Las Vegas Raiders coach Antonio Pierce is speaking out just over 24 hours after his team's heartbreaking loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Friday.
Pierce, who is in his first full season as the Raiders' head coach, told media members that he believes the Raiders refs blew the whistle just before an ill-timed snap caused the unfortunate fumble. If the whistle had blown, the play in question would have been ruled invalid.
Pierce also said the Raiders intend to submit video evidence supporting this claim to the NFL office for further consideration.
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Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce watches from the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024 in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
With just over two minutes left in the game, the Raiders' defense forced the Chiefs to punt, and Las Vegas quickly found itself in position for a game-clinching field goal. But the Raiders made a costly miscue on third down in front of the Kansas City 38-yard line with 15 seconds left.
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As quarterback Aidan O'Connell was watching the Chiefs' defense, the Raiders center snapped the ball prematurely. The ball bounced off O'Connell and landed on the turf. The Raiders signal-caller was unable to corral the botched snap and it was recovered by the Chiefs.
November 29, 2024. Kansas City, Missouri, USA. Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell, 12, fumbles a snap during the second half of a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. (Denny Medley Imagen Images)
The referees actually threw the flag on this play and penalized the Raiders for an illegal shift, but Kansas City recovered the fumble and decided to deny the penalty. The NFL stipulated that if the clock was running at the time the erroneous snap was taken, it would be considered a false start.
Patrick Mahomes then took a knee allowing the final seconds to tick down.
November 29, 2024. Kansas City, Missouri, USA. The Kansas City Chiefs recovered a missed snap in the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. (Denny Medley Imagen Images)
O'Connell took responsibility for the accident on a key play.
“It's completely my fault,” the second-year student said. “I was looking to my right to see if the players were ready, and I started clapping. In my head, I was trying to signal to get the ball, but when I started clapping, Jackson… Basically being told to snap the ball. Jackson did exactly what he was supposed to do and I was too quick to applaud.
“…It's very harsh, but the truth is, there's no one to blame but me. So that's probably the hardest part to swallow.”
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With the victory over the Raiders, the Chiefs clinched a playoff spot. Meanwhile, the Raiders will try to regroup next week when they travel to Tampa Bay to take on the Buccaneers.
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