Raiders sparkle in Vegas debut, rally past Saints

LAS VEGAS ( Reuters) – Derek Carr threw three touchdown passes as the Las Vegas Raiders christened their new stadium and new hometown with a 34- 24 victory against the New Orleans Saints on Monday night.

Carr completed 28 of 38 passes for 282 yards and outperformed Drew Brees, the NFL’s all- time leading passer, inside virtually empty $ 2 billion Allegiant Stadium. One of Carr’s touchdowns went to Darren Waller, who finished with 12 catches for 103 yards.

The Raiders ( 2- 0) scored 24 consecutive points and produced points on six of their final seven possessions to turn the game around. The Saints hurt themselves with 10 penalties for 129 yards.

Brees, who passed for just 160 yards in a season- opening win against Tampa Bay, completed 26 of 38 passes for 312 yards with one touchdown and one interception in the absence of All- Pro receiver Michael Thomas.

The game was tied at 17 at halftime, and the Raiders took their first lead of the game on the first possession of the third quarter. They drove to Carr’s 1- yard touchdown pass to Waller on fourth down.

That gave Las Vegas a 24- 17 lead that held up through the end of the third quarter.

Jalen Richard’s 20- yard touchdown run gave the Raiders a 31- 17 lead midway through the fourth quarter.

Alvin Kamara’s 3- yard touchdown run pulled New Orleans ( 1- 1) within seven points with 4: 33 remaining.

Daniel Carlson’s 54- yard field goal completed the scoring with 1: 05 remaining.