The final season in Oakland was a special one for the Raiders, and while they didn't make the postseason they certainly flashed potential as a playoff-caliber team.
From Week 1 to Week 17, the Silver and Black had several memorable moments and myriad highlight-reel plays. Head Coach Jon Gruden hinted at the end of the 2018 season and beginning of the 2019 season that we'd see more game-changing plays from tight end Darren Waller, and he delivered. Waller finished the season with 1,145 yards and three touchdowns – and he's an alternate for the Pro Bowl in Orlando.
Waller wasn't the only player to have a big year though, as rookie running back Josh Jacobs didn't waste any time showing NFL pundits that he's legit.
There are so many great plays from this season that are worth revisiting, but let's take a look at the Top 10 in no particular order.
Spider 2 Y Banana makes an appearance on primetime
Fullback Alec Ingold went from an undrafted free agent to a Pro Bowl alternate, and Josh Jacobs credits his running mate as a major contributor to his success. Against the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday Night Football, Coach Gruden called his favorite play on third-and-one at the nine-yard line, and it led to Ingold's first career touchdown.
Erik Harris makes a house call
It amazes me that Erik Harris remains one of the most underrated players in the NFL after constantly serving as a key contributor on the field; whether he's ball hawking or getting his teammates in their proper positions, Harris is a valued member of the Raiders. During the team's prolonged road trip to start the year, Harris iced the team's win over the Indianapolis Colts with this pick six.
Josh Jacobs shows off his speed in space
With limited reps at the University of Alabama, NFL analysts weren't sure how Jacobs' talent would translate to the NFL level. They knew he would be a skilled back, no question, but given his minimal usage at the collegiate level they needed to see something special in the pros. During a Week 2 bout against the Kansas City Chiefs, Jacobs broke three tackles en route to a 51-yard run and opened the eyes of a lot of people.
Daryl Worley's one-handed interception
Back in Week 9, Raiders defensive back Daryl Worley made one of the best plays all year against the Detroit Lions, and I'm still scratching my head wondering how he hauled in this interception.
Hunter Renfrow breaks a couple tackles for his first career touchdown
If anyone shocked NFL fans this year it was Hunter Renfrow. The two-time National Champion was one of Derek Carr's go-to receivers this year and their chemistry allowed the rookie to succeed. Against the Houston Texans during Week 8, Carr hit Renfrow on a slant route over the middle, broke a couple tackles and ran 65 yards for his first career touchdown.
Big Mo shows he can play cornerback too
It's rare you see a big fella get out in space, but defensive tackle Maurice Hurst looked graceful when he had his opportunity. Facing Ryan Tannehill and the Tennessee Titans, defensive lineman Dion Jordan deflected an attempted pass from Tannehill in the air, and it landed in the arms of Hurst who tried his hardest to take it to the house.
Maxx Crosby's four-sack performance
I know this is technically cheating because it's multiple highlights, but if you bring up one sack from that game, you have to bring up all of them. Maxx Crosby's performance against the Cincinnati Bengals was a thing of beauty. The rookie out of Eastern Michigan sacked rookie quarterback Ryan Finley four times at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum; take a look at each one.
Jacobs says goodnight to the Chargers
For the first time in a couple years, the Raiders swept the season series against the Los Angeles Chargers and it all started on Thursday Night Football in Oakland. With the clock winding down and the Raiders trailing, Jacobs lined up behind Ingold and Carr in the I-Formation on third-and-one at the 18-yard line and upon the handoff found a seam, courtesy of some great blocking, and scored what would be the game-winning touchdown.
Renfrow takes another short pass the distance
In the Raiders home away from home (Los Angeles), Raider Nation flooded Dignity Sports Health Park to takeover the Silver and Black's game against the Chargers, and erupted when Renfrow took off on yet another quick slant to the house for the second time in 2019.
Derek Carr scrambles for six
We all know Derek Carr is more athletic than people give him credit for, and Coach Gruden has tried to encourage the Raiders signal-caller to make more plays with his feet. In the four seasons I've worked for the Raiders, this was by far the best play I've ever seen No. 4 make on the ground – it was Lamar Jackson-esque.
