Raiders coach Antonio Pierce falls short in loss to Chiefs | Ed Graney | sport

Here's how the Raiders performed in a 27-20 loss to the Chiefs:

Offense: D

It started so well. The Raiders gained 70 yards on their first possession in 12 plays, scoring on a 7-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Gardner Minshew to wide receiver Jakobi Meyers. But things went wrong for long stretches. And you don't earn a passing grade if you can't score after a first-and-goal from the 3-yard line, like the Raiders did in the third quarter of this game. The team has been far too conservative for everyone's taste the entire time. Rookie tight end Brock Bowers started off well with three possessions in the first half, but then faltered until the final drive of the game. He finished the game with five catches for a team-best 58 yards. Meyers had a team-high six catches for 52 yards and a touchdown after missing the last two games with an ankle injury. The Raiders' big boys up front were dominated as the team gained just 33 rushing yards on 21 carries. Minshew completed 24 of his 30 passes for 209 yards with two touchdowns and a fumble.

Defense: C

Trying to control Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has to be one of the most frustrating jobs in the NFL. He was at it again on Sunday and kept making something out of nothing. Kansas City converted 12 of its 16 third downs. Mahomes completed 27 of his 38 passes for 262 yards with two touchdowns and an interception caught by Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig. Linebacker Robert Spillane injured his ankle early but returned and led the team with 12 tackles. Moehrig added nine and linebacker Divine Deablo had seven. Defensive end Tyree Wilson had the Raiders' only sack. Defensive end Maxx Crosby was held in check and finished with three tackles.

Special Teams: A

There's not much to say here. Kicker Daniel Carlson made both field goal attempts, making 54- and 32-yard attempts. Punter AJ Cole averaged 64 yards on his two punts and placed one inside 20 yards.

Coaching: D

The Raiders competed with the two-time defending Super Bowl champions until the end, but we're still not sure who this team is under coach Antonio Pierce. Going away from the 3-yard line with no points on first-and-goal is inexcusable. The Raiders were way too conservative there and way too conservative at the end of the first half when they ran the ball twice before kicking the ball back to the Chiefs. Mahomes then pushed Kansas City into field goal range, giving his team a 17-10 lead at halftime.

— Ed Graney/Review Journal