Here’s a list of the issues plaguing the KC Chiefs ahead of Sunday’s game vs. Raiders
So, about the Chiefs’ second-half woes, here’s a breakdown.
In being held scoreless in the second half of three straight games, the Chiefs have been outscored 38-0 by the Broncos, Dolphins and Eagles, losing twice.
The Chiefs have had a cumulative 13 possessions, not including two abbreviated drives at the end of games: Eight have ended with punts, two on downs, two on fumbles (not counting Mecole Hardman’s muffed punt at Denver) and one on an interception.
Six of those drives have included a Chiefs penalty, five by an offensive lineman.
That list of problems doesn’t include the dropped passes, third-down conversion fails and other power outages by the offense.
“This second half thing, we’ve got to take care if it and figure it out,” Andy Reid said. “We have to make sure we fix that, coaches and players.”
Here’s what else to watch when the Chiefs meet the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday at 3:25 p.m. Central:
Chiefs player to watch: Cornerback L’Jarius Sneed
Sneed has drawn each opponent’s top wide receiver most of the season and has excelled. He helped hold the Eagles’ A.J. Brown to one reception and the Dolphins’ Tyreek Hill to 62 yards. Sneed and cornerback Trent McDuffie have been two of the Chiefs’ biggest bright spots and could be leading candidates for postseason honors. This week, Sneed figures to draw the Raiders’ Davante Adams, who leads the team with 64 receptions.
“L.J. is ready to take on anybody,” Chiefs safety Justin Reid said. “It doesn’t matter who it is. We put L.J. on him and he holds his own.”
Sneed, who collected his team-leading second interception against the Eagles, will look to lead a ball-hawking effort against rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell. Looking to make his fifth NFL start, O’Connell has thrown six interceptions with three touchdown passes.
Raiders player to watch: Defensive end Maxx Crosby
If he plays, that is. Crosby is listed as doubtful with a knee injury. But if he does play, the Chiefs will see one of the NFL’s top defensive players.
Crosby has already recorded 10 1/2 sacks and is on pace for a career best. He says Patrick Mahomes is one of the most competitive and trash-talking quarterbacks he’s faced. Chiefs tackles must be at their best to contain Crosby.
There will be no confrontation between Crosby and former Eastern Michigan teammates now that Andrew Wylie has moved on, but Crosby, as he usually does, looks to have an impact against the Chiefs.
Special teams player to watch: Raiders punter A.J. Cole III
Cole is one of the best in the NFL, a two-time Pro Bowl selection who averages 51.9 yards per punt. He’ll likely be kicking to the Chiefs’ Kadarius Toney, a fearless return specialist who averaged 10 yards on six returns against the Eagles.
The new Raiders coach: Antonio Pierce
Chiefs have had nothing but praise and respect for Raiders interim head coach Antonio Pierce, who is 2-1 since taking over for Josh McDaniels. Andy Reid said this week he once tried to hire Pierce on the Chiefs’ staff. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo called Pierce one of his favorite players when they were with the Giants.
“It’s well documented that Antonio Pierce is a favorite of mine,” Spagnuolo said. “I was fortunate enough to coach him in New York. I think he’s doing a terrific job. I was just talking with someone here recently, the energy in that team seems to have changed. I know what he’s all about. I know how he coaches. I kind of know how he thinks. He’ll energize teams.”
Pierce will be the 17th different head coach Reid will have faced in the AFC West since taking over the Chiefs in 2013.
This story was originally published November 24, 2023 at 7:30 AM.