Looking for the epitome of bittersweet?
Look no further than the locker housing a pensive Michael Mayer, deep in the bowels of Allegiant Stadium late Sunday afternoon.
On one hand, the Raiders third-year tight end had a signature game - a career-high nine catches for a career-best 89 yards - as he got extra run with All-Pro Brock Bowers placed on injured reserve earlier in the week.
On the other hand, Mayer's exploits came in yet another blowout loss, this one 34-10 to the Giants that was not only the Raiders' 10th straight defeat, but also dropped their record to 2-14 and kept them firmly in line for the No. 1 overall draft pick with one game to go.
But players are not worried about such things as draft slots, nor should they be; they want success. And not necessarily individual success. Hence that whole bittersweet vibe enveloping Mayer in the gloaming of the Raiders' season.
"It's tough, man," Mayer said. "No matter how many catches, receiving yards, whatever, you just want to win and you know that maybe, sometimes, being able to catch the ball and really move the ball down the field, like I was able to do a little bit today, can help the team win.
"And [yet], you're not really anywhere close. You're not anywhere close. So it's a tough, tough pill to swallow."
Yeah, Mayer is pretty good, in case you forgot.
There's a reason the Raiders used a second-round pick, No. 35 overall, on him in 2023; he was the best tight end in the nation the previous fall at Notre Dame.
And there was also a reason why it took Mayer until now to emerge as a catch-and-run threat; the arrival of Bowers, who was a first-team All-Pro last season as a rookie.
"Mike had the chance to be featured today, and he totally came through," said Raiders coach Pete Carroll. "He was physical, he was creative, made all the catches. I just thought that was a beautiful game for Mike."
So much so that receiver and draft classmate Tre Tucker approached Mayer during the game.
No, not to remind Mayer that his Cincinnati team had beaten Mayer's Fightin' Irish in 2021, though Tucker would later drop that nugget in the Raiders locker room - a 24-13 Bearcats win in which Tucker had a 27-yard touchdown catch and Mayer caught eight passes for 93 yards.
But to dap him up.
"I told him that, literally during the game, like the last drive, I was like 'I'm proud of you, man,'" Tucker said. "'You got to catch some footballs today. See you running.'
"I was very happy to see him do what he did today."
In fact, Mayer authored five of the Raiders' 10 longest plays on the day, receptions for 19, 16, 13, 13 and 11 yards.
When he wasn't finding open spaces in the middle of the field, he was careening off defenders after securing the catch. When not wrecking defenders in the run game.
His favorite play against the Giants?
"I had like a little choice route that felt really good," he said. "I faked to the outside and ran inside and there was nobody on the whole inside. And that kind of brought me back to college. I used to run those routes all the time in college and it's so fun, because if you get the guy leaning one way, or if you run a stick, stick, stick and now, OK, well, I've run three straight sticks, [so] now I'm going to fake the stick, go inside.
"So, I'd say that one."
With Bowers healthy, and the Raiders running 12 personnel, it's easy to say that Bowers is the pass-catching tight end and Mayer is the blocking tight end.
Except…
And for the upteenth time, Mayer proved against the Giants his soft hands also make him a dual threat, a la Bowers.
"We have the best tight end tandem in the NFL," Tucker said.
"I played against [Mayer] in college … and he was a dog, the best tight end in the country. Then, the year after, we got the other best tight end in the country [in Bowers]. So, those two guys are tremendous."
But with Bowers on the sidelines, supporting his teammates and coaching up Mayer, it was Mayer's day.
Even if it wasn't the Raiders' day.
Knowing his ultimate team-first goal, I asked Mayer how it all felt…from a personal standpoint.
Mayer tried to hold back a smile.
"It felt so good," he said. "Oh, my God, it felt so good, man. I haven't been able to do that in a while. But it just, it really did feel really good.
"I know we didn't win the game, but to be able to do that and to be able to really just give myself some confidence like that, whether it's the first game of the season or the second-to-last game of the season, it's just, it feels really good. I want to win the game, but it feels good."
Good and, yes, bittersweet.
View the best photos from the Raiders' Week 17 matchup against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
An Inspire Change sweatshirt in the locker room prior to the Las Vegas Raiders' arrival for their regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Adam Butler's (69) pads in the locker room prior to the Raiders' arrival for their regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith's (7) locker in the locker room prior to the Raiders' arrival for their regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer's (87) locker in the locker room prior to the Raiders' arrival for their regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
The locker room prior to the Las Vegas Raiders' arrival for their regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders rally towels around Allegiant Stadium before the regular season home game against the New York Giants.
A view of Allegiant Stadium before the Las Vegas Raiders' regular season home game against the New York Giants.
Inspire Change signage around Allegiant Stadium before the regular season home game against the New York Giants.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) arrives to the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Caleb Rogers (76) arrives to the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Cody Lindenberg (55) arrives to the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. (10) arrives to the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Alex Bachman (81) arrives to the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes (22) arrives to the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Dylan Parham (66) arrives to the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Lonnie Johnson Jr. (32) arrives to the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Chris Collier (35) arrives to the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) arrives to the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Decamerion Richardson (25) arrives to the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Atonio Mafi (56) arrives to the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jamal Adams (33) arrives to the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) arrives to the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Ian Thomas (80) arrives to the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) arrives to the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) arrives to the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) warming up before the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kenny Pickett (15) warming up before the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darien Porter (26) warming up before the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. (10) warming up before the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) warming up before the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders linebackers huddle before the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darnay Holmes (30) warming up before the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) warming up before the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Decamerion Richardson (25) warming up before the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) in a huddle before the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders long snapper Jacob Bobenmoyer (50) warming up before the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders defensive backs huddle before the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Lonnie Johnson Jr. (32) warming up before the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (3) warming up before the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV (99) warming up before the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) signs autographs for fans before the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) warming up before the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders special teams unit warming up before the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) warming up before the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Alex Bachman (81) walks down the tunnel before the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (3) walks down the tunnel before the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Alex Cappa (65) walks down the tunnel before the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Caleb Rogers (76) warming up before the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) and safety Lonnie Johnson Jr. (32) walk down the tunnel before the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) warming up before the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darnay Holmes (30) warming up before the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) warming up before the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Lonnie Johnson Jr. (32) warming up before the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (3) warming up before the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders warming up before the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway (97) and guard Atonio Mafi (56) warming up before the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) is introduced onto the field before the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Dylan Parham (66) is introduced onto the field before the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Caleb Rogers (76) is introduced onto the field before the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) is introduced onto the field before the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle DJ Glaze (71) is introduced onto the field before the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyler Lockett (17) is introduced onto the field before the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) is introduced onto the field before the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) is introduced onto the field before the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) is introduced onto the field before the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) and Head Coach Pete Carroll during the national anthem before the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Alex Bachman (81) during the national anthem before the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes (22) during the national anthem before the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders walk out to the center of the field for the coin toss before the regular season home game against the the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders during the coin toss before the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) pressures the quarterback during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jamal Adams (33) and defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) make a tackle during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway (97) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) celebrates after breaking up a pass during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Decamerion Richardson (25) lines up before the snap during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) and defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) make a tackle during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Lonnie Johnson Jr. (32) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Alex Bachman (81) returns a punt during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) passes during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) rushes during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Alex Cappa (65) and guard Atonio Mafi (56) line up before the snap during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) goes for a catch during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) celebrates after making a first down during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) returns a kickoff during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) lines up before kicking a 42-yard field goal during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Greedy Vance (41) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jamal Adams (33) and safety Lonnie Johnson Jr. (32) make a tackle during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) lines up before the snap during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darien Porter (26) and linebacker Jamal Adams (33) make a tackle during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jamal Adams (33) celebrates after making a tackle during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jamal Adams (33) and defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) make a tackle during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) celebrates after making a tackle during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (3) rushes during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) looks for a receiver during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) punts during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) goes to make a tackle during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) celebrates after making a tackle during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) lines up before the snap during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway (97) and defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) pressure the quarterback during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) goes to sack the quarterback during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) sacks the quarterback during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) goes for a catch during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) rushes during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) rushes during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) hands the ball off to running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders offense lines up before the snap during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyler Lockett (17) makes a 4-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyler Lockett (17) makes a 4-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyler Lockett (17) celebrates with teammates after making a 4-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) kicks off during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) rushes during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Caleb Rogers (76) blocks during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Alex Cappa (65) blocks during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45), defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway (97) and defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV (99) make a tackle during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Elandon Roberts (52) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) lines up before the snap during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) rushes during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) rushes during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. (10) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kenny Pickett (15) looks for a receiver during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle DJ Glaze (71) and guard Caleb Rogers (76) block during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Shedrick Jackson (4) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium.
