With a 24-17 loss to the Denver Broncos, the Las Vegas Raiders have now been swept by the divisional rival for a second straight season.
And as for how this contest transpired, the Raiders continued to struggle in all of the same areas they have throughout the year.
Denver went 7-of-12 on third-down, controlled the tempo of the game with nearly 20 more minutes in time of possession and outgained the Raiders on the ground by 112 yards.
First-round pick Ashton Jeanty rushed for less than 50 yards, and Geno Smith was sacked three times before exiting the game early with a shoulder injury.
"Nobody expected to come into the season and lose this much," Jeanty said postgame.
"We need to execute better," offensive lineman Alex Cappa added. "Obviously we're not winning games, so we're not good enough to get Deuce [Ashton Jeanty] going. We're not scoring enough points so overall we just got to execute better."
The Broncos offense made a statement on the opening drive with a 14-play, 81-yard possession that took up nearly nine minutes. Missed tackling and the inability to stop the run allowed rookie RJ Harvey to rush for 30 yards on three carries – and 75 yards on the day. The drive was capped off with a QB draw from Bo Nix, who ran eight yards to the end zone untouched.
The Raiders offense managed to respond in big way against stout Broncos secondary. Smith went 6-of-6 for 53 yards and connected with Brock Bowers for 15-yard touchdown to tie the game up.
With Smith's six completions his most consecutive completions to start a game this season, it was also the Raiders' first touchdown scored on an opening drive since their Week 1 victory against the New England Patriots.
Denver tilted the momentum – and the lead – back over to their sideline, thanks to special teams. Backed up against the Raiders' own end zone, AJ Cole punted the ball to All-Pro returner Marvin Mims who churned out 48 yards to the house.
In a season that has seen many special teams errors for the Silver and Black, this is the fourth time in franchise history the Raiders have allowed multiple punt return touchdowns in a single season. Their last season doing so was 2011. Heading into the Week 14 matchup, the Raiders had allowed the fourth-most punt return yardage.
After Smith's perfect drive to start the game, the Raiders quarterback cooled off and went 2-of-6 for 18 yards while being sacked three times to end the first half.
The game continued to take an unfortunate turn for Smith, as he injured his right hand on their first possession of the second half. Following a Raiders three-and-out, Denver once again methodically drove the ball down the field for 91 yards, taking 9:13 off the game clock in the process. Rookie running back RJ Harvey pushed through at the goal line to give Denver a 21-7 lead.
As Smith continued to push through the pain, he was ultimately taken out the game to start the fourth quarter after sustaining a right shoulder injury.
"From what I heard he got his hand cut and it was bleeding a lot," Pete Carroll said of Smith's health status. "And so, they just had to stop the bleeding. He got kicked or scraped or something like that. That's what I heard, I didn't see that. But his shoulder - he got hit pretty good."
Kenny Pickett came into the game in place of Smith and on fourth-and-goal, tried threading the ball in the end zone to Bowers, but it resulted in a turnover on downs.
Another lengthy 10-minute drive for the Broncos sealed the deal when Will Lutz made a 23-yard field goal. The Raiders put another 10 points on the board late in the game as Pickett found Shedrick Jackson for a 25-yard touchdown, which also happened to be the first catch of Jackson's career. Daniel Carlson made a 46-yard field goal as the clock expired in regulation to make it a one-score defeat.
Of the players who still had impressive showings, linebacker Devin White recorded 19 total tackles and rookie Jack Bech posted a career-high six catches for 50 yards.
"Our guys are fighting," Caroll said postgame. "They're trying to keep this thing going, trying to get ourselves a chance to win a game but there's just a couple aspects of it that we're not able to hold up. We've just got to keep working.
"We know what we're playing for, we're playing for our pride, to do something good and play for the guys across from you."
View photos from the Raiders' Week 14 matchup against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) and linebacker Devin White (45) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jamal Adams (33) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) and linebacker Devin White (45) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darien Porter (26) and defensive end Charles Snowden (49) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders huddle during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Ian Thomas (80) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) and quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Ian Thomas (80) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Ian Thomas (80) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) makes a 15-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) celebrates after making a 15-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) celebrates with running back Ashton Jeanty (2) after making a 15-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) celebrates with quarterback Geno Smith (7) after making a 15-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darien Porter (26) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (36) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) and linebacker Elandon Roberts (52) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) and linebacker Devin White (45) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darien Porter (26) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV (99) and cornerback Dairen Porter (26) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner (19) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert (31) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert (31) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders huddle during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) and linebacker Elandon Roberts (52) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes (22) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) on the sidelines during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darien Porter (26) and defensive tackle JJ Pegues (92) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle DJ Glaze (71) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyler Lockett (17) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) and safety Tristin McCollum (27) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes (22) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes (22) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes (22) and defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV (99) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Elandon Roberts (52), defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and linebacker Devin White (45) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Elandon Roberts (52) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darien Porter (26) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) and defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) on the sidelines during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech (18) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech (18) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Caleb Rogers (76) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kenny Pickett (15) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Lonnie Johnson Jr. (32) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kenny Pickett (15) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech (18) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Shedrick Jackson (4) makes a 25-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Shedrick Jackson (4) celebrates after making a 25-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Shedrick Jackson (4) celebrates with guard Alex Cappa (65) after making a 25-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV (99) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darien Porter (26) and safety Jeremy Chinn (11) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert (31) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kenny Pickett (15) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
