NFL notebook: Gutsy call lifts Raiders past Saints, 35-34

For Oakland coach Jack Del Rio, calling for a do-or-die, 2-point conversion was less a gamble than a philosophical declaration.

Del Rio had no interest in a conservative point-after kick, and let his offense know it well before the decision had to be made. So when Derek Carr hit Seth Roberts for a 10-yard touchdown to cut New Orleans lead to a single point with 47 seconds left, kicker Sebastian Janikowski stood far from the action, helmet at his side, watching as Carr delivered a decisive fade pass to Michael Crabtree for a 35-34, season opening victory Sunday.

“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.

NFL will investigate concussion protocol

The NFL and the NFL Players Association will investigate whether Panthers and independent medical team members responded properly to the fourth-quarter hit on Panthers quarterback in Thursday’s season opener at Denver, the Charlotte Observer reported.

It’s the first investigation conducted by the league and players union since the two entities announced a new policy in July to enforce the NFL’s game-day concussion protocol and discipline teams that violate it.

Newton, the reigning league MVP, took at least four helmet-to-helmet hits during the 21-20 loss to the Broncos in a rematch of Super Bowl 50.

The hit in question was the final one absorbed by Newton – a violent collision by Broncos safety Darian Stewart that left Newton on his hands and knees while teammates checked on him.

Jaguars RB Ivory hospitalized

Jaguars running back Chris Ivory was been hospitalized with a “general medical issue” and didn’t play against Green Bay.

“Chris Ivory is doing well and is expected to be released from the hospital in the next day or two,” the Jaguars said. “More info will be provided at that time.”