The vibe was not nearly as downcast as you might expect in the Raiders locker room after their latest heart-wrenching defeat dropped their record to 2-6.
Even if Tyler Lockett was WIDE open in the back of the end zone for what would have been a game-winning two-point conversion late in overtime, only for Jaguars defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton, all 6-feet-4, 335 pounds of him, to knock down Geno Smith's pass at the line of scrimmage.
Jaguars 30, Raiders 29.
Brutal. Absolutely brutal.
But here's the first thing…
The Raiders were "extremely" onboard with coach Pete Carroll's decision to go for the win, rather than the tie.
"If you're going to go out, I'd rather you go out blazing," said receiver Jakobi Meyers. "That's perfectly fine."
Added Smith: "I'm always going to aim to go for the win. Coach made the call, we were all on the same page, we had the call we wanted, we had the coverage we wanted, everything was set up perfectly and the guy jumped, tipped the ball and made a play."
And this from defensive end Maxx Crosby: "I feel like we stayed together, we fought as a team and came one play short. Take it as it is."
In fact, they all said they were looking forward to the fast turnaround, with a Thursday night game at Denver up next.
"As sh--- as this is," Crosby said, "I guess it's good to get back on the field quicker."
Even if the Raiders again failed to play a complementary game. Because that is what cost them so dearly against the Jaguars.
Special teams had a few hiccups early - the game literally turned on the normally reliable Daniel Carlson missing an extra-point attempt before his Jacksonville counterpart Cam Little drilled an NFL-record 68-yard field goal 35 seconds later to close out the first half.
The offense took a nap midway through the game - Smith threw his league-leading 11th interception, which resulted in another field goal for the Jaguars.
And the defense couldn't stop much of anything late. Entering the fourth quarter, the Jaguars dominated time of possession, 29:03-15:57, so the defense was gassed and summarily gashed, giving up three TDs and a field goal after the game entered the final quarter. Yes, tackling, or a lack thereof, was again a late-game issue for the Raiders.
And yet…
It was a better showing than the last time they took the field - the 31-0 shellacking at Kansas City before the bye. A much better showing.
Brock Bowers, healthy for the first time since his Week 1 tour de force, showed why he's the reigning First-Team All-Pro tight end with 12 catches for 127 yards and three touchdowns.
Smith had four touchdown passes and rookie running back Ashton Jeanty had 18 touches (13 carries and five receptions) for 89 yards and a score.
"I thought we gave ourselves a shot to win the game," Smith said. "If we make one or two plays here and there, I think the game is different, and we may not even go to overtime.
"But it's a step up from, obviously, what we did in the past week, but still, not enough. Not close to enough."
Even safety Isaiah Pola-Mao got involved with an end zone interception.
But in the end, as Smith said, it simply wasn't enough against a pedestrian Jacksonville team.
And here we are, looking for that second thing that is giving a glimmer of hope to the Raiders - stats.
"This was a really positive game, in so many ways," Carroll said. "We were going to win the game with no time left on the clock. Which is, like, perfect."
He's not wrong.
"Unfortunately," he added, "we couldn't get off the field in the second half."
He's absolutely correct.
It's an intriguing roster with savvy vets and still wet-behind-the-ears youngsters, a collection of players still in search of an identity upon which to hang their helmets.
And even if the locker room was not all that devastated, Carroll said he was hurting for "these freaking guys" in there.
"It just pisses me off that that's how it is," he said, referencing where the game was actually lost and won, depending upon your rooting allegiance.
"The all-time longest field goal in the history of the game," Carroll said, shaking his head. "And a missed extra point."
It's enough to break your heart, but keep hope alive. All at the same time.
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.
