The Las Vegas Raiders' 27-20 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs can be summed up with one question: what could've been?
That's what the Silver and Black will likely ask themselves when watching film of leading the two-time defending champions 10-7 at the end of the first quarter.
The same question will be asked following Tre’von Moehrig's interception to put the team in position to retake the lead near the end of the third quarter.
The answers to the questions revolve around a multitude of things.
First, the penalties. After being one of the least penalized teams in the NFL to start the season, the squad has continued to struggle in this category over the last few weeks. They committed five penalties for 32 yards on Sunday, some of which came in crucial moments as the offense was driving down the field.
"You can't kill yourselves," Antonio Pierce said postgame. "We've got great opportunities like we did twice in the third quarter to get points on the board. We've got to do that. ... I don't think you ever try to coach or play the game perfect. You do the best you can, but obviously, they were better in a lot of areas today than us."
Secondly, the Raiders couldn't find enough success in the red zone. They went 2-of-4 in scoring territory, including a 33 percent conversion rating on goal-to-go situations.
"It's really frustrating. That's obviously something we have to be better at," Gardner Minshew II said of the lack of red zone success. "We've been getting down there a few times, the defense put us down there a couple times. We've got to be able to get it in the end zone, point blank, period, if we want to be the team we've got to be. I have to look at it, figure out what we've done well over the last little bit and figure out what's not working and go from there."
With the Raiders on the three-yard line in hopes of taking a 20-17 lead, they were stopped behind the line of scrimmage on four straight plays.
"Ball at the three-yard line, gotta punch it in, right?" Pierce said. "Last week [against the Rams], we had the same opportunity and we threw it four times."
Another stagnant attack in the running game also played a role in the defeat. After averaging nearly 112 rushing yards in their previous four games heading into Week 8, the Silver and Black rushed for just 33 yards in Allegiant Stadium against the Chiefs – averaging less than two yards per carry for the second time this season.
"Trying to establish some physicality with our guys up front," Pierce said. "Right there at the three-yard line, you've got to pound it in. Turnover, sudden change, should be able to punch that ball in. … We're going to keep working on it, go back to the lab."
While the Raiders will head to the film room to get down to the depths of what went wrong, they still have a solid conceptualization of what they could've done to pull out a win against their divisional opponent.
"Any time things don't go your way, especially as hard as we go, as hard as we practice, it will be a little frustrating," said Jakobi Meyers, who had a team-high six catches for 52 yards and a touchdown. "But it's football, it's a learning experience at the end of the day.
"And if you don't see it as that, it's going to be a long year for you."
View photos from the Raiders' Week 8 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jakorian Bennett (0) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end K'Lavon Chaisson (44) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (22) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II (15) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II (15) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (22) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders huddle during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (22) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (22) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) makes a 7-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) celebrates after making a 7-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) celebrates with teammates after making a 7-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) celebrates with teammates after making a 7-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9), defensive end Charles Snowden (49) and linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (22) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders huddle during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a 54-yard field goal during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) and tackle Thayer Munford Jr. (77) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jakorian Bennett (0) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98), defensive end Charles Snowden (49) and defensive tackle Matthew Butler (91) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) and safety Tre'von Moehrig (7) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders special teams during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (22) and quarterback Gardner Minshew II (15) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II (15) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner (19) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Antonio Pierce on the sidelines during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darnay Holmes (30) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner (19) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Desmond Ridder (10) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II (15) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (22) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a 32-yard field goal during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Alex Bachman (81) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Amari Gainer (53) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (7) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (7) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (7) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (7) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (7) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Janarius Robinson (97) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (7) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end John Samuel Shenker (86) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner (19) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner (19) makes an 11-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner (19) celebrates after making an 11-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner (19) celebrates after making an 11-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner (19) celebrates with tight end Brock Bowers (89) after making an 11-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Matthew Butler (91) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
