"This is hard to swallow right now."
Head Coach Jon Gruden admitted following the Las Vegas Raiders' 35-31 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. It was a bitter pill to digest. From start to finish, the AFC West division rivals were engaged in an instant classic, exchanging blows back and forth, but unfortunately, the Chiefs landed the final blow.
With less than one minute left in regulation, Patrick Mahomes led a surgical drive downfield, eventually resulting in the go-ahead touchdown to Travis Kelce.
But it shouldn't take away from the effort put forth by the Raiders in all three phases of the game.
The Sunday night bout at Allegiant Stadium was hard-fought and featured numerous clutch plays from the Silver and Black, starting with the opening drive of the game. Derek Carr's first two passes each exceeded 25 yards and brought his career passing yards total to 25,000. Carr is well on his way to eclipsing Ken Stabler's franchise record of 27,938 passing yards. Carr's milestone drive concluded in a Josh Jacobs touchdown and initiated what would be an offensive outpouring from both teams.
"This is the best offense I've ever been a part of," Carr said following the game. "This group is awesome, and I know I say it every week, but we can win in different ways you know? We can smash them with the run game, or we can do a shootout. We're proving that over time and the exciting part is that everyone's young — I'm the old guy in the group I guess. It's exciting because you see where we're headed, it's showing you little glimpses. … It's exciting, but today it wasn't enough.
Combined, the Raiders and the Chiefs amassed for 824 total yards, 61 first downs, and each converted on four of their five red-zone trips — it's to be noted, the Chiefs' failed red-zone trip resulted in a Trayvon Mullen interception (both of Mahomes interceptions this season have been against the Raiders).
The battle between Carr and Mahomes was nothing short of spectacular, as the opposing signal-callers kept pace with each other all night. Carr completed 23 of his 31 pass attempts for 275 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception — a circumstantial, last-second heave — while Mahomes completed 34 of 45 passes for 348 yards, two touchdowns, and the aforementioned interception.
The battle of the tight ends was a sight to see as well, as Travis Kelce and Darren Waller, two of the best at their position, tried to out-do the other throughout the game. Both found the end zone with Kelce's touchdown being the game-winner.
When the Raiders review the tape on Monday, they'll see a tightly contested game that was determined by only a couple of plays, well within the Raiders' reach. The Raiders were deprived of a big play or were on the receiving because of an untimely penalty, or a miscommunication. Part two of the Raiders-Chiefs 2020 series was ultimately decided in the final minute of play, and while it's a tough pill to swallow, Gruden is still proud of his guys.
"I'm really proud of our team," he said postgame. "Congratulations to the Chiefs; they made a couple more plays than we did."
View photos from the Raiders' Week 11 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes for a 2-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes for a 2-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) and tackle Kolton Miller (74) after Jacobs rushed for a 2-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) after rushing for a 2-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) and linebacker Kyle Wilber (58) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Derek Carrier (85), safety Erik Harris (25), safety Johnathan Abram (24), and safety Dallin Leavitt (32) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeff Heath (38) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeff Heath (38) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (90) and defensive end Carl Nassib (94) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski (44) and safety Jeff Heath (38) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98), defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (90) and defensive end David Irving (95) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders special teams huddle during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Erik Harris (25)during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) and running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center Rodney Hudson (61), guard Gabe Jackson (66), tackle Brandon Parker (75), tackle Denzelle Good (71) and running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski (44) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders fullback Alec Ingold (45) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders offense huddles during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) makes a 17-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) makes a 17-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) makes a 17-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) celebrates after making a 17-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) and tight end Darren Waller (83) after Agholor makes a 17-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) with teammates after making a 17-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) with teammates after making a 17-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a PAT during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) and cornerback Keisean Nixon (22) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Javin White (53) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Nicholas Morrow (50) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Damon Arnette (20) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Zay Jones (12) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83), running back Devontae Booker (23), fullback Alec Ingold (45) and tackle Brandon Parker (75) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Devontae Booker (23), guard Gabe Jackson (66), center Rodney Hudson (61) and tight end Jason Witten (82) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders offense huddles during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Derek Carrier (85) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Derek Carrier (85) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) and running back Devontae Booker (23) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders offense huddles during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) and tackle Denzelle Good (71) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a 35-yard field goal during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders special teams unit during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) and linebacker Kyle Wilber (58) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Zay Jones (12) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Devontae Booker (23) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Devontae Booker (23) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nevin Lawson (26), cornerback Damon Arnette (20) and safety Johnathan Abram (24) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nevin Lawson (26) and cornerback Isaiah Johnson (31) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Erik Harris (25), wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) and cornerback Keisean Nixon (22) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83), tackle Brandon Parker (75), guard Gabe Jackson (66), center Rodney Hudson (61), tackle Denzelle Good (71), tackle Kolton Miller (74), quarterback Derek Carr (4) and running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Brandon Parker (75), guard Gabe Jackson (66), center Rodney Hudson (61), running back Josh Jacobs (28), tackle Denzelle Good (71), tackle Kolton Miller (74) and quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Brandon Parker (75), guard Gabe Jackson (66) and quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Arden Key (99) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27) intercepts a pass during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27) intercepts a pass during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27) intercepts a pass during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27) after intercepting a pass during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27) after intercepting a pass during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Kendal Vickers (91), defensive tackle Maliek Collins (97) and tight end Jason Witten (82) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) and linebacker Kyle Wilber (58) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Kyle Wilber (58) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Carl Nassib (94) and defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (90) game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski (44) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski (44) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27) and linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski (44) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski (44), defensive end Arden Key (99), defensive end David Irving (95) and defensive end Kendal Vickers (91) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24), linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski (44) and defensive end Kendal Vickers (91) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (90), defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and cornerback Damon Arnette (20) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) and quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28), tight end Darren Waller (83) and tackle Kolton Miller (74) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) makes a 3-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) makes a 3-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a PAT during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Arden Key (99), cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27), linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski (44) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski (44) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders fullback Alec Ingold (45), tackle Brandon Parker (75), tight end Jason Witten (82), running back Josh Jacobs (28), center Rodney Hudson (61), guard Gabe Jackson (66), tackle Denzelle Good (71) and tackle Kolton Miller (74) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders offense huddles during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Cornerback Keisean Nixon (22), tight end Derek Carrier (85) and linebacker Raekwon McMillan (54) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Kendal Vickers (91) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (11) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83), tackle Brandon Parker (75), running back Josh Jacobs (28), guard Gabe Jackson (66) and fullback Alec Ingold (45) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (11) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (11) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (11) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) and running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Denzelle Good (71), running back Josh Jacobs (28) and wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Jason Witten (82) makes a 1-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Jason Witten (82) with teammates after making a 1-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) and linebacker Kyle Wilber (58) during the regular season game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.
