Del Rio Makes Gutsy Call; Takes Poke At ESPN
OAKLAND (CBS SF) -- The riverboat gambler in Oakland coach Jack Del Rio surfaced in the Raiders 35-34 season-opening win against New Orleans and the he took a poke at ESPN.
With time running out, Del Rio showed no interest in a conservative point-after kick, chosing to call a do-or-die, 2-point conversion -- a fade pass into the end zone from quarterback Derek Carr to receiver Michael Crabtree.
After the game, the sports network's analysts displayed the odds in converting the play as they questioned the call
In response, Del Rio took to social media.
"Everyone knew about our strategy," said Del Rio, now in his second season with Oakland. "I didn't really ask for any feedback there. I said, `When we score here, we are going to go for 2 and win it right here."'
His Raiders had already demonstrated considerable resolve just to get to that point.
Oakland had to overcome a 14-point, second-half deficit and a 424-yard, four-touchdown performance by Drew Brees.
"The belief and trust that coach has in us gives us so much confidence," Carr said.
Brees called the late 2-point try gutsy, but not surprising.
"You'll see that from time to time. You feel like you have the momentum, and let's dial it up and let's win the game," Brees said. "I could see us doing that."
