Most NFL fans know the Kansas City Chiefs have a high-geared offense. Led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes and wide receiver Tyreek Hill, they will likely give the Las Vegas Raiders plenty of trouble in Week 5. However, the Silver and Black will also have to account for the Chiefs defense, which currently ranks second in the NFL.Â
A big challenge awaits the Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium
Last season, the Chiefs ranked fifth in points scored with 451 while their defense took the seventh place with 208. This year, their offense has taken a few steps back and currently have the eighth place. However, their defense is even better, and have only given up 70 points in four games.
Although all NFL teams can win a game any given Sunday, the Raiders offense will have to play mistake-free in Week 5 if they want to have a chance at beating the Chiefs. Besides being stout, this Kansas City defense has forced two fumbles and intercepted five passes. Those numbers could go up against the Raiders. Thus, the Silver and Black’s offense has to account for these three Chiefs players.
3. Frank Clark, defensive end
Looking back, the Chiefs’ decision to get Frank Clark from the Seattle Seahawks in 2019 looks great. They needed to replace Dee Ford’s production once they sent him packing to the San Francisco 49ers and Clark ended up being up to the challenge.
Clark finished last season with eight sacks, 14 quarterback hits, four passes defensed, and even one interception. This year, he has registered three sacks and eight quarterback hits while playing 71.43 percent of the team’s defensive snaps. Raiders left tackle Kolton Miller will have his hands full on Sunday.
2. Chris Jones, defensive tackle
Chris Jones is one of the best at what he does, collapse the pocket and get to the quarterback. Even though he only played in 13 games in 2019, he finished the season with nine sacks, 20 quarterback hits, and one forced fumble.
The team’s brass knows how important Jones is to their defensive success so they gave him a four-year $105 million contract in the offseason. So far, he has shown he is worth every penny and is leading the team with 3.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.
3. Tyrann Mathieu, safety
Another key addition for the Chiefs in 2019, Tyrann Mathieu immediately became crucial in the team’s Super Bowl run. This season, he has allowed just eight of the 17 passes opposing quarterbacks have thrown his way while recording one interception.
Last season, the ‘Honey Badger’ said the Chiefs defense knew when the Raiders offense was trying to take shots downfield and effectively shot them down by taking ways the check-downs. The Silver and Black’s offense could be in for a long day if they don’t make the necessary adjustments.
The Raiders offense needs to be flawless
The Raiders currently rank tenth in points scored and they’ve shown they can move the ball efficiently. Nevertheless, they haven’t been able to finish drives often and have had to settle for field goals. That can’t happen in Week 5 if they want to win at Arrowhead for the first time since 2012.
You May Also Like:Â Only Nation Podcast: Raiders Face Tough Matchup At Arrowhead
Top Photo: Paul Sancya/Associated Press
