Raiders Unable to Overcome Slow Start, Lose 9th in a Row

The Las Vegas Raiders got off to another slow start, this time against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the road. They would battle back but ultimately come up short.

Dec 8, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) is pressured by Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea (50) in the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images / Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

The Las Vegas Raiders' matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers went similarly to most of their other games this season. It was filled with big-time turnovers, a massive injury, and the Raiders sticking around long enough to make the game interesting until eventually losing.

The Raiders seem to wake up only after they are down a score or two. Las Vegas fell behind early, a pattern that has been consistent through the season.

After an unproductive first few drives on offense, the Raiders' defense recovered, and the offense marched down the field for a touchdown to pull within seven of the Buccaneers. After the Raiders' touchdown made it 14-7, the defense forced a quick three-and-out to get the ball back to the offense.

Second-year quarterback Aidan O'Connell and the Raiders' offense moved the ball 46 yards before Tampa Bay forced them to kick a field goal. The Raiders made the field goal to go up 14-10, but that was as good as it got for the Silver and Black.

Then, things went awry for the Raiders. While driving down the field and deep in Buccaneers territory, O'Connell threw a terrible pass that was intercepted by Tampa Bay's defense.

O'Connell's interception was a microcosm of the Raiders season that has been filled with being close but not close enough. Up until that point, Las Vegas had seized momentum and was briefly playing solid complimentary football.

Late in the third quarter, O'Connell threw what looked to be an interception, but the play was overturned. Unfortunately, O'Connell was injured on the play and carted off.

Desmond Ridder replaced O'Connell but was unable to get anything going. After another Buccaneers touchdown, Ridder led a drive that resulted in a field goal, bringing the score to 21-13.

The Raiders' defense could not get another stop when they needed it the most, allowing Tampa Bay to score a touchdown late in the game to make the score 28-13. That would essentially be the game, as the Raiders move on to next week, down to their third-string quarterback.

Las Vegas is closing in on the first overall pick in the NFL Draft.

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