The Raiders’ offense had a great day in terms of total yardage but didn’t capitalize in the red zone against the Broncos on their way to a 16-15 loss.
On six tries from inside Denver’s 20-yard line, the Raiders scored a single touchdown, which tied the score late before Oakland missed a two-point conversion, sealing their fate.
On this week’s drive of the game, it appeared the Raiders scored an early touchdown, the game’s first. But two consecutive official replays stymied their second-quarter effort.
On 3rd and goal from the 5-yard line, quarterback Derek Carr hit wide receiver Hunter Renfrow at the goal line, and officials on the field signaled for a touchdown. The replay official overruled the call, though video evidence wasn’t overwhelming.
The Raiders elected to go for it on fourth and short, handing the ball off to fullback Alec Ingold. Officials ruled him short of the goal line. The video showed Ingold appear to cross the plane, but it was hard to see the ball and after a Gruden challenge, the call stood.
Coach Jon Gruden’s offense outgained the Broncos 477 to 238 but failed time and again when near the end zone. The Raiders must do a much better job of converting in Las Vegas next season so they can overcome rough breaks from the officiating crew that are bound to happen.
