Raiders beat:
Conley performs well in debut.
Raiders cornerback Gareon Conley hadn’t done anything in three months, as he put it. So, naturally, his NFL debut became lively soon after he stepped on the Coliseum field Sunday.
Conley, the first-round draft choice from Ohio State, made his pro debut in a 45-20 victory over the Jets. He became Oakland’s third cornerback when Sean Smith didn’t suit up because of a neck injury.
Conley entered the game on New York’s second play from scrimmage. The Jets didn’t immediately go at him, but on their next possession, quarterback Josh McCown predictably targeted the rookie cornerback.
New York’s best wide receiver, Jermaine Kearse, went deep — and Conley stayed right with him, knocking away the pass. The Jets must have been impressed, because they didn’t pick on Conley much the rest of the day.
“Yeah, they’ll challenge any rookie,” he said. “I gave up one catch, a comebacker, but they didn’t test me much (after the initial deflection). I was waiting for them. Every snap, I feel like I’m going to get tested.”
Conley missed all of training camp, all four exhibition games and the regular-season opener because of a slow-toheal shin injury. He didn’t fully participate in practice until Thursday.
But he turned in a solid performance, as Oakland’s defense played respectably for the second consecutive Sunday.
“He’s cool and collected, very relaxed,” defensive end Khalil Mack said of Conley. “I walked past the film room last night and saw him in there by himself. Just seeing that, I knew he was going to come out” ready. Speed in reserve: The Raiders showcased their uncommon offensive depth in pulling away in the second half.
First, wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson went in motion, lined up in the backfield and burst 43 yards for a touchdown on 3rd-and-1. Then running back Jalen Richard took a quick pitchout and ran 52 yards for another touchdown.
Richard started right, remembered the scouting report — the Jets tend to over-pursue — and shrewdly cut inside. Richard then cranked up his speed and zipped away.
Richard ended up with 58 yards rushing, 51 yards receiving and 13 more yards on a punt return. Tavecchio on target: Giorgio Tavecchio remained perfect, making all six of his extra-point attempts — despite momentarily slipping on the infield dirt on one — and his lone field-goal try, from 29 yards.
Tavecchio is 5-for-5 this season on field goals and 8for-8 on extra points. Briefly: The Raiders haven’t trailed in their first two games. … Oakland linebacker Bruce Irvin on his personalfoul penalty after a hard tackle: “I think they’re watching me extra now. It was a football tackle to me, but they thought differently.” … Running back Marshawn Lynch sat on the bench during the national anthem, again surrounded by Raiders staffers and several large water coolers. … Baseball Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson, an Oakland native, lit the pregame torch in honor of late Raiders owner Al Davis.