For the first time in eight seasons, the Kansas City Chiefs fell to the division rival Raiders at home. The defending champs started this game hot, though this year’s version of the Raiders has not gone away lightly. Derek Carr looked like an entirely different player, having finally exorcising his Arrowhead Stadium demons. Meanwhile, the Chiefs beat themselves just as much as their opponent, once again. As we’ll talk about later on, this is not new territory for Andy Reid‘s team either. Now, let’s recap the game with the major highlights.
- Banner: Andy Reid’s Greatest Achievement Isn’t Measured By Victories
- NFL 2022: Football Food For Thought (Conference Championships)
- NFL 2022: Five Key Statistics for Conference Championships
- Chiefs Vs Bengals AFC Championship Game: Keys To Victory
- What Makes Lou Anarumo, Bengals Defense So Dangerous?
Race Carrs
Credit to Jon Gruden and Carr on the game plan that they came in with, and more importantly, executing it. The Kansas City defense had come in with a glowing resume based off a miniscule 2020 spread to base off of. But, they were yet to be consistently challenged deep down the field. That seemed to catch the Chiefs defensive backfield off guard in this one.
The speed factor of Henry Ruggs III and Nelson Agholor appeared to be less respected than you would imagine. It was not like they were being overly crafty in their routes, either. Ruggs touchdown catch was simply him running a straight line route right by Charvarius Ward, who had one of his worst games in recent memory. Other wrong judgements when jumping on shorter routes left more opportunity for Carr to hit open passes deep. As a result, Carr was able to connect for 219 passing yards on throws that traveled 20+ yards downfield. This loss was largely on the Chiefs defensive performance, especially in the secondary.
Failure To Finish
This offensive performance reminded me exactly of the Chiefs regular season loss at home against the Houston Texans from last year. Patrick Mahomes was able to spread the ball around to multiple weapons, while successfully hitting on chances downfield. Unfortunately, penalties, negative plays, missed assignments and mental errors started to snowball near the end of the first half and into a dismal second half.
Losing Kelechi Osemele to devastating tendon injuries in both knees seemed to take the edge out of the blocking unit. Not that Mike Remmers is a bad consolation prize, but that powerful dynamic that Osemele brings was essential to this offense. Moreover, the Chiefs were playing undisciplined and could not get on the same page. Mahomes struggled to hit on passes, and held on to the football too long in a number of instances. Las Vegas did a great job in coverage, but the carefulness that Patrick played with backed Kansas City into a corner.
-
Ep 101: Conference Championship Sunday - Preview, Prop Bets, and Predictions
by Full Press Coverage on January 29, 2023 at 11:25 am
In the end, the Chiefs barely possessed the ball in the second half, having to throw up prayers. That was exactly like that Texans loss from last year. We have also questioned Reid this season and in the past, on why the longer routes are continuously ran, while avoiding shorter and quicker passes.
Raiders’ Youth Delivers
Just how were the Raiders defense able to slow down the Chiefs offense? Let’s dive deeper into that discussion. For one, the Chiefs were still able to score 32 points. But overall, this team was smart to make Mahomes and his weapons indecisive. Allowing the base four defensive linemen to provide pressure themselves, was alike what we saw from the Patriots. This allowed Vegas to drop seven or even eight guys into coverage, thus taking away throwing windows and much of the field. With this approach, the younger, more physical Vegas secondary was able to play to their strengths.
And it frustrated the Chiefs offensive unit. It seemed like no matter what they threw Kansas City’s way, the Chiefs offense had no easy answer to counteract it. If it wasn’t for Mahomes improvisation and abilities from Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill and others, this could have been a lot bigger looking win for the Raiders on the scoreboard.
Reassessing And Adapting
We have seen Kansas City start hot in September, but falter in October beforehand. Last season, the team suffered two straight losses that left more questions than answers. Following a 4-0 start, this loss to the Raiders is not the end of the world. Nonetheless, the Chiefs’ leaders know they and their teammates have to start to turn it up a notch.
Tyrann Mathieu talked about his motivation, following Sunday’s loss. “Who am I as a leader to jump down their (teammates) throat, because we didn’t perform as we’d like. Obviously, I’ll remind them. We’ll grow from it, even myself. I gave up a big play today, we’ll get back in the lab. It’s a good feeling to be this motivated. I haven’t felt this motivated in a really long time, and I know my teammates feel the same way.”
How will that translate in this week’s preparation for a big game at the Buffalo Bills? We will find out next week. In the leadup to that Chiefs and Bills game, be sure to follow along all week for game preview content and more. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.
– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.
-
Ep 141: Andy Reid, Eagles, And Conference Championship Weekend w/ Joe Bannerby Full Press Coverage on January 27, 2023 at 5:36 pm
Clark and Ira are joined by former Eagles President Joe Banner to talk […]
-
Ep 140: The 49ers/Cowboys Rivalry With Former San Francisco Tight End Brent Jonesby Full Press Coverage on January 19, 2023 at 9:02 pm
Clark and Ira are joined by former 49ers tight end and three time Super […]
-
Ep 137: Hall Of Fame Discussion w/ John Turneyby Full Press Coverage on December 30, 2022 at 5:33 pm
Football historian John Turney of Pro Football Journal joins Clark and Ira […]
-
Ep 136: Remembering The Longest Game Ever Played With Larry Littleby Full Press Coverage on December 24, 2022 at 1:09 am
On the 51-year anniversary of the longest game ever played (Chiefs vs. […]
-
Ep 135: Hall of Fame Semifinalist Jahri Evans Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on December 16, 2022 at 3:51 pm
Former Saints guard and 2023 HOF Semifinalist Jahri Evans joins Clark and […]
-
Ep 134: Remember AFL/NFL Star John Hadl with Nick Canepaby Full Press Coverage on December 8, 2022 at 2:39 pm
Former Hall of Fame voter, Nick Canepa, joins Clark and Ira to discuss the […]
-
Ep 133: Hall Of Fame Semifinalist Henry Ellard Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on November 30, 2022 at 4:28 pm
Former Rams and Redskins wide receiver, Henry Ellard, joins Clark and Ira […]
-
Ep 132: Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Semifinalists w/ Rick Gosselinby Full Press Coverage on November 22, 2022 at 6:15 pm
Clark and Ira are joined by Pro Football Hall of Fame voter Rick Gosselin […]
-
Ep 131: 'Football Heaven' With PFHOF Senior Advisor Joe Horriganby Full Press Coverage on November 17, 2022 at 5:55 pm
Pro Football Hall of Fame Senior Advisor, Joe Horrigan, joins Clark and […]
-
Ep 130: Remembering John McVay With Hall of Famer Eddie DeBartolo Jr.by Full Press Coverage on November 13, 2022 at 1:42 am
Clark and Ira are joined by Hall of Fame owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr. to […]
-
Ep 271: NFL Championship Roundby Full Press Coverage on January 26, 2023 at 1:58 pm
-
Ep 270: NFL Divisional Roundby Full Press Coverage on January 19, 2023 at 1:31 am
-
Ep 269: NFL Playoff Previewby Full Press Coverage on January 12, 2023 at 4:13 am
-
Ep 268: Week 16 Fantasy Rankingsby Full Press Coverage on December 21, 2022 at 9:45 pm
-
Ep.130: Bowling For Talentby Full Press Coverage on January 28, 2023 at 6:00 am
Biggs sits down with Kenneth Berry from the Tangents And Touchdowns […]
-
(Season 3.1) Commanders Roundtable w/ Deuce, DH, and DTby Full Press Coverage on January 27, 2023 at 3:56 am
George Carmi hosts Deuce, DH, and DT as they discuss the latest topics of […]
-
1/27 - Conference Championship Preview: Who is Going To The Super Bowl?by Full Press Coverage on January 27, 2023 at 9:50 am
Ian and John preview Conference Championship Weekend and give their picks […]
-
1/23 - Divisional Round Recap; Chiefs, Bengals, Eagles, and 49ers Advanceby Full Press Coverage on January 23, 2023 at 2:00 pm
Ian and John recap Divisional Round Weekend in the NFL. Learn more about […]
-
1/20 - Buccaneers Fire Byron Leftwich, NFL Divisional Round Previewby Full Press Coverage on January 20, 2023 at 10:19 am
Ian and John discuss the firing of Byron Leftwich and whether or not it […]
-
1/19 - Brady/Gronk Reunion, Aaron Rodgers, NFL News and Notesby Full Press Coverage on January 19, 2023 at 10:14 am
Ian and John discuss the potential of Brady and Ground teaming up in 2023, […]
-
Talkamania Episode 230by Talkamania on September 6, 2022 at 11:43 pm
-
Talkamania Episode 229by Talkamania on August 5, 2022 at 3:37 am
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 211 "Steel Reserve"by Boot 2 The Face on January 28, 2023 at 6:59 pm
We preview the Royal Rumble and other things in the week of pro wreslting. […]
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 210 "No Monè, No Monè, No Monè"by Boot 2 The Face on January 19, 2023 at 12:55 am
Rucker and EJ are back discussing Rucker going to Impacts Hard to Kill […]
-
Pick & Rollout: Memphis at Tulsaby Broken Controller Media on January 29, 2023 at 6:00 pm
-
Pacers at Grizzliesby Broken Controller Media on January 29, 2023 at 4:30 pm
-
Pick & Rollout: Drake at Belmontby Broken Controller Media on January 29, 2023 at 4:00 pm
-
Heat at Hornetsby Broken Controller Media on January 29, 2023 at 2:30 pm
-
Pick & Rollout: Rutgers at Iowaby Broken Controller Media on January 29, 2023 at 2:00 pm
-
Pick & Rollout: Michigan State at Purdueby Broken Controller Media on January 29, 2023 at 12:00 pm
-
Ep 101: Conference Championship Sunday - Preview, Prop Bets, and Predictionsby Full Press Coverage on January 29, 2023 at 11:25 am
-
Pick & Rollout: Michigan at Penn Stateby Broken Controller Media on January 29, 2023 at 10:00 am
-
Pick & Rollout: Providence at Villanovaby Broken Controller Media on January 29, 2023 at 8:00 am
-
Raptors at Blazersby Broken Controller Media on January 28, 2023 at 11:00 pm
-
1/6 - Damar Hamlin Update, Bills/Bengals, AFC Playoffs, Week 18 Picksby Full Press Coverage on January 6, 2023 at 3:11 pm
-
Winter Classic: Bruins Rally To Beat Penguins At Fenwayby Full Press Coverage on January 4, 2023 at 2:09 am
-
1/3 - Bills/Bengals Postponed; Bruins Topple Penguins In Winter Classicby Full Press Coverage on January 4, 2023 at 2:05 am
-
1/2 - Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Week 17, Bills/Bengalsby Full Press Coverage on January 3, 2023 at 3:22 am
-
12/30 - New Year's Eve, Luka Doncic, NBA Talk, Week 17 Preview and Picksby Full Press Coverage on January 1, 2023 at 2:29 am
-
Aaron Rodgers, Packers Win Third Straight; Playoffs In Sightby Full Press Coverage on December 27, 2022 at 7:36 pm