Linebacker Robert Spillane had just one career interception before Monday night, and cornerback Amik Robertson received just his second start in five games this season.
Both players were critical to the Las Vegas Raiders’ 17-13 victory over the Green Bay Packers. Spillane intercepted Green Bay’s Jordan Love twice, and Robertson made the game-sealing pick in the end zone to stop a three-game skid.
“One of the best interceptions I’ve ever seen in my life,” Spillane said. “Fifty yards down the field, to be able to contort his body, high point the football and end the game like that, what an outstanding play by a player who’s been gnawing at the bit to get on the field.”
Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA Today
The Raiders’ offense did just enough, with Jimmy Garoppolo completing 22 of 31 passes for 208 yards and a touchdown while throwing his NFL-high seventh interception. Jakobi Meyers caught seven passes for 75 yards and a touchdown, and former Packer Davante Adams had four catches for 45 yards.
Love was 16 of 30 for 182 yards and the three picks. He has thrown five interceptions in the past two games.
“I’ve got to be better,” Love said. “I’ve got to take care of the ball.”
Both offenses struggled. The Raiders (2-3) gained 279 yards and the Packers (2-3) finished with 285.
“I thought our defense competed hard, enough for us to win the game,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said. “We’ve got to find a way to score points, because I think anytime you hold somebody to 17 points, it’s enough to win football games.”
Las Vegas ended an eight-game skid against the Packers. The franchise last beat Green Bay in 1987 when they played in Los Angeles.
Robertson secured the victory when he intercepted a pass in the end zone with 44 seconds left.
“I played receiver in high school,” Robertson said. “I’m an offensive player playing defense.”
The Raiders took a 10-3 lead into halftime thanks to a 9-yard touchdown pass from Garoppolo to Meyers. Las Vegas had a chance for an even bigger lead after Spillane’s interception in the second quarter gave the Raiders possession at the Green Bay 7, but settled for a short field goal.
That kind of start was nothing new for the Packers, who have scored six first-half points in their past three games. They overcame a 17-0 deficit at the break two weeks ago to beat the New Orleans Saints, and last week outscored the Detroit Lions 17-7 in the second half, but still lost by two touchdowns.
Right on cue, the Packers opened the second half with Rudy Ford’s interception of Garoppolo. That led to A.J. Dillon’s 5-yard touchdown run to tie the game.
Later in the third quarter, Green Bay failed to take advantage of a short field. Love found Christian Watson without a defender within about 10 yards of him. The 77-yard completion — and a horse-collar tackle penalty — put the Packers at the three, but Green Bay had to settle for a chip-shot field goal to go ahead 13-10.
The lead did not hold up long. Josh Jacobs’ 2-yard touchdown run to open the fourth quarter put Las Vegas back in front.
“A lot of credit for hanging in there and grinding it out,” Raiders coach Josh McDaniels said. “It was that kind of game the entire four quarters. Nothing was easy.”
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