To the shock and amazement of most of the NFL, the Las Vegas Raiders walked into Arrowhead Stadium, emerging with a 40-32 victory. For the first time in his tumultuous career, Derek Carr can lay claim to a road victory against the Chiefs. This win feels monumental in its meaning. Heading into a bye week, the Raiders can enjoy this game, heal up and prepare for their next game in two weeks.
Luxury Carr
If you ignore the blind fandom surrounding him, one thing about Derek Carr remains, For the entirety of his Raiders career, no one could reasonably doubt his physical talent. People wanted him to unleash the aggression within and challenge defenses vertically. After an early interception on an overthrow, Carr settled in, torching the Chiefs for 347 yards. In addition, Carr added three touchdowns. More importantly, Carr took a vertical approach to defeat the Chiefs. When he wasn’t taking vertical shots, Carr looked unfazed in the pocket. Pn top of that, he stepped into his throws. Derek Carr is off the schneid.
Ruggs
After battling injury and missed connections with his quarterback, Henry Ruggs showed the NFL why the Raiders selected him. After elevating on a 46-yard catch, Carr later found Ruggs on a 72-yard score. Granted, he only saw three targets, catching two. Yet, Ruggs made the most of his opportunities. If this performance serves as a harbinger of the future, the Raiders should be smiling.
Dynamic Duo Pummels Chiefs
Josh Jacobs shouldered the load of the run game with 77 yards on 24 carries. Additionally, Devontae Booker added 62 yards. Overall, the Raiders ran for 144 yards on an unbelievable 35 carries. Jon Gruden wanted to metaphorically punch the Chiefs in the mouth, keeping their offense off the field. Provided that Booker continues to spell Jacobs, the run game will continue to afford the Raiders balance.
Overall
While we’ll spend the balance of the next few days discussing the offensive line and defensive adjustments, today, this moment is about the skilled offense. Few expected Derek Carr to rise to this occasion and the Raiders to hang 40 on a team that is the best in the NFL. For this moment, the spotlight stays on them.
