Chiefs’ longest scoring drought this season came in loss to Raiders. What’s changed?
Blame for the Chiefs’ loss the Raiders in Week 5 has been largely assigned to the defense. The Chiefs surrendered season highs in points (40) and total yards (490), as well as passing yards (346). Plus, they couldn’t stop a fourth-and-1 on the Raiders’ final drive, which allowed Las Vegas to assume the victory formation.
But overlooked in the outcome was the inability of the Chiefs’ offense to swing the game in the second half. After the defense forced a three-and-out to open the third quarter, Patrick Mahomes and company mustered just two first downs total on their next three possessions. The drive after that produced Mahomes’ lone interception of the season.
Punt, punt, punt, pick ... loss.
Four possessions, no points. It’s the only time that’s happened to the Chiefs this season. Meanwhile, the Raiders, after being held scoreless in the third quarter, put up 16 straight points.
Against a team runs the ball well with Josh Jacobs and has an effective passing game when Derek Carr has time in the pocket, the Chiefs had to keep up the scoring pace ... and for the only time this season, that didn’t happen.
Here’s who has the edge in Sunday night’s rematch in Las Vegas.
When the Chiefs pass
Mahomes has thrust himself back into the MVP favorite’s role. Over the past two games, he’s passed for 788 yards with nine touchdowns. The Chiefs might get Sammy Watkins, out with a hamstring injury since the first Raiders game, back for this one. Last time these teams met, the Raiders got pressure on Mahomes without blitzing and largely contained him in the second half. Still ...
Edge: Chiefs
When the Chiefs run
The KC passing game success has come at the expense of the running game, which has produced 86 yards in the past two weeks. After the Chiefs lost to the Raiders, they signed Le’Veon Bell. And in the next game following that loss to Vegas, the Chiefs rushed for 245 yards, with Clyde Edwards-Helaire going for 161, in a victory at Buffalo.
Edge: Chiefs
When the Raiders pass
Carr had one of the best games of his career last time out against the Chiefs, throwing for 347 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. That improved his career ratio against Kansas City to 18 touchdowns against 14 picks in 13 games. He’s thrown for only 430 yards in the past three games combined, but the Raiders have won them all. Will cornerback L’Jarius Sneed return to the Chiefs’ secondary this week?
Edge: Chiefs
When the Raiders run
Carr hasn’t piling up gaudy numbers because the Raiders have been pounding it on the ground, with 572 rushing yards over their last three games. Jacobs and Devontae Booker combined for 139 rushing yards against the Chiefs in Week 5, and this remains the soft spot in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense.
Edge: Raiders
This story was originally published November 19, 2020 at 5:00 AM.