Chiefs get big first half from Juan Thornhill, roll to 21-0 lead over Oakland Raiders
Have a half, Juan Thornhill.
Thornhill, the Chiefs’ rookie safety, came up with an interception return for a touchdown and contributed a fourth-down stop as Kansas City rolled to a 21-0 halftime lead over the Oakland Raiders.
Thornhill stepped in front of a Derek Carr pass over the middle intended for Tyrell Williams and had a clear path to the end zone from 46 yards out.
A Chiefs second-round pick in April, Thornhill not only recorded the Chiefs’ first pick six of the season, it was the first of his career, pro or college.
The pick also continued Carr’s misery against the Chiefs. It was his second interception of the game. He’s had 10 picks in his last 23 games, and six of those have come against the Chiefs.
Honey Badger comes up big
The last time Tyrann Mathieu had a chance for an interception, he dropped it against the Chargers two weeks ago in Mexico City. He didn’t drop it this time. Mathieu’s pick of Carr’s underthrown attempt to tight end Darren Waller set up the Chiefs at the Raiders’ 47.
The Chiefs took advantage of the takeaway and the short field, pushing for a touchdown. Patrick Mahomes’ 3-yard pass in the flat to Darrel Williams opened the scoring Sunday.
But with an immediate opportunity to build on their lead, the Chiefs gave the ball right back.
Dorian O’Daniel recovered a fumble on the kickoff caused by Rashad Fenton and the Chiefs took over at the Oakland 24. But Darrel Williams was stuffed twice, on third and fourth down from the 15.
The Chiefs’ red zone issues continued. They entered the game tied for 23rd in that department, with touchdowns on 50 percent of their red zone trips. This isn’t a road-paver offensive line. It excels at keeping Mahomes protected, but picking up a fourth-and-1 isn’t this line’s strength.
With takeaways that allowed drives to begin at the opponent’s 47 and 24, the Chiefs needed to come up with more than seven points.
Thornhill with the stop
The Chiefs’ defense came up with its own fourth-down stop with 9:53 remaining in the second quarter. Facing a fourth-and-1 from the Chiefs’ 40, the Raiders opted not go to with Josh Jacobs, who had 55 yards on eight attempts to that point.
Instead, Jon Gruden dialed up a jet sweep to wide receiver Trevor Davis.
Thornhill played it perfectly and came up with the solo tackle for no gain. Although he wasn’t credited with an assist, linebacker Reggie Ragland helped extend the play, allowing Thornhill a free shot at the tackle.
This stop finished with a Chiefs touchdown.
Lawson was called for holding on tight end Travis Kelce on third down, and the Chiefs cashed in. The Raiders had the Chiefs’ receivers covered, so Mahomes took it in himself from 13 yards for his first rushing touchdown this season to make it 14-0 with 6:28 remaining in the half.
If Mahomes has any lingering knee or ankle issues from injuries this season, they weren’t apparent on the scoring run.
Mahomes had two rushing touchdowns in the 2018 regular season and one against the Colts in the postseason.
The Chiefs get the ball to begin the second half.
This story was originally published December 1, 2019 at 4:49 PM.