The New England Patriots defense presented the Las Vegas Raiders a difficult test in Week 3. The Buffalo Bills also stood their ground and didn’t make things easy for the Silver and Black last week. Things won’t get any easier against the Kansas City Chiefs and their stout defense.
The Chiefs continue their offensive dominance
Most fans know the Chiefs for their high-powered offense. After all, Patrick Mahomes is arguably the best quarterback in the league and wide receiver Tyreek Hill can stretch the field like just a few can. Surprisingly, they currently rank ninth in points scored with 117 points.
Mahomes has completed 101 passes for 1,134 yards and 11 touchdowns. For his part, Hill has hauled in 19 passes for 286 yards and four touchdowns. Moreover, rookie running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire has tallied 71 carries for 304yards and one touchdown.
The Raiders will face one of the best defenses in the NFL
We knew the Chiefs were going to have success on offense. What we didn’t expect was for them to also have the second-best defense in the NFL. In four games, they have given up just 70 points. While they rank 14th in total yards allowed, the number of points surrendered is a better indicator of defensive success as teams that are trailing tend to gain yards in chunks in an effort to come back.
This Kansas City team has forced four fumbles, recorded five interceptions, and registered 12 sacks. Furthermore, they have allowed just four touchdowns have 15 passes defended. Their turnover differential currently sits at +5, they have given up two turnovers and forced seven.
Raiders head coach Jon Gruden knows the challenge the unit presents and said as much in his last press conference. He praised Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and credited him for putting a great and very diverse scheme together. He also described the group as ‘really stingy to everyone I’ve seen them play’. Led by safety Tyrann Mathieu, edge defender Frank Clark and defensive tackle Chris Jones, Gruden is right on his assessment about the Chiefs defense.
The Raiders offense will have to give their best game of the season if they want to beat the Chiefs at Arrowhead, a feat they haven’t accomplished since Oct 28th, 2012.
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Top Photo: Ed Zurga/Associated Press