Written by Paul Gutierez at ESPN.com
Marshawn Lynch got hyphy on the sideline, the Oakland native dancing and celebrating his homecoming and a big Raiders lead with more than 12 minutes to play Sunday. It only got better from there for the Raiders in a 45-20 victory over their old AFL rivals, the New York Jets, with Lynch scoring his first touchdown since 2015 and receiver Michael Crabtree tying a career best with three TD catches.
What it means: The Raiders are 2-0 for the first time since 2002, when they started out 4-0 en route to a Super Bowl appearance. They also served notice to the rest of the NFL that they are, indeed, a force to be reckoned with this season. Because, sure, Oakland was a two-touchdown favorite over the woebegone Jets, but the Raiders again excelled in all three phases of the game — Lynch, Crabtree, the offensive line and quarterback Derek Carr doing their thing, the defense stifling the Jets and gunner Johnny Holton forcing and recovering a muffed punt when the Raiders needed a spark.
What I liked: The Raiders brought the heat to Jets quarterback Josh McCown, sacking him four times. Mario Edwards Jr. had 1.5 sacks, giving him two in two games, and reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Khalil Mack had a devastating “full eclipse” sack in the third quarter, the All-Pro edge rusher seemingly stripping the ball from the Jets quarterback mid-sack. Alas, McCown was ruled down. The Raiders, who had a league-low 25 sacks last season without a single sack coming from a defensive back, also blitzed strong safety Karl Joseph, who recovered a fumble he caused. Denico Autry shared a sack with Edwards.
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