Who loves Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers more: Raider Nation or quarterback Geno Smith? Hard to say. But Smith clearly plays his best with a healthy Bowers—it’s not even close.
The Raiders fell 30-29 in overtime to the Jacksonville Jaguars after a failed two-point try in the game’s final seconds. Bowers, however, was sensational. His 12 catches for 127 yards and three touchdowns hardly capture the full impact he had on the game.
For a Raiders offense adrift this season, Bowers isn’t just a weapon—he’s a lifeline. Smith has looked sharp only when Bowers is healthy, and the tight end has become one of the NFL’s most entertaining players. Even at 2-6, Las Vegas still has something to watch, and Bowers is the kind of talent that can carry Smith—and the fans—through the rough patches.
Failed Two-Point Gamble
Even when things go right, they often go wrong. On the game’s decisive play, multiple Raiders were open, but a batted ball by Jaguars defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton ended the threat.
Smith admitted he wanted to hit former Seattle teammate Tyler Lockett, who was open. But Jakobi Meyers was even more so—right in front of Smith. And Bowers was also in the end zone. Hesitation cost the Raiders a potential game-winning connection. Moving forward, Smith will need to trust his top targets more in clutch moments.
Run Defense Collapses
The Jaguars averaged just 3.6 yards per rush but kept pounding the rock, running 42 times for 151 yards. The Raiders started strong but eventually wore down up front, leaving them vulnerable to Jacksonville’s persistent ground attack.
Defensive end Maxx Crosby shined, but injuries and lack of depth—Thomas Booker IV, Malcolm Koonce, and Tyree Wilson—have exposed Vegas’ front line. The Raiders’ struggles in the trenches continue to haunt them.
Overall, the lack of investment in the trenches is hurting Las Vegas mightily this season.
Coaching Duel Goes to Jacksonville
Fresh off bye weeks, both coaching staffs had extra time to prepare. Raiders head coach Pete Carroll came up short against Jaguars coach Liam Coen.
Embattled offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, however, had a rare win, thanks to Bowers. Two-tight end sets with Bowers and Michael Mayer created mismatches and showcased Bowers’ versatility—a strategy the Raiders should lean on, especially after trading Meyers.
The game plan worked on paper, but the Jaguars’ commitment to running the ball won the day, underscoring Vegas’ ongoing issues with offensive line play.
Historic Kick, Brutal Break
A missed extra point by Daniel Carlson, following a spectacular one-handed catch by Bowers, gave the Raiders only a 6-3 lead at halftime. Meanwhile, Jaguars kicker Cam Little nailed a 68-yard field goal—the longest in NFL history—turning a potential momentum swing into a tough break for Vegas.
Home Crowd Energy
Allegiant Stadium provided a rare advantage for the home team. The enthusiastic Raiders fans disrupted the Jaguars early in the game, although scoring proved to be a challenge. The availability of affordable resale tickets, with some seats priced at $54, likely contributed to increased attendance, giving the Raiders a notable crowd advantage. Another challenge awaits when Dallas comes to town for Monday Night Football.
Primetime Challenges Ahead
Next up: a short week trip to Denver to face the 7-2 Broncos on Thursday Night Football, followed by hosting the Cowboys. Both primetime matchups will test the Raiders, but Smith and Bowers’ chemistry could keep Las Vegas competitive.
The Raiders will need more than magic from Bowers to turn the season around, but at least he gives them something to cheer for—and a chance to shake off a heartbreaking overtime loss.
Related: 3 Overreactions Following Week 9 Loss
*Top Photo: AP Photo/Nick Wass