We have now reached draft-spot watch season.
Before Thanksgiving. Before the Raiders have started the second round of games against AFC West rivals. Before Geno Smith gets sacked again.
But after moving on from Chip Kelly as offensive coordinator.
No, losing 24-10 to the Browns to fall to 2-9 on the season did not officially eliminate the Raiders from the playoff race…yet. But reality has set into a downcast Raiders locker room.
"You can cry and moan and it is what it is," offered edge rusher Maxx Crosby, who led the Raiders with eight tackles. "At this point, we play for the love of the game and nothing's guaranteed. Tomorrow's not guaranteed for anybody. So you should keep showing up and keep working."
Asked how he can compartmentalize the notion of missing out on the postseason with still putting his best effort going forward, Crosby shrugged.
"It's already kind of been that, to be real," he said. "The mindset never switches; you don't start playing different because you're in the playoffs or you're not in the playoffs. Obviously, at the end of the day it's about winning and that's what I want to do, more than anything on the planet. Unfortunately, right now, it's not that.
"Everyone's going to be searching for answers and solutions when things aren't going exactly well. And that's a good thing. Unfortunately, it's just not good enough. We're just not good enough right now. That's been pretty clear. That's the reality of it and we've got to get better."
It's a quest the Raiders have been on since the season-opening win at New England, which, by the way, is one of the 10-2 Patriots' only two losses.
And it's a quest the Raiders have been stumbling around on since, despite offseason hopes and that early feel-good win.
Make it make sense.
Against the heretofore woebegone Browns, who were starting rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders for the first time after his spectacular fall to the fifth round of the draft, the Raiders trailed 14-0 before they had 16 yards of total offense.
And by the time the dust cleared and the hometown boos dissipated, Smith had been sacked 10 times.
Yes, 10 times.
One shy of a Raiders franchise record set on Dec. 8, 1986, when Jim Plunkett (6), Marc Wilson (4) and Rusty Hilger (1) were sacked a combined 11 times by the Seahawks.
Two shy of the NFL record, most recently "accomplished" by the Giants against the Eagles in 2007.
"It's really on me," Smith said, matter-of-factly, even as it was Kelly who was dismissed. "I've got to make better plays, find a way.
"I wasn't counting the plays or the sacks so that's new information to me. I was just trying to go out there and execute, and trying to get the job done."
Granted, it's hard to do that under constant duress, when you're not under a mass of humanity.
It was after Sack No. 8 when Smith, emerging from the pile, threw his hands up in frustration while looking at the Raiders bench, as if to say, What do you expect me to do?
No other snapshot in time captured the game so perfectly from the Raiders' perspective.
So where do the Raiders go from here?
They still have quality skill players, from tight end Brock Bowers (six catches for 55 yards) to running back Ashton Jeanty (108 total yards), and Crosby on the defensive side of the ball.
And maybe that's why the perpetually positive Pete Carroll is able to put a happy-go-lucky face on things, even if he's never been 2-9 in his lengthy career as a head coach.
"Something good is just about to happen, and if you can hold onto that mentality, then you keep believing that you can turn and make things happen," he said. "That's kind of what has guided me for all these years.
"That's the approach, that's the outlook."
Up next, a three-game gauntlet with matchups at the Chargers (7-4), home against the Broncos (9-2) and at the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles (8-3).
Oof.
Which brings us back to our original thought – draft-slot watch season, right?
Only the Titans, at 1-10, have fewer wins than the Raiders, while the Giants (2-10), Jets (2-9) and Saints (2-9) have the same number of wins. So we're talking about a Top 5 pick at the moment, when the current Raiders are talking about trying to get better.
Which also brings us back to Crosby, who spoke not only of playing for pride, but having tunnel vision.
"It's unfortunate but we've got to just keep showing up every day with a positive attitude and keep working," he said.
"We've got 17 opportunities. If you don't want to be here, go home."
So there.
View photos from the Raiders' Week 12 matchup against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11), defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) and defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV (99) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Alex Bachman (81) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders offense during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) and quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders long snapper Jacob Bobenmoyer (50) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) and linebacker Elandon Roberts (52) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jamal Adams (33) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. (10) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) lines up before kicking a 41-yard field goal during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) runs after intercepting a pass during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) celebrates after intercepting a pass during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) celebrates after intercepting a pass during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyler Lockett (17) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV (99) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (36) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Lonnie Johnson Jr. (32) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Ian Thomas (80) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert (31) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (36) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Lonnie Johnson Jr. (32) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert (31) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyler Lockett (17) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle DJ Glaze (71) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center Will Putnam (67) and quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Dylan Parham (66) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV (99) and defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) and safety Jeremy Chinn (11) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders long snapper Jacob Bobenmoyer (50), linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) and linebacker Jon Rhattigan (59) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Pete Carroll during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes (22) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Elandon Roberts (52) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Elandon Roberts (52) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) and defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV (99) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jamal Adams (33) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) and defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Alex Bachman (81) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyler Lockett (17) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyler Lockett (17) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Ian Thomas (80) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Alex Cappa (65) and guard Dylan Parham (66) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders huddle during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) makes a 5-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) runs after making a 5-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) lines up before kicking a PAT during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Decamerion Richardson (25) and linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle JJ Pegues (92) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle JJ Pegues (92) and defensive end Charles Snowden (49) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.
