Vrabel opted to punt on 4th-and-10 with under five minutes left, and a Will Campbell false start forced a longer yardage play. Bryce Baringer came out to punt, while Drake Maye and the offense stayed on the sideline. Vrabel explained the move was aimed at a better punt and field position, but the plan didn’t work. The Patriots later moved into field goal range, Borregales delivering a 44-yard kick, yet a 22-second clock left onside try handed the ball back to Las Vegas for the win.

Maye’s late drive produced the field-goal opportunity; the onside kick attempt kept a glimmer of hope alive, but the Raiders closed it out with victory formation to start the season 1-0. Vrabel acknowledged he must improve situational decisions in such scenarios while the team moves forward from the tough finish.