Chiefs: Team grades in win over Raiders

Offense: B-

Alex Smith had some of his best passes throwing to the sideline. They were pretty balls that dropped just over defenders and into the hands of his receivers without breaking stride. It reminded me of the game last year against Buffalo. Something apparently changes in Smith when the rain comes pouring.

He found several targets on his way to getting the Chiefs into scoring range six times. The only problem I have with the way he played is that once the Chiefs had a lead, he stopped throwing to Travis Kelce. Kelce should have dominated deep over the middle but his only catches came on short routes.

This may be due to the conservative play calling of Andy Reid once he has a lead but as a Chiefs fan I want to dominate the Raiders. This game should have been 35-10 the way the offense was able to move the ball. Where do the quick slants go when the Chiefs get inside the 10? Those routes kill and yet they continue to throw behind the line of scrimmage to try and get touchdowns.

It is the Chiefs’ lack of passing touchdowns and conservative nature that drops the offense to a B-. They played well and moved the ball but against New England in the playoffs that will not work. Hopefully they will continue to progress and open the passing game as the season evolves.