The Las Vegas Raiders’ 2024 season has been disappointing, but they still have opportunities to impact the playoff race. Their recent matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs is a prime example. Despite being massive underdogs, the Raiders made the game competitive in the second half.
Aidan O’Connell, the team’s starter after Gardner Minshew’s season-ending injury, led the Raiders downfield and into field goal range. However, a bobbled snap cost them a chance to score and take the lead. O’Connell took responsibility for the mistake, stating, “It’s completely my fault… I clapped too early, and that’s how the football bounces sometimes.”
O’Connell defended Jackson Powers-Johnson, the long snapper who appeared to snap the ball prematurely. “Jackson did exactly what he should have done,” O’Connell said. “I’m the one who made the mistake.” While it’s commendable that O’Connell took accountability, the outcome remains the same – the Chiefs secured a close victory.
The Raiders can take solace in the fact that O’Connell put the team in a position to win. This is a positive development, especially considering the team’s struggles this season. In other news, the Raiders have moved on from Davante Adams, trading him away earlier in the season. The organization views the move as a routine business decision.