The Las Vegas Raiders did all the right things during their Week 5 Monday Night Football game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
They put up 29 points, their second-highest output after their Week 4 win over the Denver Broncos.
The Raiders pulled out all the stops that allowed them to snatch the victory away from the Chiefs.
Likewise, OptaSTATS highlighted the great performances of Josh McDaniels’ squad.
Tonight the Raiders had:
– a 150-yard rusher (Josh Jacobs)
– a 100-yard receiver (Davante Adams)
– no turnovers
– no more than 2 puntsThey're the first team in NFL history to do all of those in a game but still lose.
— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) October 11, 2022
Running back Josh Jacobs had 21 carries for 154 yards and a touchdown.
Then, All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams made three catches for 124 yards and two touchdowns.
The Raiders did not commit a turnover and had no more than two punts.
Unfortunately, they still lost despite those milestones.
Losing is a lonely place, and the Raiders are in that position because they are the only team in league history to lose despite satisfying those conditions.
It’s more frustrating to note that Las Vegas lost by one, 30-29, and had a chance to take the lead late in the game.
A successful two-point conversion after Adams’ second touchdown grab could have given them a slight advantage.
Instead, they suffered their fourth loss out of five games.
The Chiefs Also Did Some Positive Things
While the Raiders satisfied many positive conditions, the Chiefs also did the same, starting with Patrick Mahomes throwing for four touchdowns and zero interceptions.
All of his touchdown passes went to tight end Travis Kelce despite having just 25 total yards.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling led the way with six catches for 90 yards.
Meanwhile, Mecole Hardman contributed 73 yards on four catches.
Jerick McKinnon also had 72 total yards (59 rushing).
The Chiefs had more third-down conversions and committed fewer penalties than the Raiders.
Therefore, the narrative should be that Kansas City won, not that the Raiders lost.
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