crucial red zone touchdown and adding two more receptions for first downs.
Jeanty handled the bulk of the ground game and gave the Raiders the balance they’ve been missing in recent weeks.
On special teams, AJ Cole pinned Tennessee deep twice inside their own 10, and Daniel Carlson went 2-for-2 on field goals.
Turning Points
- Devin White’s strip sack and recovery in the second quarter — it set up an easy touchdown and shifted control to Vegas permanently.
- Maxx Crosby’s third-down sack late in the third — killing Tennessee’s only sustained drive before their meaningless late score.
- Michael Mayer’s red zone touchdown — exactly the kind of short-yardage execution the Raiders have lacked in earlier losses.
Those plays defined the night and showed that the Raiders’ defense can win games outright when it needs to.
Postgame Reactions
Head coach Pete Carroll praised the defensive performance afterward, saying:
“We’ve been talking for weeks about putting it together — playing sound football, tackling well, taking the ball away. Tonight was the first time it all clicked.”
Titans head coach Brian Callahan was blunt about his team’s issues:
“It’s disappointing. You can’t win games when you give the ball away three times and let the quarterback get hit six times.”
Rookie QB Cam Ward took responsibility in the locker room:
“When you turn it over like that, you’re not giving your team a chance. That’s on me.”
What It Means
For Las Vegas, this game was about more than just breaking a losing streak. It was about proving the defense could set the tone and deliver when the offense isn’t lighting up the scoreboard.
They looked cohesive, confident, and disciplined — all words that haven’t applied to this team much in 2025. It’s the kind of win that can change the locker room energy.
Now at 2–4, the Raiders have a chance to turn this into momentum. They’ll head into next week’s divisional matchup against Kansas City with renewed confidence and a defense playing at its peak.
For Tennessee, the loss deepens their struggles. At 1–5, they’ve shown flashes of potential, but turnovers and inconsistency continue to plague their young offense. Their next test comes against New England, where they’ll try to right the ship.
The Raiders didn’t just win — they reminded the league that defense still matters. Maxx Crosby was everywhere, Devin White played like a leader, and Geno Smith delivered a steady, veteran performance when the team needed it most.
This was the kind of gritty, blue-collar victory that Raider Nation lives for. It wasn’t about flash — it was about physicality, heart, and proving doubters wrong.
If the Raiders can replicate this energy against Kansas City, the AFC West might get a little more interesting than anyone expected.
Final Score:
Las Vegas Raiders 20 – Tennessee Titans 10
Raiders Record: 2–4
Titans Record: 1–5
Up Next: Raiders at Chiefs | Titans vs. Patriots
