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In what is a microcosm of the Las Vegas Raiders 2024 season, head coach Antonio Pierces squad couldnt overcome its self-inflicted wounds in a 19-17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 13.

Despite three missed field goals from kicker Daniel Carlson, the Raiders still had a chance to upset the Chiefs in the closing seconds. Las Vegas got the ball back for one last opportunity with under two minutes remaining and drove from their own eight-yard line all the way to the Chiefs 32 and into field goal range.

However, disaster ensued, as center Jackson Powers-Johnson snapped the ball before quarterback Aidan OConnell was ready, which led to a fumble and a Kansas City recovery to seal the Chiefs narrow victory.

After the loss, Powers-Johnson took full responsibility for the botched snap.

OConnell also took responsibility, saying it wasnt JPJs fault because he called for the snap too early.

Its completely my fault, OConnell said. I was looking out to the right, making sure guys were set and I started clapping In my head, I was thinking signal the ball to get the ball, but when I start clapping, it tells Jackson to snap the ball.

Jackson did exactly what he should have done and I clapped too early and thats just how the football bounces sometimes Theres really nobody to blame but myself, so, thats probably the hardest part to swallow.

Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce said he wasnt sure what happened on the botched snap, but his explanation for why the Raiders ran a play there instead of going for the field goal immediately was bizarre, to say the least.

Last play there was a lot going on, Pierce said. I gotta look at the film

While this is just the latest frustrating chapter in what has been a disastrous season for the Raiders, the good news is that Las Vegas improved its draft positioning to No. 2 after the loss, according to Tankathon.