Raiders’ playoff hopes squashed in Stidham’s debut as starting QB

Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) motions to teammates during the first half of an NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) runs the ball under pressure from Raiders linebacker Luke Masterson (59) during the second half of an NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) runs the ball during the first half of an NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) grabs a long pass over San Francisco 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir (38) as time winds down during the second half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) celebrates his touchdown catch with offensive tackle Thayer Munford Jr. (77) during the first half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. (Erik Verduzco / Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) runs the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) reacts after a touchdown against the Raiders during the first half of an NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

Raiders running back Brandon Bolden (34) runs the ball during the first half of an NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

The National Anthem its played by guitarist Joe Satriani before the first half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (51) and defensive end Drake Jackson (95) celebrate after getting possession of the ball against the Raiders during the second half of an NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) celebrates his touchdown with offensive tackle Thayer Munford Jr. (77) during the first half of an NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 01, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @HeidiFang

Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) and quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) have a conversation during warmups before the first half of their NFL game versus the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) runs the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. (Erik Verduzco / Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) gets tackled by San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (91) during the second half of a NFL football game at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. (Erik Verduzco / Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) intercepts a pass intended for San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) during the second half of an NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) throws a pass over Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) during the first half of an NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) makes a touchdown catch as San Francisco 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga (29) looks on during the first half of a NFL football game at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. (Erik Verduzco / Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) celebrates his interception with safeties Duron Harmon (30) and Roderic Teamer (33) during the second half of an NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) runs the ball past Raiders linebacker Luke Masterson (59) during the first half of an NFL football game at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. (Erik Verduzco / Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) collides as intercepts a pass intended for San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) during the second half of an NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 01, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @HeidiFang

San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa (97) tackles Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) as he throws the ball during the second half of a NFL football game at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. (Erik Verduzco / Las Vegas Review-Journal)

San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason (24) celebrates a touchdown catch with quarterback Brock Purdy (13) during the second half of a NFL football game at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. (Erik Verduzco / Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) is tackled by San Francisco 49ers cornerback Jimmie Ward (1) after a catch during the second half of a NFL football game at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. (Erik Verduzco / Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) runs past San Francisco 49ers cornerback Jimmie Ward (1) during the second half of an NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 01, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @HeidiFang

Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) gets forced out of bounds by San Francisco 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir (38) during the first half of an NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

Raiders owner Mark Davis gives a thumbs up as the team warms up before an NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 01, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @HeidiFang

San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason scores a touchdown against the Raiders during the second half of an NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) is assisted up by teammates guard Alex Bars (64) and offensive tackle Kolton Miller (74) after a big hit by the San Francisco 49ers defense during the second half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) battles for more yards against San Francisco 49ers linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (51) during the second half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) leaps to secure a touchdown pass as Raiders linebacker Luke Masterson (59) and others look on during the first half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) gives a "thumbs up" during warmups before the first half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) gets stopped on the fourth down by the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) counts while looking to the stands during warmups before the first half of their NFL game versus the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Raiders owner Mark Davis takes the field before an NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 01, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @HeidiFang

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) hurdles Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) during the second half of an NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @HeidiFang

Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) tackles San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) during the first half of a NFL football game at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. (Erik Verduzco / Las Vegas Review-Journal)

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) makes a touchdown catch against the Raiders during the first half of a NFL football game at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. (Erik Verduzco / Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) celebrate a touchdown with wide receiver Mack Hollins (10) during the second half of an NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @HeidiFang

Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) runs the ball during the first half of a NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. (Erik Verduzco / Las Vegas Review-Journal)

San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason (24) makes a touchdown catch against the Raiders during the second half of a NFL football game at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. (Erik Verduzco / Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) secures a long pass over San Francisco 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir (38) as time winds down during the second half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) celebrates a touchdown with teammate wide receiver Davante Adams (17) versus the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) tries to shake a tackle from San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw (57) during the first half of an NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 01, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @HeidiFang

Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) is in coverage as San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) scores a touchdown during the second half of an NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 01, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @HeidiFang

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) avoids a tackle from Raiders linebacker Harvey Langi (56) during the second half of a NFL football game at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. (Erik Verduzco / Las Vegas Review-Journal)

A sea of San Francisco 49ers fans take over a section in Allegiant Stadium for an NFL game against the Raiders on Sunday, Jan. 01, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @HeidiFang

Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) scampers into the end zone past the San Francisco 49ers defense during the second half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) gets tripped up by San Francisco 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir (38) during the second half of an NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

Raiders defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) reaches out for a field goal attempt by San Francisco 49ers place kicker Robbie Gould (9) during the second half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) is counseled on the sidelines by Head Coach Josh McDaniels against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

San Francisco 49ers safety Tashaun Gipson Sr. (31) runs the ball after intercepting the Raiders during overtime in an NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III (3) looks to the goal line as San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw (57) hold a leg during the first half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) puts his helmet on before an NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) scores a touchdown with San Francisco 49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward (7) in coverage during the first half of an NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 01, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @HeidiFang

Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) is punched on the chin as he slides after a run by San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner (54) during the first half of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) looks back as he runs into the end zone for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @HeidiFang

San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason (24) celebrates a touchdown catch during the second half of a NFL football game against the Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. (Erik Verduzco / Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Raiders cornerback Tyler Hall (37) defends a pass intended for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (15) for an incomplete pass during the second half of a NFL football game at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. (Erik Verduzco / Las Vegas Review-Journal)

San Francisco 49ers place kicker Robbie Gould (9) kicks the game winning field goal against the Raiders in overtime in a NFL football game at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. (Erik Verduzco / Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Raiders safety Roderic Teamer (33) lies dejected on the turf amongst teammates as the San Francisco 49ers win during overtime of their NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images

Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels, right, and San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, embrace following an overtime win by the San Francisco 49ers in a NFL football game at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. (Erik Verduzco / Las Vegas Review-Journal)

The inevitability of it all didn’t lessen the sting for the Raiders.

Their playoff hopes had been on life support for weeks, and the slow crawl to their ultimate demise only prolonged a fate that could be seen a million miles away.

That it came Sunday in a 37-34 overtime loss to the 49ers at Allegiant Stadium wasn’t so much a surprise as a painful reminder of the missed opportunities in the past 17 weeks.

And, ultimately, what could have been had they simply taken care of business during so many moments of prosperity.

Not even a gallant effort by quarterback Jarrett Stidham, who was making his first NFL start while taking over for Derek Carr, the longtime face of the franchise who was benched last week, could alter the reality of the Raiders’ current state.

They are, quite frankly, a team just good enough to hang with the best the NFL has to offer, but not ready to consistently win the close games they keep finding themselves in. The Raiders (6-10) played their 13th one-score game and are 4-9 in them. They also have blown double-digit leads on a record-breaking five occasions, including the 10-point advantage they built against the 49ers.

“You can’t win until you keep from losing,” said veteran safety Duron Harmon, a three-time Super Bowl champion. “As generic as that is, it’s what it is. You have to do all the little things right, at the end of the game, because the little things turn into big things.”

From an overall talent, maturity and football intelligence standpoint, the Raiders aren’t there.

Credit to Stidham for a brilliant performance while completing 23 of 34 passes for 365 yards and three touchdowns. In doing so, the Raiders pushed a legitimate Super Bowl contender into overtime, matching them point for point and big play for big play.

Even Stidham’s mistakes, which included the interception he threw in overtime in which 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa pushed left tackle Kolton Miller into Stidham’s lap just as he was releasing a long pass, were no fault of his own.

The interception by Tashaun Gibson put the 49ers in position for Robbie Gould to kick the game-winning 23-yard field goal.

But faced with a complicated set of circumstances, Stidham was ready for the challenge. And if he keeps it up in the season finale against the Chiefs on Saturday, he might just play his way into the Raiders’ long-term quarterback picture.

“Jarrett played his ass off,” Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby said. “I got a ton of respect for him.”

As effective as Stidham was, though, it didn’t matter when weighed against some of the Raiders’ most pressing issues.

The clarity of that is not lost on the key decision-makers. And as they formulate their offseason to-do list, Sunday’s events served to crystalize the need for a deeper, more talented defense and upgrades along the offensive line.

The defense, which was missing five starters, surrendered 454 yards, including 121 rushing yards to Christian McCaffrey, 101 receiving yards to Brandon Aiyuk and the 24-14 second-half lead.

Meanwhile, the offensive line was responsible for both of Stidham’s interceptions, including the tipped ball they allowed to defensive end Kerry Hyder that fell into Drake Jackson’s hands.

Those are tasks for general manager Dave Ziegler and coach Josh McDaniels, whose decision-making in the next five months will go a long way in determining whether the Raiders can start winning more of these close games.

Or whether 2023 will be a repeat of 2022.

Inside a frustrated locker room, though, the talk was not about personnel changes or beefing up the offensive and defensive lines. It was about the need to heed the harsh lessons this season has served up.

“Attention to detail,” cornerback Nate Hobbs said. “Our record, people think we suck. But when they cut on that film, and if you watch the games, we’re as good as anybody in the league. We just lose games by a couple of points. It teaches us the importance of every single play and snap.”

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