Just about everything went right for the Las Vegas Raiders in their 63-21 trouncing of hte Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday night.
When we say everything, we mean EVERYTHING. Las Vegas forced two early fumbles from the Chargers, and built a 42-0 halftime lead, one of the biggest halftime leads in NFL history. A team that was shut out at home a week ago — losing 3-0 to the Minnesota Vikings — came back just days later to score the most points in a game in franchise history.
Something else that went right for the Raiders? A stunning Pick-Six from young cornerback Jack Jones. Claimed off waivers last month after he was released by the New England Patriots, Jones turned in what was perhaps the best play of the night. Watch him at the bottom of the screen diagnose this play to perfection:
We need to focus on the read here, as this is such a great job from the defensive back in terms of preparation. You can tell he saw this play on film, and was ready.
Because Jones deciphers this so well, he nearly overruns the play.
He sees the short motion from Austin Ekeler towards the three receivers, and knows exactly what the Chargers are going to try and do: Throw quickly to Ekeler on the screen with the three blockers in front. In fact, Jones is already breaking on the screen as quarterback Easton Stick is still catching the shotgun snap
However, he still needs to intercept the throw, and to truly appreciate how he completes the play, we need to look at some different angles:
Again, Jones diagnosed this play so well, he almost ran past the throw. Somehow he was able to reach back, snare the football with one hand, and come back to the turf all while barely breaking stride, en route to perhaps the best Pick-Six of the season.
On a night when everything was going the Raiders’ way, this is likely the best example.
