It was the best team in the league against the worst team in the league. And you know what? The worst team in the league put up a fantastic fight. It is not the first time the Raiders have stormed into Arrowhead Field with an upset victory in mind. They pulled it off once before and almost did it again.

The Raiders put up a bitter fight until the end of the game. They struck gold in the second half of the game and put pressure on the Chiefs. A late missed field goal, due to Daniel Carlson kicking the ground and losing all power in the kick felt a low blow. However, the Raiders got another chance.

This was the worst way to lose a football game. Immediately after the broadcast went on to praise Aidan O’Connell for his ability to come in with little preparation and succeed, he fumbled the ball and the Chiefs defense recovered. The fumble was not his fault, as he did not expect the ball to be hiked back to him.

Usually there are negatives when it comes to these games, but there are honestly plenty of positives in this matchup that came down to the wire.

Defense Made Life Hard for Mahomes

Believe it or not, the Raiders outgained the Chiefs offensively. Also, O’Connell had more passing yards than Mahomes. Yes, Mahomes had a touchdown pass and did not turn the ball over. However, the Raiders defense came ready to play and they managed to make life as hard as they could for Mahomes.

The Raiders sacked Mahomes five teams this season, which is the most in a single game for him this season. Seeing them sustain pressure and help collapse his pocket was good to see and from players other than Maxx Crosby.

The loss was painful in how it happened, but the defense has alot to be proud of in this game.

Aidan O’Connell Performed Well Enough

It feels like a lifetime ago that O’Connell took the field and was under center. After suffering a broken thumb, he’s been sidelined for weeks. Well, the bell rang and he got his calling and he got to be back under center. With little time or preparation, O’Connell delivered and in frigid temperatures.

O’Connell had a sufficient day, throwing for 340 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Despite being under pressure and sacked three times by the Chiefs defense, he was able to make quality throws and even are the ball out deep.

It was truly remarkable seeing the Raiders get creative with the playcalling. Having Tre Tucker run the wheel route and have O’Connell place it perfectly was wonderful to see. That was also his deepest throw.

When it came to spreading the ball around, Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers were the favorite targets. It did help that the team was able to run the ball to a small degree, so it could help open up the pass game.

There is no denying that the Raiders will likely look to select a young quarterback this upcoming draft, but this was a good performance and for a guy who had little time to prepare.

Thankful for Brock Bowers

It would not be a Thanksgiving post without something to be thankful for right? Well, it’s time to be thankful for Brock Bowers, who has a very strong case to win Offensive Rookie of the Year. Not only is Bowers one of the best rookies in football this season, he is the most important part to the Raiders Offense.

For a while, the Raiders had no answer on offense and the pass game didn’t have enough steam. Finally, Bowers got free and was able to make plays and be a key factor in the game. Also, he won his matchups and the Raiders found ways to get mismatches against the Chiefs defense.

Bowers was fed well this Thanksgiving, not just at the table but on the field. He had ten receptions for 140 yards and a touchdown. Bowers continues to be the focal point of the Raiders passing attack and the number one target in this offense. Trading Davante Adams was tough, but having a young building block for the foreseeable future is great and Raider Nation is thankful.