CONFIDENCE BOOST

Ruggs back on right track after reeling in game-winner

- Michael Wagaman

The improbable, desperation 46-yard touchdown catch by Henry Ruggs III in the final seconds against the winless New York Jets did much more than prevent the Raiders from being a punch-line across the NFL.

By streaking past undrafted Jets cornerback Lamar Jackson and hauling in the Hail Mary throw from quarterback Derek Carr, Ruggs erased what would have otherwise been an awful afternoon after the rookie receiver let a pass slip through his fingers for an interception, then later stalled another drive against New York when he fumbled away a key possession.

In doing so, Ruggs gave himself a much-needed boost of confidence that, quite frankly, had taken a big hit over the previous two months.

Drafted with the 12th overall pick because of his blazing speed, Ruggs was expected to breathe new life into the Raiders deep passing game. Instead, while there had been flashes of that for small stretches, Ruggs has been mostly noticeable by his absence both on the field and on the stat sheets.