We were going to learn something about the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4 against the Kansas City Chiefs as they faced increased competition.
And watching Klint Kubiak’s team lose 30-27 to fall to 3-1, we certainly learned something. First, we learned that this outfit isn’t fake. The Raiders can play.
Of course, they didn’t make enough plays (for the first time this season) to win and the Chiefs, ultimately, were the better team. But the Raiders showed they belonged in a game that had serious playoff vibes. They showed they would likely be an AFC playoff contender and with the first game of a tough eight-game stretch in the books, Las Vegas gave Kansas City and the rest of the league something to think about. They weren’t 3-0 just because they beat bad teams.
They almost had a second straight double-digit comeback, but fell short.
Moving forward, the Raiders have proven that while they won’t go undefeated, yes, they are for real in the first year of Kubiak’s tenure:
Here are some key aspects of the game:
The Raiders led the NFL with nine takeaways after the first three weeks. They didn’t get any on Sunday and committed two turnovers themselves in the fourth quarter. Last week, the Raiders had four fourth-quarter takeaways. The line between winning and losing.
The Raiders outscored their first three opponents 22-0 in the fourth quarter. On Sunday, the Chiefs scored immediately in the quarter and outscored the Raiders 20-14 in the quarter. Another line between winning and losing.
Running attacks struggle for much of the game:
The Raiders’ ground attack has suffered since week one. On Sunday, they struggled for most of the game and finished with 72 rushing yards. Ashton Jeanty, who still appears to be dealing with ankle issues, had 58 yards on 19 carries. He added 68 yards on six catches. Rookie Mike Washington had 18 yards on nine carries. Kubiak said after the game it was vital to understand the ground game and he was right.
Kenneth Walker crushed them:
The Raiders got their first glimpse of Kenneth Walker in a Chiefs uniform and they didn’t like it. Walker was the star of the game as he totaled 177 rushing yards on 22 bunts and two scores. He had a 76-yard run that turned the game in favor of the Chiefs on the final play of the third quarter. Walker is a big reason why the Chiefs are 4-0.
The Chiefs didn’t have any sacks Sunday, but they did hit Kirk Cousins often. Still, the 38-year-old held his own and threw for 365 yards and threw two touchdown passes. He now has 11 for the season. Cousins is not the reason the Raiders lost.
The Raiders were all over Mahomes and they had two sacks. He hurt them with some deep passes, but Maxx Crosby and company made Mahomes work.
Remove points from the table:
The Raiders drove down the field and converted a 41-yard field goal to make the score 16-10 to open the second half. But the Chiefs were called for a penalty and Kubiak attempted it on fourth-and-2. The game failed at the Chiefs 18. Taking points off the board hurts. But Kubiak’s aggression was understandable. You have to get in the end zone to beat Mahomes. Kubiak said he didn’t regret the decision in the three-point final loss.
Tight ends take over the passing game:
The Raiders’ passing game revolved around wings Brock Bowers (who played through illness), Michael Mayer and Ian Thomas. They combined for 16 catches for 200 yards and two touchdowns. This may have to continue. The Raiders receivers aren’t producing much and Jalen Nailor suffered a concussion. With Jack Bech and Dont’e Thornton on injured reserve, that won’t quell rumors that the Raiders are trading for a receiver before the Nov. 10 deadline.
Penalties are no longer a problem:
The Raiders entered the game leading the NFL with the fewest penalty yards at 90. They had six penalties for 30 yards while the Chiefs were flagged eight times for 59 yards.
Free kicker Matt Gay was great. He was four of four on field goal attempts Sunday and 10 of 10 this season. Not bad for a companion.
Free agent defensive end Kwity Paye had a great Week 1, but he hasn’t made much of an impact since. He did not appear on the initial post-game stat sheet.
What a start:
The Raiders defense forced a 3-and-out on the first drive, but the Chiefs executed a perfect fake punt on another punt after a penalty. Yet the Raiders then stopped Kansas City on fourth-and-1 at the Las Vegas 49. Then the Raiders turned around and connected on a long passing play for a score with Cousins hitting tight end Ian Thomas. It was a hell of a play from Kubiak and it was Thomas’ first score in six years. This was a great response from Las Vegas to Kansas City’s aggression and brought the crowd into the game.
Laube says:
Returner Dylan Laube had a 53-yard kick return in the fourth quarter. He leads the NFL with a 33.4-yard kickoff return average.
The Raiders haven’t allowed a score in their opponents’ opener in seven straight games dating back to last season. This is the second longest current streak in the NFL. This marks the first team the Raiders have started the season without allowing a Game 1 score in the first four games since 2018.
Kelce surpasses Raiders legend:
Kansas City star tight end Travis Kelce entered the game tied with Raiders Pro Football Hall of Fame tight end Tim Brown for seventh place with 1,094 all-time catches/Kelce surpassed Brown in the first half. Overall, the Raiders contained Kelce, a renowned Raiders killer who started this season with a bang. He only had two catches for 15 yards.
Rice hurts:
Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice injured his hamstring in the first quarter. It was a loss for the Chiefs.
Yes, opposing fans often invade Allegiant Stadium, especially Chiefs games. We therefore expected a red sea. But it was a huge match. Raiders fans should keep their tickets. Expect a similar redemption attempt when the Raiders return home in two weeks to face the Buffalo Bills. Bills Mafia travels well and this will be Buffalo’s first game in Las Vegas with fans allowed to attend.
Laulu inactive:
In a surprise, defensive tackle Jonah Laulu was healthy. Sophomore defensive tackle JJ Pegues was active for the first time this season. Laulu was a key rotation player in his first two seasons with the Raiders. Laulu has played 30 percent of snaps this season after playing 67 percent last season. So, he’s on his way out of the playing rotation, at least for now.
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