### Raiders' Coach Stands by Final Play Despite Costly Turnover in Close Loss to Chiefs

In a game that came down to the wire, Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Antonio Pierce remains firm in his decisions during the closing moments of Friday's tough 19-17 loss against the Kansas City Chiefs. Quarterback Aidan O'Connell took full responsibility for a mishandled snap that ultimately secured the Chiefs' narrow victory.

Speaking to the media after the game, O'Connell owned up to the error, explaining that he had failed to secure an early snap while trying to organize his teammates for a critical play. This fumble, combined with a penalty for an illegal shift, pushed the Raiders out of field-goal range, turning the ball over to Kansas City.

Pierce, addressing reporters the next day, did not express any regret over how the final drive was managed, instead hinting that the officiating may have played a role in the mishap. "We heard a whistle on our sideline," Pierce noted, suggesting that this could have led to O'Connell's premature reaction to the snap.

Despite falling to a disappointing 2-10 for the season after the loss, Pierce indicated that the Raiders plan to submit the play for review by the NFL. However, he has low expectations for any significant action from the league regarding the officiating.

For his part, O'Connell reiterated his own accountability for the turnover. He explained that with the clock running down, the plan was to line up and throw the ball out of bounds to stop the clock before attempting a field goal on fourth down. "It's completely my fault," O'Connell stated, admitting that he clapped to signal the snap too early while ensuring his teammates were in position.

In the end, both the coach and the quarterback seem to understand that in football, as in life, sometimes things don't go your way, no matter how well you prepare.