The Raiders were one point and one play short in this epic duel in Allegiant Stadium on Sunday.
After five lead changes in the second half and another 15 minutes to settle the score, the Raiders suffered their sixth loss of the season, 30-29, to the Jacksonville Jaguars. While the game ultimately came down to a two-point conversion, a few other miscues were far more costly in the result of this game.
The Jaguars were strikingly close to putting points on the board in the first quarter, driving the ball down the field 81 yards on the second possession. Trevor Lawrence went 7-of-9 for 49 yards to get his offense down to the two-yard line.
So close, yet so far as Isaiah Pola-Mao picked off Lawrence when the quarterback rolled left and forced a pass into double coverage.
It was Pola-Mao's second touchdown saving play of the drive, previously sprinting to break up a potential touchdown pass to Brian Thomas Jr. on a flea flicker. The safety is now the first Raiders with multiple interceptions this season.
Despite a couple of big rushes from Ashton Jeanty, the offense couldn't capitalize on the turnover. On fourth-and-one, Smith almost connected with Michael Mayer for a 37-yard touchdown. However, the ball was placed a bit out of the tight end's reach as it hit him on the fingertips.
Nevertheless, the Raiders were first to put points on the board thanks to their other tight end returning from injury after missing three games.
Smith found Brock Bowers for a seven-yard touchdown, with the tight end making an acrobatic, one-handed grab for his first touchdown of the season.
Bowers recorded 28 yards on two catches on the drive, and forced a pass interference on a target as well.
A four-point swing ensued before the end of the half. Daniel Carlson missed his extra-point attempt and Jaguars kicker Cam Little made NFL history with a 68-yard field goal through the uprights.
To start the second half, Smith threw an untimely interception on a pass meant for Mayer. It was Smith's 11th interception this season, and it led to Little knocking in a 33-yard field to tie the game at six.
However, the Raiders quickly found themselves back in the red zone with Raheem Mostert exploding for a 54-yard kick return. After a 14-yard Bowers catch, Las Vegas was at the one-yard line. But still, a false start played a pivotal role in stalling the drive and the Silver and Black had to settle for a 24-yard field goal to take a 9-6 lead.
The field goal instead of the touchdown proved costly, as the Jaguars would then take the lead for the first time in the game. Lawrence went untouched on a quarterback draw up the middle for a seven-yard touchdown rush.
The Raiders offense responded with a 15-yard touchdown grab by Ashton Jeanty on a screen pass. The rookie broke a tackle on safety Antonio Johnson in open space for his sixth touchdown on the year.
It still wasn't enough to put the Jaguars away. After a sack by Maxx Crosby to make it 3rd-and-11, Lawrence connected with Thomas Jr. for a 34-yard gain. A handful of plays later, a one-yard rush up the middle by rookie Bhayshul Tuten seesawed the lead back over to Jacksonville, 20-16.
But in return, that wasn't enough to put away Bowers either.
Smith went 5-of-5 for 62 yards down the field with three of those passes going to Bowers for 45 yards. To retake the lead, he found the tight end crossing into the middle of the field for what ultimately became a 27-yard foot race to the end zone.
The Jaguars depended on Little's boot once more for a 48-yard field goal make to tie the game at 23 and take it into overtime.
With the Jaguars' possession in overtime, they got the ball down to the one-yard line. The Raiders nearly made a goal line stop, but for a third time in this contest, the Jaguars went for it on fourth down inside their red zone. Lawrence leaped over his offensive line with the tip of the ball crossing the plane.
As the Raiders received the ball for their possession, they received good field position with another long kick return by Mostert for 51 yards. With another first-down gain by Bowers and a pass interference call in the end zone, the offense was at the 1-yard line with a chance to tie or win the game.
For a third time, Smith found Bowers in the end zone to bring it within one point. With his 12 catches for 127 yards, this was also Bowers' first game in his career with multiple touchdown catches. He is the first Raiders tight end with three touchdown catches in a game since Todd Christensen did so in 1986.
The Raiders didn't feel like settling for the tie. On a two-point conversion to win the game, Smith scanned the field and Tyler Lockett was getting open in the end zone. The perfect ending was written, as Smith and Lockett had connected on these clutch plays time and time before back with the Seattle Seahawks.
"I didn't even feel like it was much of a decision at all," Pete Carroll said postgame. "I thought, let's go for the win. Let's go win the game."
But the ball never got to Lockett, as it was batted down at the line of scrimmage by DaVon Hamilton
An ending to a game couldn't be more disappointing, but the Silver and Black have no time to wallow in defeat. They're on a short week with a Thursday Night Football game against the Denver Broncos on the horizon.
View photos from the Raiders' Week 9 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) and linebacker Jon Rhattigan (59) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) and defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tristin McCollum (27) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tristin McCollum (27) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11), defensive end Maxx Crosby (98), defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) and linebacker Elandon Roberts (52) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders offensive lineman Stone Forsythe (70) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) and linebacker Elandon Roberts (52) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) intercepts a pass during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle DJ Glaze (71) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders huddle during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Leki Fotu (95) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darien Porter (26) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard/center Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center/guard Jordan Meredith (61) and guard Dylan Parham (66) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) makes a 7-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) makes a 7-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Cody Lindenberg (55) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center/guard Jordan Meredith (61) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert (31) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) kicks a 24-yard field goal during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jamal Adams (33) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) and defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) and defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert (31) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) runs after making a 15-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) runs after making a 15-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) runs after making a 15-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) celebrates after making a 15-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) celebrates with offensive lineman Stone Forsythe (70) after making a 15-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) celebrates with running back Raheem Mostert (31) after making a 15-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jon Rhattigan (59) and linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes (22) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) sacks the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) sacks the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) celebrates with teammates after sacking the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert (31) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) runs after making a 27-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) runs after making a 27-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) celebrates after making a 27-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) celebrates after making a 27-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) celebrates after making a 27-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Decamerion Richardson (25) and kicker Daniel Carlson (8) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert (31) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) makes a 2-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) celebrates after making a 2-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium.
