The Las Vegas Raiders have reached new heights of disappointment this season, adding a dramatic collapse to their list of ways to lose games. After facing tough losses to the Chargers and Commanders in previous weeks, the Raiders came close but ultimately fell to the Chicago Bears 25-24 at Allegiant Stadium.
In a contest marked by missed opportunities and self-inflicted wounds, the Raiders allowed the Bears to mount an 11-play, 69-yard touchdown drive late in the fourth quarter, sealing their fate on Sunday. Coach Pete Carroll lamented the team’s inability to make a crucial stop, stating, “Unfortunately, we didn’t get it done.”
Despite a lackluster offensive showing for much of the game, the Bears managed to score when it counted, with veteran running back D’Andre Swift finding the end zone on a 2-yard rush with just 1:34 remaining. The Raiders had a chance to reclaim the lead in the final minute but were thwarted when kicker Daniel Carlson’s 54-yard field goal attempt was blocked by Chicago’s Josh Blackwell.
Carroll expressed the challenges of facing the home crowd amidst such disappointing performances. “It’s tough to come in here twice for our fans and not come out with wins,” he noted, while the atmosphere was notably different this time around, with Bears fans celebrating a road victory.
Raiders’ edge rusher Maxx Crosby acknowledged the team’s struggles, stating, “We’re really close. It came down to the last play. We’ve got to find a way to not make it so hard on ourselves.” Crosby had a standout performance himself, including his first career interception and multiple tackles for loss.
On the offensive side, rookie running back Ashton Jeanty shone brightly, racking up 155 yards from scrimmage and scoring three touchdowns. His breakout game came at an opportune moment against the league’s worst rush defense, showcasing the run-first mentality that Coach Carroll and new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly have been promoting. Jeanty highlighted his team-first attitude, emphasizing, “It’s all about winning and not personal performance but team success.”
Despite the offensive flashes, the Raiders’ overall execution faltered, particularly quarterback Geno Smith, who threw three interceptions and became the league leader in that category this season. His struggles continued to hinder the team’s efforts, and he acknowledged the need for self-improvement. “There’s a lot of things I’m going to have to fix within myself,” Smith said. “That’s the reality.”
The Raiders have demonstrated sporadic brilliance but continue to face setbacks that prevent them from closing games. With a crowded field of challenges ahead, there is still hope that the team can learn from these mistakes and harness their potential moving forward.