The Las Vegas Raiders departed Arrowhead Stadium with a narrow two-point loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, a game filled with “what-ifs” for the team. One of the most pivotal moments came during the game’s final play.
Trailing 19-17 with less than two minutes remaining, rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell orchestrated an impressive drive, completing five passes for 55 yards to put the Raiders in position to take the lead. With 14 seconds left on the clock, O’Connell lined up in the shotgun formation for what seemed to be a routine clock management play.
“We planned to snap the ball and throw it out of bounds to kill about four or five more seconds before attempting a 49-yard field goal,” said head coach Antonio Pierce during the post game press conference.
The moment was set for kicker Daniel Carlson, who had struggled earlier in the game, missing three long field goals—all from beyond 55 yards. Unfortunately, a miscommunication between O’Connell and center Jackson Powers-Johnson resulted in a fumbled snap, which the Chiefs recovered to secure the victory.
“It’s completely on me,” O’Connell admitted. “I was looking to the right to make sure everyone was set, and I started clapping without realizing it would signal Jackson to snap the ball. He followed his instructions exactly as intended. I just miscommunicated, and it’s tough to swallow knowing the blame lies with me.”
Strong Performances from O’Connell and Bowers
Despite the heartbreaking ending, O’Connell had a career-best performance, completing 23 of 35 passes for 340 yards and two touchdowns in his first game since Week 7.
His top target was rookie sensation Brock Bowers, who recorded a career-high 140 receiving yards and a touchdown. It marked Bowers’ third game since Week 7 with at least 10 receptions. Reflecting on his performance, Bowers shared a mix of frustration and relief: “Honestly, at times I feel like I’m not doing enough out there. The first half was tough, but things started clicking as the game went on.”
Ground Game and Defensive Bright Spots
The Raiders also excelled on the ground, surpassing 100 rushing yards for the fourth time this season. Running back Sincere McCormick, elevated from the practice squad for the second consecutive week, led the charge with 64 rushing yards, averaging over five yards per carry.
“I focused on trusting my instincts and believing in what I saw,” McCormick said. “The team’s support keeps me confident and ready to make plays.”
Defensively, the Raiders contained Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, sacking him four times and limiting him to a 56.5% completion rate—his lowest of the season. The pass rush was a key factor in keeping the game competitive.
Moving Forward
Although the loss stung, the Raiders found positives in their effort and execution against the reigning Super Bowl champions. The team will now turn its attention to their next road game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
“I’m incredibly proud of this team,” said Pierce. “We went toe-to-toe with the champs and had our chances to win. The record doesn’t reflect the heart and fight these players bring every week. There’s no quit in this group, and that’s something to build on as we move forward.”
The Raiders may have fallen short, but their performance showcased resilience and determination—a foundation they’ll aim to build on in the weeks ahead.
