In hindsight, the Las Vegas Raiders played well enough to win this game, which made it all the more disappointing to lose in the fashion they did – 13-10 to the Steelers.
The Silver and Black played with the lead for the majority of Saturday night's game, managing it well with clean football and off the back of the defense. The team only committed two penalties for 20 yards, had four quarterback hits and converted 50 percent of third downs. Their lead was also helped by two Steelers missed field goals in the windy, frigid conditions.
However, several critical miscues and injuries down the stretch resulted in the Raiders giving up the lead with less than a minute left.
"Hard-fought game. Guys hung in there, but just too many mistakes," Head Coach Josh McDaniels said postgame. "Too many self-inflicted errors. Not good enough football in critical situations and that'll get you every time."
Already a bit banged up coming into the game, the Raiders lost Pro Bowlers Chandler Jones and Denzel Perryman in the second half. Despite their exits, the defense kept the Steelers out of the end zone until late in the fourth quarter.
With less than three minutes left, Steelers rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett led a 76-yard drive, going 6-for-8 and throwing a 14-yard touchdown pass to George Pickens to take the lead.
"I thought the defense hung in there," said McDaniels. "Played really pretty well most of the game. ... We gave up a few plays here and there, but I thought they hung in there for the most part and tried to make it as tough as we could on the quarterback. He's a good, young player.
"Reality is, giving too many chances with the score right there in the balance, ultimately guys in this league are going to find a way to win. That's what happened."
Derek Carr had some difficulties against a stingy Steelers defense, as he was sacked three times and threw three interceptions. Additionally, Josh Jacobs was limited to 44 rushing yards on 15 carries and Davante Adams had two catches for 15 yards.
"We felt like we were making strides in some areas, and obviously, we didn't do that well enough today," said Carr. "We've just got to do our job, move on. As much as it sucks, tomorrow you've got to get ready for the next one and that's how it goes. But this one, this one stings."
"When you fall short, I mean, my heart breaks," continued Carr, baring his emotions to the media again. "I just care so much and when you don't do your best, let your team down, let your organization, the fans down, it hurts. It breaks your heart. At the end of the day, nobody cares. You get back up and you keep going."
The Raiders are tasked with the challenge of making corrections and putting it all together on the field to end the season on a high note. The Silver and Black's 2022-23 season concludes with two home games in the new year – against the 49ers and Chiefs.
View photos from the Raiders' Week 16 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Curtis Bolton (36) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Alex Bars (64) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center Andre James (68) and quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) dives into the end zone on a 14-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) dives into the end zone on a 14-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) is congratulated by Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Mack Hollins (10) after making a 14-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders defense huddles during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Andrew Billings (97), defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) and safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders defense huddles during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) and safety Duron Harmon (30) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Kyle Peko (93) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Dylan Parham (66) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Duron Harmon (30) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Roderic Teamer (33) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders defense huddles during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Luke Masterson (59) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Tyler Hall (37) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) and cornerback Tyler Hall (37) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Luke Masterson (59) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (99) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) and linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Andrew Billings (97) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Darien Butler (58) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Matthias Farley (41) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brittain Brown (38) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Alex Bars (64) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a 40-yard field goal during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) returns to the field following the halftime break during the Las Vegas Raiders regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) and defensive end Chandler Jones (55) return to the field following the halftime break during the Las Vegas Raiders regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) returns to the field following the halftime break during the Las Vegas Raiders regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brandon Bolden (34) and wide receiver Mack Hollins (10) return to the field following the halftime break during the Las Vegas Raiders regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) returns an interception during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) returns an interception during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) is congratulated by teammates after intercepting a pass during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) and center Andre James (68) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Alex Bars (64) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (99) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (99) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Luke Masterson (59) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Andrew Billings (97) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Tyler Hall (37) and linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Kyle Peko (93) and linebacker Luke Masterson (59) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor (72) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (99) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (99) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (99) and linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) and fullback Jakob Johnson (45) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Luke Masterson (59) and safety Duron Harmon (30) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Jerry Tillery (90) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Curtis Bolton (36) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Jesper Horsted (80) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) and quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders offense huddles during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Mack Hollins (10) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Mack Hollins (10) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Darien Butler (58) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) and defensive end Clelin Ferrell (99) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Darien Butler (58) and linebacker Luke Masterson (59) during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
