If this is a dream, don’t wake me up. Did the Las Vegas Raiders really beat the Kansas City Chiefs in Arrowhead? That’s the NFL equivalent of a triple rainbow and a solar eclipse on the same day. Yet, it happened. And the Raiders earned it, no injuries, major officiating mistakes, freak turnovers, or luck. The Raiders won the game, the Chiefs didn’t lose it.
Raiders win in one sentence
“Derek Carr was sick of losing.”
Much was made of ‘DC’s’ comment on how he is sick of losing. However, it was evident he meant what he said. Carr outplayed Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. I never thought I’d type that sentence. Will it ever happen in a head-to-head matchup again? maybe not. But let’s enjoy this one while we can and give ‘4’ some credit. He’s earned it.
“The Rivalry Revival”
In recent years, the Chiefs have laid some beatings on our Silver and Black. The rivalry is officially back on after Gruden and co. strolled into Kansas City and smacked Andy Reid’s defending champions. The Raiders are trending up and the Chiefs are on top. Expect more great games like this over the next few years, plus a meeting on Sunday Night Football later this year.
Stat of the Game
Defensive end Clelin Ferrell: Nine pressures per Pro Football Focus.
Ferrell was fantastic, The brain trust of Mayock and Gruden drafted the Clemson standout hoping he could help the Raiders get after Mahomes. He delivered in Week 5. Ferrell didn’t end up with a sack but his nine pressures are fabulous, especially considering the struggles he has had. Hopefully, this game can serve as the launch point for the rest of his career.
Related:Â Raiders RB Jalen Richard Thriving In Current Role
CarrFax
This was the best game of Derek Carr’s career and it came at the biggest time. The box score isn’t the prettiest of his career but considering the context, it was the best. Carr shook the Arrowhead demons for 347 yards and three touchdowns to the one interception. Things could’ve crumbled after the early interception, which wasn’t pretty.
After that, he was phenomenal. And he had to be to secure his job. Even though he had been good before this week, if the Raiders lose this game and are 2-3, whispers for Mariota after the bye would’ve started. We shouldn’t hear anything Mariota for the rest of the season, as Carr has quietly put himself in the MVP race (fifth in QBR, fourth in Passer Rating, 11:1 touchdowns to interceptions).
Good and bad news
The Raiders are 3-2 after a brutally tough schedule. This team has some very impressive wins already. Please check this link for confirmation of that.
Defensive tackle Maurice Hurst to the COVID-19 list, well wishes to him on a safe and full recovery. Raider Nation appreciates you.
This Las Vegas team has a bye week in Week 6, so there won’t be any Raider games this week 🙁
But the team should be healthy for Week 7 🙂
Random Thoughts about the Raiders
- HENRY RUGGS BOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMM
- Credit to me for predicting his touchdown here.
- Put wide receiver Nelson Agholor in the free agency Hall of Fame today.
- Paul Guenther, for better or for worse, saved his job in the second half versus the Chiefs.
- Alec Ingold is the coolest fullback ever.
- Just when the defense forgets about wide receiver Hunter Renfrow, he breaks their back.
- The Raiders are still the worst team ever on third and long defensively. Seriously, they look like a four-win Big 12 team on third and 10.
- Running back Josh Jacobs: touchdowns in five games. That’s great for my fantasy team.
- Devontae Booker and Kendal Vickers are quietly playing major roles well.
Apology of the Week
From the bottom of my heart, I’d like to take this chance to apologize, TO ABSOLTUELY NOBODY. THE RAIDERS ARE 3-2, I DO WHAT I WANT.
*Bleep out warning on that link
The Raiders are on a bye. But how about the Chiefs lose again, this time to Josh Allen and those pesky Bills in Buffalo.
Go Raiders.
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Top Photo: Rick Scuteri/Associated Press