The Las Vegas Raiders suffered a heartbreaking 19-17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Friday, dropping their eighth consecutive game and falling to a 2-10 record for the season. The game ended in dramatic fashion in the final 15 seconds, with the Raiders on the brink of pulling off an upset victory against the 13½-point favorite Chiefs. The Raiders had spiked the ball at the Chiefs’ 32-yard line with 16 seconds remaining, putting them in a third-and-3 situation with kicker Daniel Carlson within range for a potential game-winning field goal. However, after missing three field goals earlier in the game from 56, 55, and 58 yards, Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce decided to run one final play before attempting the field goal. The idea was to throw the ball away, allowing the team to use up more clock before giving the ball back to Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. But disaster struck for the Raiders at a crucial moment.
With the play clock ticking down, rookie center Jackson Powers-Johnson snapped the ball too soon, unaware that quarterback Aidan O’Connell had not yet signaled for the snap. The ball bounced off O’Connell’s arm, and Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton recovered the fumble, sealing the Raiders’ fate. Though flags flew and one official signaled a false start that would have maintained possession for the Raiders, the penalty was later ruled to be an illegal shift on the Raiders, which was declined by the Chiefs.
Powers-Johnson took full responsibility for the botched snap, attributing it to “miscommunication” with O’Connell, and said he would put the loss on himself. O’Connell also admitted fault, explaining that he had clapped to signal for the snap but that it came too late. This was the first game O’Connell and Powers-Johnson had played together, and the miscommunication was costly.
Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby expressed his disappointment after the loss, calling it “so disappointing” given the team’s effort. He praised his teammates for their fight, particularly as underdogs against the reigning Super Bowl champions. Head coach Antonio Pierce, though visibly frustrated, was proud of his team’s effort, noting that despite their poor record, the Raiders continue to play with pride and determination.
