The Raiders’ week got off to a weird start. And then it was weird in the middle. So of course the ending was weird. This game had it all: game-changing penalties, turnovers, a fake punt, and a controversial play at the end. The personnel decisions and short-yardage decisions were mind-boggling, and the momentum changed quickly in Las Vegas.
You should expect the unexpected in these division rivalry games. The scores are always close and the results can be contradictory.
Here are some Kansas City Chiefs who stood out in a too-close-for-comfort victory against the Las Vegas Raiders:
Defensive end George Karlaftis: The Chiefs didn’t officially record a single quarterback sack on Sunday — but that doesn’t mean they weren’t going after Kirk Cousins. Karlaftis played like a man possessed in the second half, finishing with 6 QB hits, a batted pass, and a huge tackle for loss. He also had a sack just before the two-minute warning, but a L’Jarius Sneed penalty erased it.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes: Mahomes was beaten all afternoon (two sacks and eight hits), but kept shooting. He completed a nice deep ball to wide receiver Xavier Worthy, setting up an easy TD to Thornton. He also extended his drive by passing a linebacker on the sideline. Mahomes thrives in this newly balanced offense.
Wide receiver Tyquan Thornton: The heartbreaking ending doesn’t take away from what Tyquan Thornton accomplished this week. After Rashee Rice’s injury, Thornton had a career game – five catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns – all in big situations. I’m not sure the Chiefs would have gone undefeated without Thornton.
Cornerback Mansoor Delane: The kid is going to be a star. Delane stays tough in coverage, and even tougher as a tackle. He blew a screen, then covered tight end Brock Bowers on consecutive plays in the first half. Mansoor finished with ten total tackles and is quickly gaining respect throughout the league.
Punter Matt Araiza: It’s not often that a punter makes this list. But Matt Araiza played a big role in Las Vegas on Sunday. He converted a first down on a fake punt and pinned the Raiders inside the 20 on all five of his kicks. “Punt God” leads the NFL in gross and net yards and would lead the NFL in yards per carry (12) if given more opportunities.
Defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah: Of course, Felix had a rough call on the passer that helped extend the Raiders’ touchdown in the fourth quarter. But he also suffered several big pressures and hits, including a tackle for loss. FAU is developing into a solid rotational defensive end.
Running back Kenneth Walker III: The NFL’s best free agent acquisition was a complete game changer for this offense. Yes, he was stopped on a few unfortunate short-yardage runs – but he also broke free for the longest run in the league so far this season (76 yards). When it was time to put the game away, K9 helped close out the game with two touchdowns in a span of 20 seconds.
Linebacker Drue Quiet: This has been a weakness for the Chiefs, but Tranquill really showed up against the Raiders. He was a force against the run (2 TFLs) and the pass (a PBU and a QB hit).
Linebacker Nick Bolton: The Raiders’ first score included two passing plays where #32 was lost in space, including a touchdown on a blown coverage. Yes, Bolton played in the running game as always, but teams seem to target these linebackers when trying to cover tight ends. The Raiders had enormous success (16 catches for 200 yards and 2 touchdowns) with three of their own (Bowers, Mayer and Thomas). It wasn’t all about Bolton (dishonorable mention could be given to Jack Cochrane, Jaden Hicks, Chamarri Conner and Alohi Gilman, among others)
Cornerback Nohl Williams: Growing pains are expected for a second-year cornerback, even if he played as well as Nohl. On Sunday afternoon, his costly penalties helped put two FGs on the board for the Raiders. This is likely just a bump in the road: Given what we’ve seen from Williams, he’ll be someone the team relies on all season.
Offensive linemen Jaylon Moore and Mike Caliendo: In the strangest decision of the day, Andy Reid placed a steady (and improving) part of the protection in front of Patrick Mahomes. Without their starting left back, the staff relied on Caliendo – and the results were not great. Moore doesn’t fare much better on the right side – we hope the team can reshuffle the cards during its bye week.
Note: The application of the term “losers” is not a judgment on the talent or character of any of these individuals. It’s simply a way to evaluate their performance in a single match. No disrespect should be inferred.
Gn sports
