As the calendar flips to late September and the 2026 NFL season begins to take shape, the Las Vegas Raiders found themselves staring down a familiar script in Week 3: a winnable game slipping away in the fourth quarter. Down five points to the New Orleans Saints with just over 13 minutes left, and with the Saints driving deep into scoring territory, the outlook was grim. But then Malcolm Koonce flipped the script entirely, delivering a performance that will be remembered in Raider Nation for a long time. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, Koonce’s fourth-quarter eruption powered Las Vegas to a 35-27 victory and announced his arrival as a legitimate game-wrecker off the edge.
The Strip-Sack That Sparked the Comeback
The turning point came with the Saints threatening to extend their lead. Koonce exploded off the snap, beat his man around the edge, and strip-sacked quarterback Tyler Shough, forcing a fumble that the Raiders recovered. The takeaway led directly to a Las Vegas touchdown and a one-point lead after a failed two-point conversion. It was the kind of momentum-swinging play that defines seasons, and it was only the beginning. On the very next possession, Koonce pressured Shough again, this time forcing a wobbly throw that floated into the arms of cornerback Hezekiah Masses for another interception. That set up an additional Raiders touchdown, extending the lead to eight points and essentially sealing the game. In total, Koonce racked up six pressures on just 21 pass-rush snaps, earning a 91.6 pass-rush grade from Pro Football Focus—the second-highest among edge defenders in Week 3 (prior to Monday Night Football). He also added two defensive stops against the run, including a stone-cold stuff of Alvin Kamara at the line of scrimmage in the final frame.
More Than Just a Pass-Rusher
While Koonce’s pass-rush heroics stole the headlines, his impact against the run was equally impressive. Early in the game, the Saints tried to exploit him in the running game, motioning a receiver to create a lane and running inside zone away from Maxx Crosby. But Koonce held his ground, using tight hands and a long-arm extension to cross the left tackle’s face and make the tackle in the B-gap. Later, with about three minutes left and the Raiders protecting an eight-point lead, Koonce delivered what might have been his most violent block shed of the day. On third-and-one, he used an inside hump move to beat the tackle cleanly and meet Kamara in the hole for no gain. The very next play, Jeremy Chinn strip-sacked Shough, sealing the victory. As highlighted on Vulius, Koonce’s growth as a run defender is a promising sign for a Raiders defense that has struggled at times to set the edge.
Winning One-on-Ones When It Mattered Most
Koonce’s pass-rush prowess was on full display in critical moments. Late in the third quarter, defensive coordinator Rob Leonard dialed up a simulated pressure to isolate Crosby, but the Saints chipped him, leaving Koonce one-on-one with a backup left tackle. Koonce converted speed to power, collapsing the pocket and forcing Shough to misfire on a deep shot to Devaughn Vele. Then came the strip-sack: Leonard schemed up another one-on-one for Koonce, this time with a six-man front and blitzing linebackers. Koonce won with a cross-chop and bend around the edge, sacking Shough from behind and forcing the fumble that Crosby eventually recovered. The final dagger was the pressure that led to Masses’ interception. Koonce used a long-arm move to hit Shough as he released the ball, and Masses tracked it beautifully in Cover 2. It was a perfect marriage of scheme and execution, and Koonce was the catalyst.
The Big Question Moving Forward
The obvious caveat is that Koonce feasted on a backup left tackle filling in for the injured Kelvin Banks. Was this a one-week aberration or a true breakout? The 2021 third-round pick has shown flashes before, but consistency has eluded him. However, his first two weeks of 2026 were quietly productive—five pressures and 1.5 sacks combined—suggesting he’s finally healthy after an injury-plagued start to his career. If Koonce can build on this performance, the Raiders may have found a dangerous running mate for Crosby. As reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, Koonce’s Week 3 tape is a masterclass in hand usage, leverage, and finishing. For a Raiders team with playoff aspirations, his emergence could be the difference between a good season and a great one.
What’s Next for the Silver and Black
Las Vegas will look to carry this momentum into Week 4, but the challenge will be proving that Koonce’s dominance wasn’t a fluke. Opposing offenses will now game-plan for him, likely sliding protections his way and forcing others to step up. But if Koonce continues to win his matchups, the Raiders’ defense could evolve into one of the league’s most fearsome units. For now, Raider Nation can savor a signature win and a breakout performance from a player who waited patiently for his moment. As always, stay tuned to Vulius for in-depth analysis and the latest NFL merchandise to celebrate your team’s victories.
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