Chiefs vs Raiders: Grading Kansas City’s Win Over Oakland

Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs beat the Oakland Raiders in Kansas City today to snap Oakland’s six-game winning streak at Arrowhead Stadium, and stay perfect on the season. The Chiefs haven’t been blowing people out like Denver has this year, but they’re winning games same way each week. I’ll preface my next statement by saying that I know there are many differences between the Patriots and Chiefs. That being said, this team is starting to remind me of the early Patriots teams that never won pretty, never blew anyone out, and rarely lost.

This season has shown us that the Chiefs aren’t going to win pretty. Today’s victory is no different. Without further ado: the report card.

Offense:

We should be getting used to the ugly games from the offense. Luckily, we should also be getting used to the offense playing clutch football when they need to. Alex Smith was a bit off today (14/31 for 128 yards), but the Chiefs have Jamaal Charles.

Let’s not hit the panic button on Eric Fisher quite yet, but after six games he looks out-matched. Is Andy Reid completely sure that Stephenson isn’t a better fit at RT for the time being?

Grade: B-

Defense:

The defense seemed to get stronger as the game wore on. They ended the day with 10 sacks, three INTs, and of course, a score. Kansas City has now scored a touchdown on defense and/or special teams in five of its six games.

The best part of the game had to have been when Kansas City’s D coincided with a Raider meltdown and resulted in a 4th and 48. The ensuing punt netted Oakland 46 yards, 2 yards short of what would have been their first down.

I know I said it last week, but that Marcus Cooper can play. He backed it up again today with a solid game in place of the inactive Brandon Flowers. Thank you, San Francisco.

Grade: A+

Special Teams:

Dustin Colquitt played great (as did his coverage units). Ryan Succop hit another key field goal, and the return game was solid. Other than the end-around return (that wasn’t as long as it seemed due to the return man stepping out of bounds), the special teams was great. They get an A.

Grade: A

Coaching:

Andy Reid and his crew cleaned up the penalties that occurred far too often last week in Tennessee. Offensively, Reid knows when to lean on Jamaal Charles in a game. He was able to do it again today, and it paid off.  Not only did the D rack up 10 sacks, they played fairly well against the mobile Terrelle Pryor as well. Coaching impressed in all phases with solid game plans.

Grade: A

BONUS – THE FANS:

Way to go, Chiefs fans.You’re now world record holders. That. Is. Awesome.

A+++

What are your grades for today? Let me hear you in the comments below.