In what was arguably the biggest game of the Kansas City Chiefs’ early season, Kansas City struggled to keep quarterback Patrick Mahomes upright in what turned out to be a closely contested game. It wasn’t the Chiefs’ crispest game by any means, and they left some plays on the field that they wish they could have back in all three phases.
But in the end, the Chiefs’ determination carried them on the road and helped them collect enough wins to open the season 4-0, beat the Las Vegas Raiders 30-27 and take first place in the AFC West.
1. Pass protection issues aren’t limited to Kahlil Benson
The biggest concern going into this game was whether Chiefs undrafted rookie left tackle Kahlil Benson would be exposed against edge rusher Maxx Crosby and the rest of this Raiders defense. And the answer was “sort of.”
I actually thought Benson fought pretty well in this game, but left guard Kingsley Suamataia missed this game due to what the Chiefs called a coaching decision. And while we don’t know what he did to end up on the pin, it had to be something bad for them to roll with Mike Caliendo, who repeatedly proved he wasn’t good enough to start in the NFL and was a liability this entire game.
Like I said, we don’t know what Suamataia did, but to miss such an important game with your replacement playing so poorly, he must have almost murdered someone.
2. Tyquan Thornton was the X-factor for this offense
Thornton will never be your WR1. He will always be an actor. But Dante Hall played a role. Jerrick McKinnon was an actor. Sometimes a role player is the difference between winning a hotly contested match against your main rivals. And losing a match that makes you feel sick to your stomach because you know you should have won it.
But we’re not talking about guesswork here, because Thornton was in the middle of playing one of the biggest games of his life when he suffered what looked like a gruesome lower leg injury. It’s not about replacing it. We cannot replace it.
Thornton didn’t just score a touchdown in this game; he had two, in times when the Chiefs needed them most. His most notable play was the one that injured him. Get well soon, Tyquan; Chiefs Kingdom loves you, big guy.
3. It’s time for Dave Toub to go
I always try to be hesitant when calling for a coaching change. But Toub must be in the hot seat right now. The special teams not only had a bad game today; they’ve had three bad years and things don’t seem to be going in the right direction. Having illegal on-the-job training is unacceptable. The same goes for illegal and fair capture. And even worse, they can’t cover the kick and continue to give the opposing team advantageous field position. The only bright spot on special teams has been Matt Arizia, who plays like the best punter in the league. But aside from Arizia’s brilliance, the rest of the unit has been horrible.
It’s not a skill issue.
It’s an execution problem.
It’s a coaching problem.
4. Sack Nation should be the Pressure Republic
Much has been made of the Chiefs’ lack of ability to get sacks. But Chris Jones, George Karlaftis, R Mason Thomas and even Felix Anudike Uzoimah quietly made Kirk Cousins uncomfortable all day. And while they didn’t result in sacks, they forced the Vegas quarterback to take several throws back in key situations.
You can tell they came out in this match with fire, looking to make their point. Chris Jones said this week that he sees the sports media’s criticism of the Chiefs’ front four. If it took sportswriters criticizing the Chiefs for them to start wreaking havoc, then I hope the articles keep coming.
But for at least a week, it won’t come from me. The Chiefs’ pass rush came up big against the Raiders, including hitting Kirk Cousins on Las Vegas’ final offensive play when George Karlaftis called the ball play.
5. Kenneth Walker is built differently
We knew he was a stallion. We knew it was built differently. But Kenneth Walker III is built differently in a room filled with guys built differently. It’s not just his vision. It’s not his brilliance. His strength and ability to break tackles. It’s not just his agility. That’s not his motivation. Or his determination and the fact that he doesn’t fall until you pile him on and force him to the ground.
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