Raiders vs. Chiefs: Derrick Johnson says K.C. delivered “ultimate team win”
By Matt Conner
After the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Oakland Raiders on Sundya, linebacker Derrick Johnson described it as the ultimate team win.
Chiefs Kingdom needed this one. The Kansas City Chiefs victory over the Oakland Raiders on Sunday afternoon in Arrowhead Stadium was akin to a playoff game. With a loss, the Chiefs would likely be on the outside looking in come January. With a win, they still controlled their destiny with a key game against the Chargers looming on the horizon.
For whatever reason, the Chiefs finally turned a corner when it came to excellence and execution in all facets of the game, showing the sort of early dominance that they displayed the first five games of the season.
After the game, linebacker Derrick Johnson described it as an “ultimate team win”, one which they needed badly.
“Football is hard, regardless. When you win, it helps with the highs and lows of football,” said Johnson, “but we needed a win desperately, backs against the wall. We knew we had to come out of this game… we weren’t leaving without a win. Today was a great performance, the ultimate team win.”
Running back Kareem Hunt agreed with Johnson in the locker room after the win, saying the Chiefs feel the pressure with each and every game.
“We’re thinking about this as playoff games from here on out. We know we have to keep on going and keep it moving,” said Hunt.
Both men delivered despite that pressure, as Johnson played more snaps that Reggie Ragland and showed he’s still instinctual and athletic enough to make the necessary plays in the middle. As for Hunt, he had his first 100 yard game since Week 5 and crossed the 1,000-yard barrier on the season.
Next: Can the Chiefs really salvage their season?
Given the Chiefs response in Week 14, it’s clear they have the talent and perspective to win out if they want, but they face the ultimate test this weekend against the red hot L.A. Chargers. With a win, they are once again in full control of the AFC West.