Los Raiders tuvieron oportunidades para competir y mantenerse en el partido, pero cinco pérdidas de balón en la segunda mitad terminaron por sentenciar su destino. Las Vegas cayó 38-17 ante los 49ers de San Francisco 49ers en el Estadio Levi's, marcando su primer partido en el Área de la Bahía desde que la franquicia se reubicó de Oakland a Las Vegas en 2020.
El encuentro comenzó cuesta arriba para los dirigidos por Klint Kubiak. San Francisco encontró la zona de anotación en sus primeras tres series ofensivas. Kirk Cousins consiguió acercar a Las Vegas con un acarreo de dos yardas para anotación, mientras que un gol de campo de 50 yardas de Matt Gay dejó el déficit de los Malosos se fueran al descanso abajo 21-10.
Sin embargo, el panorama cambió drásticamente después del medio tiempo.
En la primera jugada ofensiva de Las Vegas en el tercer cuarto, una intercepción de Jaden Dugger, quien regresó el balón 35 yardas hasta las diagonales, amplió nuevamente la ventaja de San Francisco. Los Raiders respondieron con una conexión de 21 yardas entre Cousins y Brock Bowers para acercarse 28-17, pero la ofensiva no pudo encontrar continuidad.
Las Vegas tuvo una oportunidad de oro cuando Treydan Stukes interceptó a Brock Purdy en la siguiente serie ofensiva de San Francisco. Sin embargo, en sus cuatro series ofensivas restantes, fueron los propios Raiders quienes terminaron perdiendo el ovoide. Dos de los errores más costosos llegaron de manos de las alas cerradas Brock Bowers y Michael Mayer, cuyos balones sueltos devolvieron la posesión a San Francisco en momentos en los que Las Vegas buscaba reducir la desventaja a una sola posesión.
El contraste fue evidente al considerar que los Raiders habían promediado apenas una pérdida de balón por partido durante sus primeros ocho encuentros de la temporada y solamente habían registrado múltiples entregas en dos de ellos. Ante San Francisco, los turnovers se convirtieron en el principal obstáculo para Las Vegas. Dos de esas pérdidas ocurrieron cerca de la zona de anotación, desperdiciando oportunidades valiosas para acercarse en el marcador y aumentar la presión sobre los 49ers.
"Fue frustrante, sentíamos que estábamos moviendo bastante bien el balón y las pérdidas de balón nos perjudicaron", declaró Bowers, quién asumió la responsabilidad por su error y reconoció la frustración que representó para el equipo. "No puedo soltar el balón ni dejarlo en el campo. Así que sí, me responsabilizo".
A pesar de los errores ofensivos, la defensa de Las Vegas intentó mantener al equipo en la pelea. La unidad consiguió generar oportunidades para recuperar la posesión, incluyendo entregas de balón y paradas en cuarta oportunidad. Sin embargo, la ofensiva no logró convertir esas oportunidades en puntos.
"No me gusta perder partidos de esta manera", aseguró el entrenador en jefe Klint Kubiak. "Tenemos que demostrar mucha más capacidad de reacción cuando juegas contra un gran equipo como el que enfrentamos hoy. Cuando comienzas tan lento, no te colocas en una buena posición, pero estoy orgulloso de entrenar a los jugadores que tenemos".
Por su parte, Kirk Cousins terminó el encuentro con 22 pases completos en 32 intentos para 216 yardas, un touchdown y tres intercepciones. Después de solo lanzar una intercepción entre los últimos cuatro partidos, el veterano mariscal de campo fue interceptado en múltiples ocasiones por apenas la primera vez desde la semana inaugural ante Miami
"Sentí que había jugadas que podíamos realizar", expresó tras el encuentro Cousins. "Nuestra defensa hizo un buen trabajo en la segunda mitad al conseguir recuperar el balón, provocando entregas y paradas en cuarta oportunidad. Los equipos especiales también nos dieron buenas posiciones de campo. Es decepcionante no haber aprovechado esas oportunidades para reducir la ventaja".
Brock Bowers de nueva cuenta brilló para el conjunto Plata y Negro, terminando con siete recepciones para 111 yardas y una anotación. Sin embargo, la producción aérea no fue suficiente para compensar las dificultades del ataque terrestre, que apenas consiguió 24 yardas en 15 acarreos.
Del otro lado del balón, Maxx Crosby logró capturar a Brock Purdy en la primera jugada de la última serie de la segunda mitad, deteniendo cualquier posibilidad de sumar más puntos para San Francisco antes del medio tiempo. Marcó el segundo partido consecutivo para Maxx con captura después de solo acumular dos entre las primeras seis semanas. Pero la defensa permitió que un oponente les anotara al menos 30 puntos ellos por sexto juego consecutivo.
"Tenemos que jugar mejor como equipo, con las tres unidades trabajando juntas", enfatizó Crosby. "Sentimos que cuando la defensa tiene buenos momentos, tenemos dificultades del otro lado, y cuando estamos batallando (a la defensiva), la ofensiva está jugando bien. Tenemos que funcionar mejor como equipo. Hay muchas cosas que necesitamos mejorar".
Más allá de la frustración por el resultado, dentro del vestidor existe la confianza de que el equipo puede corregir el rumbo trabajando en los detalles y manteniendo el compromiso que ha mostrado durante la temporada, que ya los tiene con más victorias que las que sumaron la temporada pasada y donde han logrado pelearle al parejo a equipos contendientes.
"Tenemos muchos jugadores trabajadores en este equipo", expresó Michael Mayer. "Tenemos jugadores aguerridos y veteranos. Nos encanta jugar fútbol americano, nos encanta venir a trabajar y competir. Vamos a regresar y seguir entrenando. Personalmente, me voy a concentrar en los detalles para proteger mejor el balón".
Con este resultado, los Raiders dejan su marca en 4-5 y ahora tendrán que reagruparse para corregir los errores que les impidieron competir durante los cuatro cuartos ante San Francisco.
La derrota por 38-17 no solamente representa una oportunidad que dejaron ir en su regreso al Área de la Bahía, sino también un recordatorio de lo costoso que puede resultar no cuidar el balón en una liga donde cada posesión cuenta.
View photos from the Raiders' regular season Week 9 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Folorunso Fatukasi (94) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes (5) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes (5) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Folorunso Fatukasi (94) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) and linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Quay Walker (7) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Quay Walker (7) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway (97), safety Treydan Stukes (31) and safety Jeremy Chinn (11) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dareke Young (81) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Trey Zuhn III (66) and center Tyler Linderbaum (65) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Trey Zuhn III (66) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard/center Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Kwity Paye (95) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. (4) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech (18) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jalen Nailor (9) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders offense during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders offense during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dareke Young (81) and wide receiver Cody White (82) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Cody Lindenberg (55) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) and fullback Connor Heyward (34) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Treydan Stukes (31) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jermod McCoy (28) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darrell Luter Jr. (25) and running back Dylan Laube (23) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jalen Nailor (9) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Matt Gay (14) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard/center Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) and kicker Matt Gay (14) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center Tyler Linderbaum (65), wide receiver Tre Tucker (1), and guard Spencer Burford (70) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders offense during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jalen Nailor (9), tight end Brock Bowers (89) and running back Ashton Jeanty (2)during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Spencer Burford (70) and tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dareke Young (81) and linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Treydan Stukes (31) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Treydan Stukes (31) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Treydan Stukes (31) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Treydan Stukes (31) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Treydan Stukes (31) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Treydan Stukes (31) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Treydan Stukes (31) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center Tyler Linderbaum (65) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Quay Walker (7) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Treydan Stukes (31) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Kwity Paye (95) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darrell Luter Jr. (25) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Segun Olubi (50) and linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard/center Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. (4) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Nakobe Dean (17) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Kwity Paye (95) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Caleb Rogers (76) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center Tyler Linderbaum (65) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Quay Walker (7) and defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jermod McCoy (28) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Quay Walker (7), defensive tackle Tim Keenan III (91) and defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway (97) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Nakobe Dean (17) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Kwity Paye (95) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Nakobe Dean (17) and cornerback Taron Johnson (3) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jermod McCoy (28) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dareke Young (81) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Nakobe Dean (17) and safety Jeremy Chinn (11) during the regular season game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
