Around the AFC West, Week 2: Chiefs win, rivals lose
By Ellen Mathis
Oakland Raiders
The Oakland Raiders hosted the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday afternoon in the last game to be played on dirt. The Raiders got out to a hot start led by quarterback Derek Carr, rookie running back Josh Jacobs, and tight end Darren Waller. Driving down the field, they quickly put up three points followed by a beautiful touchdown pass to former Chargers wide receiver Tyrell Williams. The Raiders defense, meanwhile, held the high powered Chiefs’ offense to nothing.
With a 10-0 start, it looked like this game could quickly get out of hand. However, Jacobs experienced some cramping and needed an IV. This appears to be where the game turned. Patrick Mahomes and crew stepped out and threw for an insane 4 touchdowns in the second quarter while absolutely torching the Raiders’ secondary.
The second half was plagued by two interceptions: one thrown to the corner of the end zone where Tyrell Williams looked lost (miscommunication?) and another on what Carr described as a “controversial” offensive pass interference call. The Raiders walked out of this with a loss, 28-10. We will miss Oakland and it’s delightfully rough dirt.
The Raiders came out of the afternoon relatively healthy. While Jacobs did leave for a stretch in the second quarter, it was simply due to cramping that required an IV. Additionally, returner Dwayne Harris left in the second quarter with an ankle injury and did not return.
The Raiders travel to Minnesota next weekend to take on Kirk Cousins and the Vikings. The Vikings are coming off a loss to the Packers. I’m still of the mindset that Kirk Cousins is not a good quarterback. He made many mistakes that made it impossible for the Vikings to win. However, their running back, Dalvin Cook looks incredible. If the Raiders cannot (and I don’t believe they can) stop the run, this will get away from them. I anticipate a Raider loss. Game time is 12:00 p.m.