Aidan O'Connell didn't have a bad game by any means, but you wouldn't be able to tell by the look on his face postgame.
Statistically speaking, it was actually O'Connell's best game as a Raider to date. He completed nearly 70 percent of his passes for 248 yards, with a career-high 101.6 quarterback rating.
He was striking with his receivers early and often, as seven different receivers recorded a catch along with an 18-yard touchdown throw to Jakobi Meyers.
All of that considered, none of it mattered to O'Connell after suffering the 31-17 defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs.
"We got to do a better job sustaining. Do a better job in the second half executing," the quarterback said postgame. "When they have long drives, we have to do a good job of keeping our defense off the field and sustaining drives and getting ahead of the sticks, and staying ahead of the sticks. It's a combination of a lot of different things. You have to be able to run the ball, pass the ball and execute.
"I think like we continue to talk about, there's a level of sustaining that we have to get better at, that we have to implement in practice and try to do a good job of continuing to focus."
Even with the loss, the rookie quarterback's progression over five starts has been noticeable. This was his second game this season he didn't turnover the ball, creating a nice rhythm on his throws and looking comfortable in the pocket.
While downplaying himself, he credited the offensive line for the success of the overall offense.
"I feel that our offensive line did an awesome job," said O'Connell. "[The Chiefs] throw a lot of different things at you and they continue that throughout the game. New looks, looks we've seen, looks we haven't. So, kudos to our offensive line for playing really hard and keeping me upright and for the guys around me playing really well."
Since taking over as the starting quarterback, O'Connell has split the four games and holds a 2-1 record at home. With each and every practice and game rep, things get easier for the former Purdue Boilmaker.
He and his teammates will now go back in the lab for the bye week to rest and recharge before trying to take the Raiders offense to the next level with the Vikings on deck in Week 14.
View photos from the Raiders' Week 12 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) 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 running back Josh Jacobs (8) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) runs after making an 18-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) runs after making an 18-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 an 18-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Jerry Tillery (90) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Jerry Tillery (90) and defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) 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 cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) 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 Davante Adams (17) 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 Aidan O'Connell (4) hands the ball off to running back Josh Jacobs (8) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) 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 cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) rushes for a 63-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) rushes for a 63-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) rushes for a 63-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) rushes for a 63-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) celebrates after rushing for a 63-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) celebrates after rushing for a 63-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a PAT during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Malik Reed (52) 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 tackle John Jenkins (95) and linebacker Robert Spillane (41) 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 cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) and linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Jerry Tillery (90) 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 cornerback Amik Robertson (21) 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 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 (25) and linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Luke Masterson (59) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DeAndre Carter (3) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) hands the ball off to running back Ameer Abdullah (22) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) and linebacker Divine Deablo (5) 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 linebacker Luke Masterson (59) and safety Marcus Epps (1) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Luke Masterson (59) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) and linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) 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 end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) 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 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 defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Luke Masterson (59) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brandon Bolden (34) 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 end Maxx Crosby (98) 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) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) and center Andre James (68) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Austin Hooper (81) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (8) 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 tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) 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 Brandon Bolden (34) and running back Zamir White (35) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Greg Van Roten (70) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) and punter AJ Cole (6) 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 linebacker Robert Spillane (41) 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 cornerback Jack Jones (18) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) and cornerback Jack Jones (18) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during the regular season home game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
