Well, the football season is officially over for the Las Vegas Raiders. In their season finale against their division rival Los Angeles Chargers, the Raiders fell short 34-20. The Chargers played their starters, as this game meant something to them in the fight for playoff seeding.

The Raiders close the book on the season, which could be a sigh of relief. They now know their fate in the draft order picking sixth overall. We will eventually get to draft talk, but for now it’s time to talk about the finale and what stood out in this Raiders game.

Raiders Pass Catchers Make History

What more can you say about Brock Bowers? The prized rookie for the Raiders has nearly done it all for the Raiders this season. He already set the record for the most receptions by a rookie tight end, surpassed Mike Ditka for the most receiving yards for a rookie tight end, and also set the record for the most receptions for a Raider EVER. He managed to add to his historic season and in front of the home crowd.

Bowers was limited early in the game and the Chargers did a great job of limiting his space. Derwin James is a pro bowl safety for a reason. However, Bowers arrived and became a factor into the offensive game. Bowers finished the game with four catches, 50 yards and a touchdown. Also, Bowers finished with 1,194 yards and was just shy of joining the 1,200 yard club. Only 8 tight ends have ever accomplished that feat. He was not alone in making career history.

There is not much to be happy about when it comes to what Josh McDaniels did in his tenure. However, one thing he did do in his time was bring Jakobi Meyers to the Raiders. Sure be may have been wide receiver two behind Davante Adams, but he became a reliable number one once he was moved to the Jets.

Meyers did something for the first time in his career and that was surpass the 1,000 yard mark. He was a factor early on and a security blanket for Aidan O’Connell. He caught nine passes for 123 yards and found the end zone. Meyers became the 11th I drafted receiver to accomplish this feat.

There have not been many bright spots for the Raiders this season, but given the uncertainties at quarterback, the Raiders pass catchers have had a season to remember and is etched in the history books.

Raiders Defense Kept It a Game

You wouldn’t know it by the final score, but hats off to the Raiders defense for keeping this a game for the first half and then some. The Raiders even came close to taking a first half lead, but it never happened.

Despite being out gained heavily offensively, the Raiders defense kept the game close until the dying seconds of the first half. Heck, it took until the fourth quarter for the Chargers to actually find the end zone and run up the score.

Herbert and Co were dominant in the pass game and it was a miracle this game was close for as long as it was. It was a small tale of the defense doing their job and holding their own, to the offense not doing nearly enough to help them out.

They were without key starters and held their own. Now, time for the future.

What Comes Next

Well, a lot comes next. You now begin to evaluate and figure out the future. A lot of the questions will swirl around Antonio Pierce and whether he is the right man to lead this team. Also, this team needs a quarterback and in the worst way possible and now that they know their fate for the draft, the work is just beginning. And last but not least, Maxx Crosby and putting a plan in front of him that allows him to want to ride this ship further. He has bled for this team and is a Raider through and through, but he wants to win and the Raiders need to commit to that.

It should be a great offseason. Make sure to follow along as the content will continue for this team!