Raiders' 2nd-Half Rally Not Enough to Overcome Chiefs
By Scott Bair ••
OAKLAND – The Kansas City Chiefs are one of this league’s elite teams. They score in bunches. They give yards in similar fashion, but find ways to make big plays on defense.
Sounds like the Raiders’ worst nightmare.
That’s why odds makers gave the Silver and Black no shot. They started as 15-point underdogs at home, and the line only moved a point after Kareem Hunt got cut.
The Raiders played Kansas City far tougher than that. They were down just three points late in the fourth quarter, but couldn’t halt the Chiefs star-studded offense when they had to – a third-down stop on that decisive drive was wasted by a Fadol Brown offsides call – and ended up on the wrong end of a 40-33 result.
Jamie Squire/Getty Images
Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders passes during the game against the Kansas City Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri.
David Eulitt/Getty Images
Demarcus Robinson #11 of the Kansas City Chiefs catches the fiftieth touchdown pass of the season for Patrick Mahomes #15 in front of Rashaan Melvin #22 of the Oakland Raiders during the third quarter of the game at Arrowhead Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri.
Peter Aiken/Getty Images
Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs is tackled after making a catch during the first half of the game against the Oakland Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri.
David Eulitt/Getty Images
Damien Williams #26 of the Kansas City Chiefs moves a pile of defenders in to the end zone for a touchdown during the first quarter of the game against the Oakland Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri.
David Eulitt/Getty Images
Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs out of the pocket while Kyle Wilber #58 of the Oakland Raiders gives chase during the first quarter of the game at Arrowhead Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri.
Jamie Squire/Getty Images
Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders passes during the game against the Kansas City Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri.
Peter Aiken/Getty Image
Tyreek Hill #10 of the Kansas City Chiefs catches a pass in front of Nick Nelson #23 of the Oakland Raiders that would lead to the games first touchdown during the first quarter of the game at Arrowhead Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri.
Robert Reiners/Getty Images
Jalen Richard #30 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after a three-yard touchdown run against the Denver Broncos during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 24, 2018 in Oakland, California.
Robert Reiners/Getty Images
Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders greets fans in the stands after their 27-14 win over the Denver Broncos in what may be the final Raiders game at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 24, 2018 in Oakland, California.
Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
Jalen Richard #30 of the Oakland Raiders rushes for a touchdown dragging Brandon Marshall #54 of the Denver Broncos into the endzone during the second half of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 24, 2018 in Oakland, California.
Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
Case Keenum #4 of the Denver Broncos gets sacked by Karl Joseph #42 of the Oakland Raiders during the first half of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 24, 2018 in Oakland, California.
Robert Reiners/Getty Images
Doug Martin #28 of the Oakland Raiders rushes with the ball against the Denver Broncos during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 24, 2018 in Oakland, California.
Getty Images
Jordy Nelson #82 of the Oakland Raiders catches a pass during the third quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Sam Hubbard #94 of the Cincinnati Bengals fights through a block by Brandon Parker #75 of the Oakland Raiders to knock down an attempted pass by Derek Carr #4 during the first quarter at Paul Brown Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders fumbles the ball as he is sacked by Sam Hubbard #94 of the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Karl Joseph #42 of the Oakland Raiders and Tahir Whitehead #59 combine to tackle Joe Mixon #28 of the Cincinnati Bengals during the second quarter at Paul Brown Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Darren Waller #83 of the Oakland Raiders breaks a tackle by Jessie Bates #30 of the Cincinnati Bengals before being dragged down short of the goal line by Shawn Williams #36 during the second quarter at Paul Brown Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders warms up prior to the start of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 09: Jesse James #81 of the Pittsburgh Steelers gets tackled by Karl Joseph #42 and Tahir Whitehead #59 of the Oakland Raiders during the first half of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 9, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Scott Bair
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 09: Tight end Derek Carrier #85 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum on December 9, 2018 in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 24-21. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 09: Wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster #19 of the Pittsburgh Steelers catches a pass in front of cornerback Rashaan Melvin #22 of the Oakland Raiders during the second quarter at O.co Coliseum on December 9, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 09: Running back Doug Martin #28 of the Oakland Raiders dives for and scores a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at O.co Coliseum on December 9, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 09: Wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster #19 of the Pittsburgh Steelers stiff arms safety Erik Harris #25 of the Oakland Raiders during the second quarter at O.co Coliseum on December 9, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 09: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders passes against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at O.co Coliseum on December 9, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Lee Smith #86 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates with Doug Martin #28 after scoring on a one-yard catch against the Kansas City Chiefs during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 2, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Jared Cook #87 of the Oakland Raiders and Eric Murray #21 of the Kansas City Chiefs push and shove each other on the sidelines during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 2, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Damien Williams #26 of the Kansas City Chiefs is tackled by Rashaan Melvin #22 of the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 2, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders looks to pass against the Kansas City Chiefs during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 2, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Doug Martin #28 of the Oakland Raiders rushes with the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 2, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs scores a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 2, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Tight End Jared Cook #87 of the Oakland Raiders catches a touchdown in the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens rushes for a touchdown in the third quarter against the Oakland Raiders at M&T Bank Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Tight End Jared Cook #87 of the Oakland Raiders is tackled after a catch by inside linebacker C.J. Mosley #57 of the Baltimore Ravens in the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens is tackled by linebacker Nicholas Morrow #50 of the Oakland Raiders in the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Running Back Doug Martin #28 of the Oakland Raiders leaps for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Daniel Carlson #8 of the Oakland Raiders kicks a 35 yard game winning field goal out of a hold by Johnny Townsend #5 against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on November 18, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. Raiders won 23-21. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Jalen Richard #30 of the Oakland Raiders leaps over teammate Ian Silberman #67 while running the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at State Farm Stadium on November 18, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Maurice Hurst #73 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates a sack with P.J. Hall #92 in the first half of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on November 18, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders is sacked by Chandler Jones #55 of the Arizona Cardinals in the first half of the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on November 18, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals catches a touchdown pass during the first quarter against the Oakland Raiders at State Farm Stadium on November 18, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Josh Rosen #3 of the Arizona Cardinals is sacked by Maurice Hurst #73 of the Oakland Raiders during the first half at State Farm Stadium on November 18, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Doug Martin #28 of the Oakland Raiders is tackled by Bene' Benwikere #23 of the Arizona Cardinals in the first half at State Farm Stadium on November 18, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders throws a touchdown pass to teammate Jared Cook #87 during the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on November 18, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Gareon Conley #21 of the Oakland Raiders intercepts a pass as Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals looks on during the first quarter at State Farm Stadium on November 18, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Jalen Richard #30 of the Oakland Raiders rushes with the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 11, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders fumbles the ball after a hit by Melvin Ingram #54 of the Los Angeles Chargers during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 11, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders passes against the Los Angeles Chargers during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 11, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders is hit by Corey Liuget #94 of the Los Angeles Chargers during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 11, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders hands the ball off to Doug Martin #28 during their NFL game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 11, 2018 in Oakland, California. Smoke from a forest fire in Butte County is seen in the stadium. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders is sacked by Cassius Marsh #54 and Dekoda Watson #97 of the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on November 1, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Getty Images
SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 01: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders runs out of bounds against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on November 1, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)
Getty Images
SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 01: Doug Martin #28 of the Oakland Raiders rushes with the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on November 1, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)
Getty Images
SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 01: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders looks on during their NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on November 1, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Getty Images
SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 01: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders attempts a pass against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on November 1, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Nyheim Hines #21 of the Indianapolis Colts carries the ball against the Oakland Raiders during the first half of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 28, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Head coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders reacts to a call during their NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 28, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Jared Cook #87 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates with Derek Carr #4 after a 25-yard touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 28, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Jared Cook #87 of the Oakland Raiders scores a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 28, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Jack Doyle #84 of the Indianapolis Colts is tackled after a catch against the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 28, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Mo Alie-Cox #81 of the Indianapolis Colts makes one handed catch for a 26 yard touchdown play over Gareon Conley #21 of the Oakland Raiders during the first quarter of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 28, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Dwayne Harris of Oakland Raiders is tackled by Shaquill Griffin of Seattle Seahawks during the NFL International series match between Seattle Seahawks and Oakland Raiders at Wembley Stadium on October 14, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by James Chance/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders speaks with head coach Jon Gruden during a timeout in the NFL International Series game between Seattle Seahawks and Oakland Raiders at Wembley Stadium on October 14, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Raiders head coach Jon Gruden issues instructions during the NFL International Series game between Seattle Seahawks and Oakland Raiders at Wembley Stadium on October 14, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
Getty Images
David Moore of Seattle Seahawks scores a touchdown as Daryl Worley of Oakland Raiders attemptst to tackle him during the NFL International series match between Seattle Seahawks and Oakland Raiders at Wembley Stadium on October 14, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by James Chance/Getty Images)
Getty Images
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 14: tackled by Tedric Thompson #33 of the Seattle Seahawks and and Shaquill Griffin #26 of the Seattle Seahawks during the NFL International Series game between Seattle Seahawks and Oakland Raiders at Wembley Stadium on October 14, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders is sacked by defensive end Melvin Ingram #54 of the Los Angeles Chargers in the first quarter at StubHub Center on October 7, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Running back Melvin Gordon #28 of the Los Angeles Chargers is tackled by linebacker Marquel Lee #55 of the Oakland Raiders, free safety Reggie Nelson #27, and defensive back Leon Hall #29 in the first quarter at StubHub Center on October 7, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Tight end Jared Cook #87 of the Oakland Raiders makes a catch in front of linebacker Denzel Perryman #52 of the Los Angeles Chargers in the first quarter at StubHub Center on October 7, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Cornerback Trevor Williams #24 of the Los Angeles Chargers and strong safety Jahleel Addae #37 break up a pass to tight end Jared Cook #87 of the Oakland Raiders in the end zone during the second quarter at StubHub Center on October 7, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Melvin Gordon #28 of the Los Angeles Chargers is hit short of the goal line by Marquel Lee #55 and Marcus Gilchrist #31 of the Oakland Raiders during the second quarter at StubHub Center on October 7, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Reggie Nelson #27 and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie #45 of the Oakland Raiders tackles Carlos Hyde #34 of the Cleveland Browns short of a first down during the first quarter of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 30, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass against the Oakland Raiders during the first quarter of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 30, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Lee Smith #86 of the Oakland Raiders gets tackled by E.J. Gaines #28 of the Cleveland Browns during the second quarter of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 30, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Conley #21 of the Oakland Raiders intercepts a pass intended for Antonio Callaway #11 of the Cleveland Browns and runs in back for a touchown at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 30, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Head coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders looks on from the sidelines against the Cleveland Browns during the second quarter of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 30, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Jakeem Grant #19 of the Miami Dolphins runs for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Oakland Raiders at Hard Rock Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Oakland Raiders rushes in for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
Getty Images
The Miami Dolphins celebrate after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Oakland Raiders at Hard Rock Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Kenny Stills #10 of the Miami Dolphins makes the catch for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Oakland Raiders at Hard Rock Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders looks to pass during the second quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Ryan Tannehill #17 of the Miami Dolphins runs for yardage during the first quarter against Oakland Raiders at Hard Rock Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Jordy Nelson #82 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates with Martavis Bryant #12 after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Oakland Raiders rushing for yardage during the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Running back Royce Freeman #28 of the Denver Broncos dives into the end zone with a third quarter touchdown against the Oakland Raiders at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on September 16, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Running back Royce Freeman #28 of the Denver Broncos rushes and avoids a tackle attempt by defensive back Erik Harris #25 of the Oakland Raiders at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on September 16, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Running back Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Oakland Raiders is tackled by linebacker Todd Davis #51 of the Denver Broncos in the second quarter of a game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on September 16, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Wide receiver Martavis Bryant #12 of the Oakland Raiders is hit by defensive back Tramaine Brock #22 of the Denver Broncos int he second quarter of a game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on September 16, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Defensive back Rashaan Melvin #22 of the Oakland Raiders intercepts a pass intended for tight end Jake Butt #80 of the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on September 16, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Kicker Mike Nugent #6 of the Oakland Raiders kicks a first quarter field goal as punter Johnny Townsend #5 holds during a game against the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on September 16, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Running back Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Oakland Raiders is hit by defensive back Darian Stewart #26 of the Denver Broncos during the first quarter of a game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on September 16, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders throws a pass during the first quarter of a game against the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on September 16, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Head coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders looks on during warm ups prior to their NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 10, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Todd Gurley #30 of the Los Angeles Rams runs for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 10, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Oakland Raiders rushes for a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams in the first quarter of their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 10, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Jared Cook #87 of the Oakland Raiders runs for a 45-yard catch against the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 10, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Todd Gurley #30 of the Los Angeles Rams is tackled by Marcus Gilchrist #31 of the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 10, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Aaron Donald #99 of the Los Angeles Rams sacks Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders with the help of Michael Brockers #90 of the Los Angeles Rams at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 10, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders in action against the Los Angeles Rams at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 10, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The Raiders fought valiantly in this one, but made too many mistakes along the way and couldn’t come all the way back.
Here are three quick takeaways from a close contest at Oakland Coliseum:
Send Cook to the Pro Bowl: The Raiders don’t have many threats in the passing game. Okay, let’s be more direct.
They have one. It’s tight end Jared Cook, and the whole world knows it. He’s seeing intense coverage despite moving all over the formation, but still manages to make big plays.
That was certainly the case against Kansas City, when he had seven catches for 100 yards and one touchdown. He created consistent separation and kept the Raiders in it with several big plays. He also drew attention from others to make easier catches, proving valuable in an honorable effort to catch the Chiefs.
Cook has never made a Pro Bowl. He certainly should this season, when he ranks near the top of all statistical categories for his position.
The honor wouldn’t hurt his bottom line, as he’s having a career year while steamrolling to unrestricted free agency at age 31. Keeping Cook would provide a reliable point of continuity as the Raiders remake their skill position players.
Can’t win losing turnover battle: The statement above is true for most teams, but it’s absolute when discussing the Raiders this season. They don’t have enough talent or production to overcome huge gaffes, and each running back had one against the Chiefs.
Doug Martin, Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington all coughed it up on Sunday. The Chiefs scored 13 points off those turnovers, points the Raiders couldn’t spare against such a dominant opponent.
The Raiders won the turnover battle in both of their wins, which is zero coincidence.
Offering this scoring machine more bites apple is poison, as it was for the Raiders here on Sunday afternoon in a game that was relatively close late.
Raiders have themselves a kicker: Daniel Carlson missed three field goals against Green Bay, including two in overtime, as a member of the Minnesota Vikings. He never wore purple again.
The Raiders are happy about that, because the rookie has been nails in silver and black. He has hit 9-of-10 since donning the uniform in Week 8. He has hit every attempt in the past four games, including a game-winner over Arizona on Nov. 18. Hit one straight and true from 50 yards out against the Chiefs, showing he’s on a roll from anywhere. He has a huge leg and is solidly accurate from near and far.
The Raiders planned to anoint Eddy Pineiro after signing him as an undrafted free agent, but Carlson will have a leg up on any competition if he keeps this play up.
