Football is a game of inches, which the Raiders found out the hard way this Sunday.
Despite an incredible rushing attack that turned in 240 yards on the ground, the Silver and Black couldn't get out of their own way. The Raiders were one play short of coming away with a victory against the Chicago Bears, falling 25-24.
Things couldn't have gone worse for the Raiders offense on the first two possessions of the game. The first drive ended in an interception by Bears safety Kevin Byard III in the middle of the field.
On the next possession, the Silver and Black tried to convert on a fourth-and-one, but the Bears exploded up the middle to stuff the run and force a fumble on Ashton Jeanty. It was Smith's fifth interception this season and Jeanty's first fumble of his NFL career.
Nevertheless, the defense kept the team above water early. The unit allowed just three yards to the Bears on the first two drives of the game. After Jeanty's fumble, Maxx Crosby tipped a Caleb Williams pass at the line of scrimmage to come down with the defensive end's first career interception.
Crosby was on an absolute tear throughout this contest, recording three tackles for loss, three pass deflections, a forced fumble and the interception on the day.
His turnover was a shot of adrenaline to the entire team. The offense marched down the field with Smith and Jeanty accounting for 47 rushing yards combined. The Raiders then took their first lead of the game as Smith found the rookie running back in the flat for a eight-yard grab and go to the end zone.
After scoring his first receiving touchdown in Allegiant Stadium, Jeanty then got his first rushing touchdown in his home stadium.
And it was in grand fashion.
In the following possession after another Smith interception by Byard, the Raiders turned back to the running back who broke out of three tackles near the line of scrimmage to find open field. The fourth broken tackle would be on, ironically, Byard. Jeanty ran 64 yards down the gridiron.
A Cairos Santos third field goal of the day brought the score to a 14-9 Raiders lead at halftime – their first game this season leading going into the second half.
However, the second half got off to an eerily similar start as the first half for the offense. On the first play of the half, Smith faked a handoff to Jeanty before throwing his third interception of the game. Tyrique Stevenson went stride for stride with Jakobi Meyers and jumped in front of the pass.
On all three of Smith's interceptions, Meyers was the intended receiver.
The Raiders defense weren't able to maintain their "bend but don't break" mentality that kept the Bears out of the end zone the whole first half. Seven points ensued following the turnover, as Caleb Williams found Rome Odunze for a 27-yard touchdown pass.
Facing adversity, the Raiders continued keep pounding the ground attack.
On five carries, Jeanty rushed for another 28 yards as the Raiders reached the goal line. He found an open spot in coverage, breaking another two tackles en route to his second receiving touchdown of the day.
In totality, Jeanty accumulated 155 scrimmage yards for three total touchdowns.
After another field goal made by Santos, the Silver and Black extended their lead with a 29-yard field goal of their own from Daniel Carlson. A touchdown could've extended the lead to nine, however the offense stalled out at the goal line.
The three points instead of seven would be crucial for the Silver and Black, as the Bears went 69 yards down the field to score a touchdown with 1:39 remaining. After the D'Andre Swift two-yard rush into the end zone, the Bears couldn't convert on their two-point conversion.
As Carlson lined up from 54 yards to potentially win the game, the field goal attempt was blocked by Josh Blackwell.
"You can't expect to turn the ball over like that and win. It almost doesn't happen," Pete Carroll said postgame. "But we overcame it because the defense was so spectacular in the first half making those stops. They were great. It gave us a chance. The score could've been ridiculous after the first quarter, but it wasn't. We learn, we grow and we have to do better."
The Raiders now stand at a 1-3 record with more questions than answers heading into Week 5.
View photos from the Raiders' Week 4 matchup against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Elandon Roberts (52) and linebacker Devin White (45) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Germaine Pratt (57), defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) and linebacker Devin White (45) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV (99) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders huddle during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders offense during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Germaine Pratt (57) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) intercepts a pass during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) runs after making an interception during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) celebrates after making an interception during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) celebrates with teammates after making an interception during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders offense during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) and quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) goes for an 8-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) runs after making an 8-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) runs after making an 8-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) celebrates with wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. (10) after making an 8-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) celebrates with center Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) after making an 8-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders special teams huddle during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) and linebacker Devin White (45) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) rushes for a 64-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) celebrates after rushing for a 64-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jamal Adams (33) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (36) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) and safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (36) and safety Jeremy Chinn (11) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center/guard Jordan Meredith (61) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle DJ Glaze (71) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) runs after making a 9-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) runs after making a 9-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) celebrates after making a 9-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) celebrates with wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. (10) after making a 9-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) celebrates with quarterback Geno Smith (7) after making a 9-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) kicks a PAT during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Germaine Pratt (57) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders special teams during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert (31) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert (31) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert (31) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center/guard Jordan Meredith (61) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert (31) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) lines up before kicking a 29-yard field goal during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darien Porter (26) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (36) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.
