In the final home game of the season, the Raiders came up just a couple of plays short.
Despite being up two points with 19 seconds left in the game, the Raiders defense could not find a way to pull out the game, losing a devastating, last-second defeat to the Miami Dolphins.
"To watch it go like that, I'm sick for our organization. I'm sick for our defense. I'm sick for our team," said quarterback Derek Carr, who played through a groin injury sustained last week against the Chargers. "I feel sick for all those guys. My heart feels for them. My heart feels for our fans to watch and to be so excited and we take the lead, and then it's gone."
Coach Gruden decided to run the clock down in the red zone in order to give the ball back to the Dolphins with as little time as possible. The offense successfully vaporized the clock, setting up Daniel Carlson's 22-yard field goal to take the lead with 19 seconds left.
Then, disaster: Ryan Fitzpatrick threw a 34-yard bomb to Mack Hollins with a 15-yard penalty added to it after a facemask call. This lead to Jason Sanders making a 44-yard field goal to win the game and officially end the Raiders playoff hopes. Despite how the Dolphins responded after scoring the field goal and not going for the touchdown, Gruden "doesn't regret [the decision] one bit, just the results."
"We played it exactly the way we wanted to play it," said Coach Gruden "It was a heck of a job by our offense, closing the deal as I thought, but unfortunately they made a desperation play, and the penalty was horrific."
Darren Waller performed above and beyond – as we have become accustomed to – going for 112 yards on 5 receptions. He also broke two Raider tight end records, becoming the second tight end in Raiders history to have two 1,000 receiving yard seasons as well as the most receptions for a tight end in a single season — both held by Todd Christensen.
"Definitely a great learning experience," said Waller. "When you feel this, you know what it's like and how it feels and you don't want to feel that anymore. So, I feel like the defense can definitely build off of this and learn how to close games because once we get out there and start closing games like I know that they're capable of doing, that puts this team on a whole other level. I'm excited to see them do that, and I know that they will do that in the future."
Carr, coming off a 336 passing yard, two total touchdown performance, also recognizes the need for his young team to grow and gain experience to avoid situations like this moving forward.
"There's a lot of young guys on this team, and it sucks to say, but we're building something," said Carr. "Sometimes you have to do that with young pieces, and for us old guys, sometimes things can get a bit frustrating, but I've been there. I've been in their shoes.
"I've had plenty of highs, plenty of lows in this league just like everybody, and crap happens in the NFL. What you can't change is your attitude and the way you come in to work everyday."
View photos from the Raiders' Week 16 matchup against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday night football.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Maurice Hurst (73) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders offense huddles during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) and running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders offense huddles during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) rushes for a 1-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) celebrates with teammates after rushing for a 1-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) celebrates after rushing for a 1-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) and linebacker Kyle Wilber (58) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders defense huddles during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24), linebacker Cory Littleton (42) and safety Lamarcus Joyner (29) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24), linebacker Cory Littleton (42) and safety Lamarcus Joyner (29) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Arden Key (99) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nevin Lawson (26) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (11) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) and fullback Alec Ingold (45) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Devontae Booker (23) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Damon Arnette (20) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Raekwon McMillan (54) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Cory Littleton (42), fullback Alec Ingold (45), tight end Derek Carrier (85) and punter AJ Cole (6) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27) and linebacker Cory Littleton (42) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Lamarcus Joyner (29) and cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Gabe Jackson (66), center Rodney Hudson (61), tackle Kolton Miller (74), tackle Trent Brown (77), quarterback Derek Carr (4) and tackle Denzelle Good (71) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Trent Brown (77), center Rodney Hudson (61), tackle Denzelle Good (71), running back Josh Jacobs (28), center Rodney Hudson (61), guard Gabe Jackson (66), tight end Darren Waller (83) and wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a 23-yard field goal during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Lamarcus Joyner (29) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Raekwon McMillan (54) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Trent Brown (77), guard Gabe Jackson (66), center Rodney Hudson (61), running back Jalen Richard (30), tackle Denzelle Good (71), running back Jalen Richard (30), tackle Kolton Miller (74) and quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders offense huddles during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a 38-yard field goal during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders defense huddles during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Javin White (53) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24) and linebacker Raekwon McMillan (54) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Damon Arnette (20) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) and tackle Trent Brown (77) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Kendal Vickers (91) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Kendal Vickers (91) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Vic Beasley (51) and defensive end Kendal Vickers (91) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Kendal Vickers (91) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Kendal Vickers (91) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Bryan Edwards (89) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Bryan Edwards (89) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Jason Witten (82) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a 20-yard field goal during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a 20-yard field goal during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Maurice Hurst (73) and defensive end Carl Nassib (94) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) and cornerback Isaiah Johnson (31) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Gabe Jackson (66), center Rodney Hudson (61), tackle Denzelle Good (71), running back Devontae Booker (23), tackle Kolton Miller (74) and tight end Darren Waller (83) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Devontae Booker (23) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Cory Littleton (42) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Cory Littleton (42) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Cory Littleton (42) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (90) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (90) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (90) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Arden Key (99), defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (90) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Gabe Jackson (66), running back Josh Jacobs (28), tackle Trent Brown (77) and center Rodney Hudson (61) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Trent Brown (77), guard Gabe Jackson (66), center Rodney Hudson (61) and quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Cory Littleton (42) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Damon Arnette (20) and defensive end Vic Beasley (51) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Lamarcus Joyner (29) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Isaiah Johnson (31) and safety Johnathan Abram (24) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) throws an 85-yard touchdown pass during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) heads to the end zone on an 85-yard touchdown reception during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) heads to the end zone on an 85-yard touchdown reception during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) heads to the end zone on an 85-yard touchdown reception during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) heads to the end zone on an 85-yard touchdown reception during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) heads to the end zone on an 85-yard touchdown reception during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) celebrates after making an 85-yard touchdown reception during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) celebrates after making an 85-yard touchdown reception during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) celebrates with teammates after making an 85-yard touchdown reception during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) and quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Gabe Jackson (66), center Rodney Hudson (61), guard John Simpson (76), running back Josh Jacobs (28), tackle Kolton Miller (74) and tight end Darren Waller (83) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83), running back Josh Jacobs (28) and guard Gabe Jackson (66) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders offense huddles during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Gabe Jackson (66), fullback Alec Ingold (45), running back Josh Jacobs (28) and center Rodney Hudson (61) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a 22-yard field goal during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a 22-yard field goal during the regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.
