INGLEWOOD, Calif. – Brock Bowers, ballcap pulled low on his brow at his locker and itching to get to the team bus, had yet to see the play.
The play that gave the Raiders a silver lining in a black cloud.
The play that gave the Raiders a moment to celebrate.
The play he authored.
In fact, the first-team All-Pro tight end could not not even assign a degree of difficulty on the highlight reel one-handed grab he made for a fourth-quarter touchdown in the Raiders' eventual 31-14 loss to the Chargers.
"I don't even know how it happened," Bowers said sheepishly.
Here's what happened, then:
On second-and-goal from the Chargers 6-yard line, Geno Smith dropped back and, under duress, fired an off-balance throw from his back foot to Bowers, who was on the right side, the ball launching before Bowers turned around.
Running toward the right pylon and covered by cornerback Cam Hart, Bowers spun to his left, counterclockwise, to shield Hart from the incoming ball. Falling to the end zone, and with the flight of the ball dying, Bowers stuck out his left hand and snatched it from the air, cradling it.
Simply. Beautifully.
And, yes, with his left hand, his non-dominant hand, keeping any and all part of the pigskin from touching the SoFi Stadium Matrix Turf surface before he rolled over and had his second score of the game, his fifth of the season.
"That dude is built different," said rookie receiver Jack Bech. "There's not many people on this Earth that could make that play."
Indeed, it was a feel-good moment for the Raiders on a day when there were not many to be had.
But it also served as a reminder of the potential of the team going forward, with building blocks such as Bowers, running back Ashton Jeanty and edge rusher Maxx Crosby.
"Brock Bowers is a tremendous player," Smith said. "We see it week in and week out. He makes plays all over the field. He does things not many guys can do and we've got to continue to find ways to get him in space and get him the ball. He's a great player."
Not that Bowers was going to gloat or anything. He just wants to play, and win games. But at 2-10 and staring at a potential top two draft pick, the Raiders are closer to rebuilding than competing.
Even with Bowers' heroics, less than a week after Chip Kelly was relieved of his duties as offensive coordinator and QB coach Greg Olson took over offensive playcalling responsibilities.
Which is why I asked Bowers what, exactly, was going through his mind as the play was unfolding.
His answer should, and shouldn't, surprise you.
"I don't really think out there," Bowers said. "I just kind of see the ball coming and I just do whatever I can to catch it. That's kind of my mindset. I feel like if I start over-thinking, then my game's not going to be as good."
And that's a scary thought.
Consider: in taking that read and react approach as a pass-catching tight end, Bowers had his second career game with multiple TD catches, along with the three-score game he had against the Jaguars in Week 9.
Bowers, who caught four passes for 63 yards and the two TDs against the Chargers, also caught the 161st pass of his two-year career, becoming the first tight end in NFL history with 160 catches through his first two seasons. The only other non-wide receivers to catch at least 160 passes through their first two seasons are running backs Christian McCaffrey (187), Alvin Kamara (162) and Reggie Bush (161).
Hearing those names probably won't have much of an effect on Bowers' mellow mien, either.
But if, as Jeanty said, "I turned and heard everybody screaming" after Bowers' catch, what did Bowers hear?
"Nothing," he said. "I don't know. I couldn't even tell you. It's just kind of that gameset mode where you just go and don't even think."
Because, again, if Bowers thinks too much on the field, or overthinks things, that's when he might run into some trouble.
Three snaps earlier, the Raiders thought Bowers had scored on a 3-yard pass from Smith, Bowers simply bodying Hart for the TD. But the Chargers had been granted a timeout before the ball was snapped.
That made the highlight-reel grab all the sweeter.
"It was kind of funny because we just ran the same thing twice," Bowers said. "It was kind of funny. I heard the whistles blowing and I was like, 'Oh, whatever, I'll still catch it because, why not?'
"You never know what's happening out there."
It's just Bowers, making ridiculous plays. Without thinking about it.
View photos from the Raiders' Week 13 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Caleb Rogers (76) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Elandon Roberts (52) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes (22) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51), defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) and defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Pete Carroll on the sidelines during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) and safety Jeremy Chinn (11) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV (99) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darien Porter (26) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle JJ Pegues (92) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (36) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (36) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jamal Adams (33) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech (18) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Atonio Mafi (56) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Alex Cappa (65) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) makes a 6-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) celebrates with wide receiver Tyler Lockett (17) after making a 6-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) celebrates with teammates after making a 6-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jon Rhattigan (59) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) on the sidelines during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) on the sidelines during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle DJ Glaze (71), guard Caleb Rogers (76) and guard Alex Cappa (65) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Cody Lindenberg (55) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Elandon Roberts (52) and defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) and cornerback Eric Stokes (22) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (36) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. (10) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Ian Thomas (80) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech (18) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) makes a 6-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) makes a 6-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) makes a 6-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) celebrates with tackle DJ Glaze (71) after making a 6-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) celebrates with tight end Ian Thomas (80) after making a 6-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (36) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
