The Las Vegas Raiders finished the year 6-11 after falling to the Kansas City Chiefs in their final game. Needless to say, it was a disappointing campaign, as the Raiders only won six games after winning 10 last year. Many things went wrong and only a few things went right, so this regime still has some work to do in the offseason. But since it will have to wait, let’s leave you with the four winners and four losers from the Raiders vs. Chiefs game.
4 Winners from Chiefs vs. Raiders
Draft Order For April
Josh McDaniels seemed to be trolling Raiders fans in an odd game. However, this and the outcome ensured that the Raiders’ 2023 draft pick would be among the top 10. Depending on certain outcomes, the Raiders’ draft pick might’ve been as high as six, which would’ve been ideal for an offseason retool. Nevertheless, they’ll be picking with the seventh overall selection. They have a better chance of selecting top-tier talent in the draft now that they have a guaranteed spot in the top 10. Fans are justifiably praying for a game-changing player with that draft pick.
Patrick Mahomes
Patrick Mahomes is a magician, and he demonstrated why he deserves to win the league MVP award this year. Despite playing a poor Raiders defense, he still did his job and then some. The most total yards in a single season in NFL history were amassed by Mahomes (5,570). Additionally, he contributed to his team earning the AFC’s top seed and home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs. Unfortunately, the Chiefs will have him for the foreseeable future, and the Raiders will have to deal with him.
The Jacobs family
Josh Jacobs had some injuries going into the game and was deemed questionable, but it was mentioned that he was not at the facility because of personal matters. Nobody was aware of the situation until Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network revealed that Jacobs’ father had undergone urgent heart surgery. Braxton Jacobs, Jacobs’ six-year-old son, may have saved his grandfather’s life by dialing 911 while he was in pain. While Jacobs didn’t want to leave his father’s side, he told him to play while he watched from the hospital. And with a 45-yard rushing effort, Jacobs probably won the rushing title for his dad, capping off a fantastic season for him. We wish Mr. Jacobs a speedy recovery.
Sidney JonesÂ
The Raiders’ performance against the Chiefs didn’t offer many glimmers of hope. However, Sidney Jones’ performance astounded both me and others. Jones provided excellent coverage and even broke up a pass during the plays he had. Although it was only marginally effective, Jones’ performance may have given him a chance to compete for a roster spot next season, especially in light of how poorly the Raiders’ cornerbacks performed this year.
4 Losers from Chiefs vs. Raiders
Jarrett StidhamÂ
People, including myself, believed going into this game that Jarrett Stidham had a chance to start for the Raiders going forward if he performed well. But Stidham probably doesn’t have a chance any more following his performance against the Chiefs. Stidham finished with 219 passing yards, one touchdown, one interception, two fumbles, and a 31.8 QBR, according to ESPN. The eye test was even worse, if the statistics don’t tell the real story. The game particularly highlighted Stidham’s lack of arm strength, pocket awareness, and starting experience. This gave the Chiefs the opportunity to torment him and destroy his chances of ever starting at quarterback for the Raiders going forward.
Raiders’ O-Line
Against the Chiefs’ defensive front, the Raiders’ O-line had a terrible time. Running backs for the Raiders continued being tackled behind the line of scrimmage and were not given any running lanes. The Chiefs’ defensive linemen were merely shoving the Raiders’ offensive line away to tackle the running backs. They performed much worse in pass protection, allowing six sacks and 14 quarterback hits, according to ESPN. The Raiders’ offensive line was being bullied by the Chiefs’ pass rush, which wasn’t doing anything noteworthy. The long list of offseason needs for the Raiders now includes the interior offensive line.
Amik RobertsonÂ
Amik Robertson had some plaudits earlier in the week for his performance, but this game showed that it didn’t matter. Justin Watson ripped Robertson apart on the second play from scrimmage to gain 67 yards. Robertson appeared uninterested and out of place throughout the remainder of the game. Due to his boom-or-bust nature and small stature, the Raiders may decide not to keep him on the roster going forward.
Buffalo BillsÂ
In order to guarantee the Buffalo Bills the top seed in the AFC, the Raiders had to deliver. The Raiders couldn’t help the Bills in this way because the Chiefs defeated them and won the top seed. The Bills won’t have a chance at the top seed since they’ll have played one fewer game than the Chiefs. Fortunately for the Bills, the NFL reached an agreement that the AFC Championship Game will take place at a neutral venue if the Bills and Chiefs square off. We’re sorry we couldn’t be of more assistance; the Chiefs own the Raiders.
*Top Photo: Photo courtesy Battle for Vegas