Raiders fall to 0-3 after loss to Tennessee Titans

Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) breaks into the open field past Raiders safety Duron Harmon (30) in the first half during an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, at Nissan Stadium, in Nashville, Tenn. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @benjaminhphoto

Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) is hit by Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (98) in the second half during an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, at Nissan Stadium, in Nashville, Tenn. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @benjaminhphoto

Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) makes a touchdown catch over Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Byard (31) in the first half during an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, at Nissan Stadium, in Nashville, Tenn. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @benjaminhphoto

Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) celebrates a touchdown with Tennessee Titans wide receiver Robert Woods (2) and Tennessee Titans wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (15) in the first half during an NFL football game against the Raiders on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, at Nissan Stadium, in Nashville, Tenn. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @benjaminhphoto

Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) celebrates a tackle for loss on Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) during the first half of an NFL game at Nissan Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. (Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @HeidiFang

Hollwood Raider throws his arms up in frustration during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, at Nissan Stadium, in Nashville, Tenn. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @benjaminhphoto

Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) stiff arms Tennessee Titans cornerback Roger McCreary (21) in the first half during an NFL football game on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, at Nissan Stadium, in Nashville, Tenn. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @benjaminhphoto

Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Byard (31) takes the field before the start of an NFL football game against the Raiders on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, at Nissan Stadium, in Nashville, Tenn. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @benjaminhphoto

Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) tries to tackle Tennessee Titans tight end Geoff Swaim (87) during the first half of an NFL game at Nissan Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. (Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @HeidiFang

Raiders tight end Darren Waller signs autographs before the start an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, at Nissan Stadium, in Nashville, Tenn. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @benjaminhphoto

Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) is sacked by Tennessee Titans defensive end Denico Autry (96) and Tennessee Titans linebacker Rashad Weaver (99) in the first half during an NFL football game on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, at Nissan Stadium, in Nashville, Tenn. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @benjaminhphoto

Titans fans during an NFL football game against the Raiders on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, at Nissan Stadium, in Nashville, Tenn. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @benjaminhphoto

Raiders linebacker Jayon Brown (50) knocks down a pass by Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) in the second half during an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, at Nissan Stadium, in Nashville, Tenn. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @benjaminhphoto

Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels walks the sidelines in the second half during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, at Nissan Stadium, in Nashville, Tenn. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @benjaminhphoto

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Robert Woods (2) celebrates a big play in the first half during an NFL football game against the Raiders on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, at Nissan Stadium, in Nashville, Tenn. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @benjaminhphoto

Raiders fans during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, at Nissan Stadium, in Nashville, Tenn. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @benjaminhphoto

Tennessee Titans tight end Geoff Swaim (87) scores a touchdown past Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) in the first half during an NFL football game on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, at Nissan Stadium, in Nashville, Tenn. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @benjaminhphoto

Titans cheerleaders perform in the first half during an NFL football game against the Raiders on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, at Nissan Stadium, in Nashville, Tenn. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @benjaminhphoto

Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) makes a leaping catch past Tennessee Titans linebacker Zach Cunningham (41) in the first half during an NFL football game on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, at Nissan Stadium, in Nashville, Tenn. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @benjaminhphoto

Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) tackles Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) in the second half during an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, at Nissan Stadium, in Nashville, Tenn. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @benjaminhphoto

Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) leaps through a hole past Raiders safety Duron Harmon (30) and Raiders linebacker Jayon Brown (50) in the first half during an NFL football game on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, at Nissan Stadium, in Nashville, Tenn. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @benjaminhphoto

Raiders fans outside Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn. before the start of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @benjaminhphoto

Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Byard (31) returns an interception past Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) and Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) in the second half during an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, at Nissan Stadium, in Nashville, Tenn. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @benjaminhphoto

Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby celebrates a big play in the second half during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, at Nissan Stadium, in Nashville, Tenn. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @benjaminhphoto

Dejected Raiders fans during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, at Nissan Stadium, in Nashville, Tenn. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @benjaminhphoto

Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) tight ropes dow the sideline past Tennessee Titans linebacker Dylan Cole (53) in the second half during an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, at Nissan Stadium, in Nashville, Tenn. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @benjaminhphoto

Raiders fans during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, at Nissan Stadium, in Nashville, Tenn. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @benjaminhphoto

Raiders wide receiver Mack Hollins (10) celebrates a touchdown catch with Raiders running back Brandon Bolden (34) in the second half during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, at Nissan Stadium, in Nashville, Tenn. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @benjaminhphoto

Titans fans during an NFL football game against the Raiders on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, at Nissan Stadium, in Nashville, Tenn. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @benjaminhphoto

Raiders guard Alex Bars (64) consoles Raiders offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor (72) in the second half during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, at Nissan Stadium, in Nashville, Tenn. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @benjaminhphoto

Titans and Raiders fans during an NFL football game on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, at Nissan Stadium, in Nashville, Tenn. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @benjaminhphoto

Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Byard (31) breaks up a two point conversion attempt targeting Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) in the second half during an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, at Nissan Stadium, in Nashville, Tenn. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @benjaminhphoto

Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel in the second half during an NFL football game against the Raiders on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, at Nissan Stadium, in Nashville, Tenn. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @benjaminhphoto

Raiders wide receiver Mack Hollins (10) makes a catch and looks to shake coverage from Tennessee Titans safety Amani Hooker (37) and safety Kevin Byard (31) during the second half of an NFL game at Nissan Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. (Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @HeidiFang

Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) looks for room to run during the first half of an NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. (Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @HeidiFang

Raiders fans watch the team play the second half of an NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. (Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @HeidiFang

Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) gets a pass away under pressure from Tennessee Titans defensive end Denico Autry (96) in the second half during an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, at Nissan Stadium, in Nashville, Tenn. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @benjaminhphoto

Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels holds up two fingers as he walks on the field during the second half of an NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. (Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @HeidiFang

Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) stops Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) during the first half of an NFL game at Nissan Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. (Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @HeidiFang

Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) takes the field before the start of an NFL football game against the Raiders on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, at Nissan Stadium, in Nashville, Tenn. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @benjaminhphoto

Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) leaps over Tennessee Titans cornerback Terrance Mitchell (39) after making a catch during the second half of an NFL game at Nissan Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. (Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @HeidiFang

Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) get ready to lead their team onto the field before the start of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, at Nissan Stadium, in Nashville, Tenn. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @benjaminhphoto

Raiders fans during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, at Nissan Stadium, in Nashville, Tenn. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @benjaminhphoto

Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) is tackled by Tennessee Titans linebacker Zach Cunningham (41) in the first half during an NFL football game on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, at Nissan Stadium, in Nashville, Tenn. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @benjaminhphoto

Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) gets a pass away under pressure in the second half during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, at Nissan Stadium, in Nashville, Tenn. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @benjaminhphoto

Raiders safety Duron Harmon (30) celebrates his interception with safety Roderic Teamer (33) and cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the second half of an NFL game at Nissan Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. (Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @HeidiFang

Raiders wide receiver Mack Hollins (10) collides with the end zone pylon with Tennessee Titans cornerback Kristian Fulton (26) defending in the second half during an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, at Nissan Stadium, in Nashville, Tenn. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @benjaminhphoto

Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) is tackled by Tennessee Titans defensive end DeMarcus Walker (95) and linebacker David Long Jr. (51) during the second half of an NFL game at Nissan Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. (Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @HeidiFang

Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) breaks through a hole past Tennessee Titans linebacker Rashad Weaver (99) and Tennessee Titans cornerback Kristian Fulton (26) in the second half during an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, at Nissan Stadium, in Nashville, Tenn. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @benjaminhphoto

Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) calls an audible with Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) defending in the second half during an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, at Nissan Stadium, in Nashville, Tenn. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @benjaminhphoto

Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) signals after the Tennessee Titans were penalized during the second half of an NFL game at Nissan Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. (Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @HeidiFang

Raider Javi, middle, during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, at Nissan Stadium, in Nashville, Tenn. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @benjaminhphoto

Raiders wide receiver Mack Hollins (10) celebrates a catch over Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Byard (31) during the first half of an NFL game at Nissan Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. (Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @HeidiFang

Raiders wide receiver Keelan Cole (84) dives to try and make a catch with Tennessee Titans cornerback Kristian Fulton (26) defending in the second half during an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, at Nissan Stadium, in Nashville, Tenn. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @benjaminhphoto

Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) stands on the sideline in contemplation during the second half of an NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. (Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @HeidiFang

Tennessee Titans safety Amani Hooker (37) celebrates in front of Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) after the Titans broke up a two point conversion attempt in the second half during an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, at Nissan Stadium, in Nashville, Tenn. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @benjaminhphoto

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — For three straight weeks, coach Josh McDaniels, quarterback Derek Carr and anyone else associated with the Raiders has stood by podiums and lockers trying to explain the misery of losing winnable football games.

Such was the case again Sunday after the Raiders delivered yet another Jekyll and Hyde performance in a 24-22 loss to the Titans at Nissan Stadium, where the Raiders fell short when Carr’s two-point conversion throw to Darren Waller fell incomplete.

And just like that, the Raiders dropped to to 0-3, putting in jeopardy a season that began with so much expectation.

The Titans (1-2) deserve credit, but, as was the case in the Raiders’ first two losses, it was mostly self-inflicted wounds and an inability to string together four solid quarters that cost them.

“We have to learn how to start well, play well in the middle and finish well,” McDaniels said. “Right now, we’ve not figured that formula out yet.”

Six trips to the red zone resulted in just two touchdowns. Two other promising drives fizzled because of a series of errors that included penalties and two dropped passes by Waller, one that resulted in an end zone interception by Kevin Byard when the ball grazed off the tight end’s hands.

The miscues denied the Raiders a chance to overcome a 24-10 halftime deficit and wasted the defense’s second-half shutout.

Also lost in the defeat were the career-high eight catches and 158 yards from Mack Hollins, Carr’s 303 yards passing and two touchdowns, and a promising day from a rebuilt offensive line that featured new starters in Alex Bars at left guard, Jermaine Eluemunor at right guard and rookie Thayer Munford at right tackle.

The Raiders have outplayed all three of their opponents in one half of each game. In the first half of the Cardinals game and the second halves of the Chargers and Titans games, they have outscored the three 48-7.

But their ineffectiveness in the other quarters has buried them in last place in the AFC West, one of the NFL’s best divisions, and forced them to take a hard look at themselves less than a month into the season.

“We’re gonna have to learn how to play a full 60 minutes and earn the right to win,” McDaniels said. “It’s kind of where we’re at right now.”

By now, their frustration is matched only by their anger at the redundancy of it all.

A football version of Groundhog Day has beset the Raiders, one in which a lack of focus, attention to detail and inefficiency continue to cost them at the most inopportune times.

And as Carr alluded to in another postgame synopsis, the self-induced errors stem from moments that unfold long before the Raiders even take the playing field.

“If you don’t do it right at practice, you can’t expect it to go right in the games,” he said.

Carr didn’t get into details, but did say “the execution wasn’t at its best on some days” during the practice week. When asked to elaborate, he hinted that not everyone is as focused as they should be.

“The meetings, the practices, the walk-throughs, all matter,” Carr said. “If you’re on it on all those things, you usually go out and you’re on your assignments. … When we go to the meetings, take what they’re saying and go do it on the field. Then it’ll start happening more and more in games.”

Until then, the Raiders will take the same roller-coaster ride they have boarded for three straight weeks.

“We have to be better, and if we’re not, we’re gonna have a sucky feeling after every game,” Carr said.

Contact Vincent Bonsignore at vbonsignore@reviewjournal.com. Follow @VinnyBonsignore on Twitter.