Chiefs Avenge Week 5 Loss, Beat Raiders 35-31
Las Vegas, NV: Looks like Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes can hold grudges, especially against division rivals that take victory laps in their team bus around Arrowhead stadium. In their last meet up in week 5, the Las Vegas Raiders outdueled the Chiefs through the air, holding them to “just” 32 points while putting up 40, and forcing Mahomes to throw his only pick of the season (up until Sunday night). With that score on the mind, along with that victory lap nonsense, Kansas City went into the Death Star looking for redemption and retribution. And they came out with exactly that, as a late Derek Carr-interception by safety Daniel Sorensen killed any hopes for a Raiders comeback, as KC escapes Sin City with a 35-31 win.
Mahomes Magic Doesn’t Get Old
Earlier this month, former NFL safety and current ESPN TV personality Ryan Clark said NFL fans and viewers are developing “Patrick Mahomes Fatigue,” that we as a viewing audience are growing tired of watching Chiefs superstar Patrick Mahomes throw from impossible angles, hitting dimes on deep passes throw shrinking windows, and pulling come-from-behind victories out of thin air. Well, Ryan Clark, you may be taking Mahomes’ magic for granted, but there’s still a good portion of NFL Fans that still get mesmerized every time the ball is in his hands, especially against the Raiders on Sunday night. SNF started off slow for the reigning Super Bowl MVP, with KC opting for more of a power-run heavy approach with the two-headed back machine that is rookie halfback Clyde Edwards-Helaire and newly-signed running back Le’Veon Bell. Combined, the two racked up 94 rushing yards on 21 carries (4.47 yards per carry) and three all three of KC’s rushing touchdowns (CEH with 2, Bell with 1). But that approach was short-lived, as Las Vegas began scoring fast and often, not punting until their fifth drive of the game. Reid knew he had to let Mahomes loose onto the Raiders depleted defense, especially on Kansas City’s last drive. Down three points with 1:15 left, Mahomes fired on all cylinders, finding Tyreek Hill (11/102/1), Demarcus Robinson (6/44), and running back Darrel Williams (3/22) as the offense made their way downfield. He capped the drive off with a 22-yard dart to his favorite target Travis Kelce (8/127/1), who had no defender within 5 yards of him, for the game-sealing touchdown. Mahomes’ stats for the night; 34/45 (75.5 completion percentage) for 348 yards, two passing touchdowns, and an ugly interception he threw near the end of the first half to cornerback Trayvon Mullen. The division is KC’s to lose, and despite having the 15thtoughest remaining schedule, a realistic loss doesn’t seem to be on the horizon.
Bet Big, Lose Big
Can anyone tell me who the gunslinging, risk-taking, deep-pass hitter that was wearing number four tonight for the Raiders was because there is no way that was the same Derek Carr we’ve grown to love and be frustrated with? Since his MVP-like season back in 2016, Carr developed a “Captain Checkdown” reputation, in that he never went for the deep balls opportunities, often going for the dump-offs and short routes and slowly make his way down the field. But ever since Jon Gruden made his way back to the silver and black, he’s helped Carr into developing more trust in his downfield options. Paired with a great ground-and-pound attack that consists of second-year back Josh Jacobs (17/55/1) and former Bronco halfback Devontae Booker (5/16), along with some speedy passing weapons in tight end Darren Waller (7/88/1), former Eagles wideout Nelson Agholor (6/88/1), rookie wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (1/5), and shifty slot receiver Hunter Renfrow (2/37), as well a competent, healthy offensive line that can protect him, and Derek Carr has no excuse to fail. And so far, he hasn’t. Carr isn’t lighting up the stats sheet like his contemporary Mahomes (23/31 [74 completion percentage] for 275 yards, three touchdowns, and a game-ending pick vs the Chiefs), but he’s done a great job in getting the ball into the hands of his playmakers, limiting mistakes (came into the game with just two interceptions on the season), and taking the deep-field risks when they’re there. And typically, that approach works on almost any opponent. Almost. With Patrick Mahomes being the other QB you’re facing, even your best just isn’t enough.
What’s coming next?
Las Vegas won’t have to wait long for a shot at redemption after that loss, as they fly down to Atlanta to take on a Falcons squad that just got smacked in the face Taysom Hill and the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. As for the Chiefs, it’s a rematch of GOAT QB’s for Mahomes and KC, as they travel down to Tampa Bay to take on Tom Brady and a top-rated Buccaneers defense.
Writer
-By: Juan Guarin-Camargo