Raiders-Vikings recap: Minnesota wins 3-0

We just witnessed the worst display of offensive football in the modern era, as the Las Vegas Raiders lost 0-3 to the Minnesota Vikings.

Let’s take a look at the key aspects of the game:

Records: The Las Vegas Raiders are 5-8. The Minnesota Vikings are 7-6.

What it means:

This was historic, folks. We were a Minnesota field goal with 1:57 remaining from being the first game to go to overtime at 0-0 in the modern era. This was the first Raiders game ever to be scoreless after three quarters. The Raiders’ playoff chances are all but over. Las Vegas is now 4-17 coming off their bye week in the past 21 seasons. Las Vegas is now 2-3 under interim head coach Antonio Peirce and have lost three games in a row.

Turning point:

The Vikings got some offensive life when Nick Mullens, remember him, replaced a horrendous Josh Dobbs. It was good enough for the 3-0 win against a game Las Vegas defense, but an awful Raiders’ offense led by rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell who had a rough game. Mullens hadn’t played this season before this game. The Raiders traded him to the Vikings last year.

Injury report:

Star pass-rusher Maxx Crosby went down with a leg injury in the second quarter. He returned after one missing one play. He has been dealing with a lingering knee issue. Linebacker Kana’i Mauga was shaken with a knee injury on a punt play in the second quarter. Defensive tackle Adam Butler suffered a foot injury. In the third quarter, center Andre James left the game with an ankle injury. Nate Hobbs was taken off the field in the fourth quarter. Tailback Josh Jacobs was getting his knee looked at in the fourth quarter, That’s a long list of banged up players going into a short week.

Getting help:

Raiders’ interim head coach Antonio Pierce brought in three former NF:L head coaches to consult and attend meetings during the week according to NFL Media. There were Tom Coughlin, Marvin Lewis and Adam Gase. Pierce won a Super Bowl under Coughlin with the New York Giants. Pierce worked with Lewis at Arizona State and interim offensive coordinator Bo Hardegree worked with Gase. This happens occasionally in the NFL as coaches, usually young coaches like Pierce, seek outside counsel.

Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Nice tribute: Raiders’ star pass-rusher Maxx Crosby ran onto the field prior to the game waving an UNLV flag and Nevada law enforcement flags to honor the recent tragedies. There was also a moment of silence prior to the game.

Munford at left tackle:

This was the third time this season that Raiders’ left tackle Kolton Miller missed with a shoulder injury. Thayer Munford started for the first time Sunday at left tackle. He had been playing right tackle when Miller was out with Jermaine Eluemunor moving from right to left tackle. Yet, Eluemunor stayed at right tackle Sunday.

Early aggression:

The Raiders went for it twice on fourth and one in their own territory in the first quarter. They converted both times.

What’s next:

The Raiders host the Los Angeles Chargers Thursday night. Kickoff is 5:15 p.m. PT. The Chargers beat the Raiders 24-17 in Week 4 at home. Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has a finger injury that could affect his availability.