Raiders winners and losers in 28-13 defeat vs. Buccaneers

The Raiders battled after falling behind early in Tampa Bay only to fall apart late and lose in blowout fashion. Which Raiders stood out?

The Raiders rallied after falling behind early in Tampa Bay but broke down late and lost to the Buccaneers (7-6) on Sunday, 28-13.

The score was locked at 14-10 for much of the game after the Buccaneers dominated early, recording 11 first downs to just one for the Raiders in the first quarter. Las Vegas (2-11) changed the momentum and had plenty of opportunities to take control, but the team couldn’t capture the lead and let Tampa Bay’s offense get going again late in the game.

An injury to quarterback Aidan O’Connell didn’t help the cause, though he threw a costly interception to end a magnificent drive in the third quarter.

Here are the Raiders winners and losers after yet another loss for Las Vegas, its ninth straight.

Winner: DE K’Lavon Chaisson 

The Raiders were already behind 14-0 when defensive end K’Lavon Chaisson made an incredible interception to change momentum. He tipped a pass from Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield and then finished the play with an interception as he fell to the ground.

Unfortunately for Las Vegas, the Raiders offense turned the ball over on the game’s next snap. Chaisson also recorded half a QB sack, a tackle for loss, and a QB hit.

Winner: LB Amari Burney

The Raiders defense forced three turnovers on the day, including consecutive turnovers in the first half. After the Raiders gave the ball back to Tampa Bay following Chaisson’s big play, linebacker Amari Burney forced a fumble on a blitz. The football was recovered by safety Tre’von Moehrig.

The Raiders got the ball at the Tampa Bay 45-yard line and drove for a touchdown, a QB sneak from O’Connell.

Winner: S Tre’von Moehrig

Moehrig had a nice pass breakup just before he recovered Burney’s forced fumble and was a presence all afternoon for the Raiders defense. He finished the game with eight total tackles, half a QB sack, three passes defensed, and one QB hit.

Winner: RB Sincere McCormick

It appears the Raiders found a diamond in the rough with running back Sincere McCormick. He started in the backfield after solid performances in a limited role the last two weeks. He had 78 yards on 15 carries, including a 29-yard run.

Winner: CB Jack Jones

Cornerback Jack Jones allowed a touchdown reception in the first quarter and committed a pass interference penalty late in the first half on a 4th-and-4 play. But he made up for it with an interception on the same drive, preserving the close score near halftime as Las Vegas was primed to get the football to start the second half.

Loser: QB Aidan O’Connell

O’Connell left the game for good after a late hit that wasn’t called against Tampa Bay late in the third quarter. That’s certainly bad news for the Raiders. Before his injury, however, O’Connell threw a costly interception that ruined incredible momentum for the road team.

After Las Vegas opened the second half with a 10-minute plus drive that featured multiple McCormick runs, it appeared the Raiders would finally take the lead. But O’Connell threw the ball right to a Tampa Bay defender as he tried to complete a pass to tight end Brock Bowers.

O’Connell also had an interception overturned by instant replay, as did reserve quarterback Desmond Ridder after he entered the game.

Loser: TE Brock Bowers

The Raiders couldn’t unlock superstar rookie Brock Bowers, as he had just three catches for 49 yards. That’s devastating for an offense that has struggled all season and had a chance to take control of the game in the second and third quarters. Plus, if Bowers plans on becoming the first tight end to win Offensive Rookie of the Year in the NFL, he can’t afford this type of performance.

Loser: OC Scott Turner

The Raiders offense couldn’t take advantage of a Buccaneers defense decimated by injuries. Offensive coordinator Scott Turner deserves some of the blame, especially due to his inability to get the ball to Bowers. He also could have handed the ball to McCormick earlier in the afternoon to set up more play action and lessen the pressure on O’Connell.

Loser: C Jackson Powers-Johnson and QB Aidan O’Connell

Having the same player on the loser list twice might be a first, but it’s warranted here. Just one week after a devising fumble on a shotgun snap against the Chiefs, center Jackson Powers-Johnson and O’Connell again failed on the most basic action in the game, this time under center.

They couldn’t connect on the first snap after Chaisson’s incredible interception, and even though the Raiders defense backed them up by forcing another turnover on Burney’s strip sack, such mistakes are inexcusable. It was just O’Connell and Powers-Johnson’s second game working together, but that’s not enough to keep them from sharing an “L” this week.

Loser: HC Antonio Pierce

Coach Antonio Pierce didn’t have any major game management issues in this defeat, though he did lose a challenge on a play that wasn’t close (a catch out of bounds from wide receiver Tre Tucker). But Las Vegas had a chance to win this game and Pierce couldn’t get his team in the victory column.

It’s only Piece’s first full year as Raiders coach, but his job security is shakey after nine consecutive losses. He’ll try to notch a win next week against the Falcons on Monday night.