Raiders newcomer Cole makes presence known with huge TD catch

By Danny Webster

Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022 | 2 a.m.

There was once a time where Keelan Cole was seen as the unsung hero for his team. 

When he burst onto the scene with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent out of Western Kentucky five years ago, Cole was seen as the secret weapon in a budding Jacksonville offense. 

Now, he’s in a crowded wide receiver room with the Las Vegas Raiders. He’s surrounded by All-Pro talent, Pro Bowlers and superstars alike. 

But when the moment presented itself on Sunday at home against the New England Patriots, quarterback Derek Carr didn’t look to Davante Adams, Hunter Renfrow or Darren Waller with the game on the line. He looked to Cole on a go route down the left sideline with New England corner Marcus Jones draped over him. 

Cole hauled in his first touchdown pass of the season, a 30-yard score from Carr that tied the game with 37 seconds remaining. What followed was a lengthy replay review that initially showed Cole’s left toe landing out of bounds, but the touchdown was upheld. 

“It was just a win play,” Cole said. “If you see, it wasn’t a play call.” 

That was the biggest play of the game at the time. That was until Chandler Jones one-upped Cole with the intercepted lateral returned 48 yards for the game-winning touchdown as time expired to give the Raiders an improbable 30-24 win over the Patriots. 

Cole will gladly defer to his linebacker teammate that he had the better catch, seeing how it was that one that kept the Raiders’ playoff hopes alive for another week. 

But it was Cole’s touchdown that showed how deep the Raiders’ receiving core is. 

The Raiders got a boost with the return of Renfrow and Waller, both activated from injured reserve prior to the game. Adams is nearing another 100-catch season, and Mack Hollins has blossomed toward a career season as part of an opportunity. 

Cole established himself as a speed threat and route runner through four years in Jacksonville, catching 12 of his 14 career touchdown passes and becoming a target when the Jaguars didn’t have it. 

He’s trying to find his way back toward getting that opportunity again, but Cole has taken this venture with the Raiders in stride. 

“That’s the good thing about being in a crowded receiver room,” Cole said. “You get to learn. You don’t have to always step forth, and you can depend on someone else.” 

On a day that was ultimately quiet for the passing attack until the game-tying drive, eight different players caught a pass from Carr on Sunday. Cole caught both of his targets for a team-high 50 yards and one of Carr’s three touchdowns. 

Cole’s catch ultimately saved what was destined to be another disastrous collapse from the Raiders. They led 17-3 at halftime before the Patriots scored 21 unanswered second-half points. 

If not for Carr finding Hollins on a 4th-and-12 with less than two minutes remaining, it would’ve been the Raiders’ fifth blown lead of at least 13 points this season and another collapse to further tell the story of this season. 

For Cole to stay ready when his number is called, that’s a skill his teammates can admire. 

“It takes a high level of focus. That’s a skill I admire in a lot of people,” Waller said. “There were a lot of times in my career where you’re not guaranteed consistent opportunities throughout the game. To stay focused, in it, and not let your mind drift or get caught sleeping when an opportunity presents itself, it’s a very tough mental skill to have. I respect the fact Keelan has that.” 

Cole might not get those same opportunities Saturday in Pittsburgh when the Raiders visit the Steelers in another must-win game. Head coach Josh McDaniels hinted at getting Waller and Renfrow back to more consistent reps as the week progresses. 

At the very least, McDaniels was reminded he has another big-play receiver in the crowded receiving room. 

“You never know, as you see,” Cole said. “I enjoyed the win. I enjoyed making the play for the team.”