BY TRISTAN SASSE
After dropping four consecutive games, the Kansas City Chiefs found their winning ways again on Sunday against the Oakland Raiders. The Chiefs dominated all phases of the game to maintain the AFC West division lead and came away with a 26-15 victory.
Game Recap
After giving up 38 points a week ago, Kansas City began the game by forcing a three-and-out. On the ensuing possession, the Chiefs picked up a pair of first downs before settling for a 53-yard field goal by Harrison Butker. The field goal was the sole score in the opening quarter and the Chiefs outgained the Raiders in total yards, 108 to 26.
Following the score, Kansas City marched down the field on their next possession and began the second quarter at the Oakland 1-yard line. On the first play of the second quarter, Kareem Hunt punched the ball in from a yard out to give the Chiefs a 10-0 lead. Alex Smith had three completions of over 15 yards on the drive.
On the next drive, Smith connected with Albert Wilson for a 36-yard completion. Shortly after, Butker made another field goal, this time from 29-yards. Oakland finally advanced the ball into Kansas City territory midway through the second quarter. On third down, Derek Carr threw an interception to Terrance Mitchell on a deflected pass.
Near the end of the half, Smith found Tyreek Hill for a 44-yard reception. After a touchdown was overturned by a penalty and Smith was sacked, the drive resulted in a 33-yard Butker field goal. Once again, the Chiefs forced a three-and-out on the following possession. Kansas City went into halftime ahead 16-0.
The Chiefs had 235 total first-half yards, while only giving up 68. Kansas City also had 14 first downs compared to four by the Raiders.
Individually, Derek Carr was held to 5-for-12 on passing attempts for 31 yards. For Kansas City, Smith threw for 190 yards, but was sacked four times. Hill had 66 receiving yards and Wilson added 55. Hunt led the ground game with 11 carries for 45 yards.
To start the second half, the Chiefs added on to their lead. The half started with a nine play, 53-yard drive that ended with a 40-yard field goal by Butker. Kansas City’s defense continued to shine as Steven Nelson forced a Johnny Holton fumble, recovered by Frank Zombo. On the following play, Smith threw an interception to Karl Joseph deep in Oakland territory.
Oakland continued to struggle offensively following the turnover. Kansas City began their next drive at the Raider 38-yard line and four plays later, Charcandrick West capitalized with a 13-yard touchdown run. Justin Houston ended the quarter with a sack and the Chiefs led 26-0 after three.
Marshawn Lynch ended the shutout with a 22-yard touchdown run early in the fourth. Oakland recovered an onside kick on the next play. With the game on the line, Derek Carr found Jared Cook for a 29-yard touchdown reception on fourth-and-seven. The Raiders converted the two-point conversion and trailed 26-15 with 7:09 remaining.
The Chiefs regained possession and used over four minutes of clock before being forced to punt. Oakland advanced the ball on their next drive, but Terrance Mitchell shattered any chance of a comeback with an interception to seal the 26-15 win.
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By the Numbers
Overall, Kansas City accumulated 408 yards of offense, while the Raiders finished with 268. Kansas City also had three takeaways, while only having one giveaway.
For Kansas City, Smith finished with 268 passing yards. Hill added 75 receiving yards, while Travis Kelce added seven receptions for 74 yards and Wilson had five receptions for 72 yards. Hunt led the rushing attack with 25 carries for 116 yards. It was the first time since week five against the Texans that Hunt ran for over 100 yards. He also eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards on the season (1,046).
For the Raiders, Carr completed 24-of-41 attempts for 211 yards. Lynch had seven carries for 61 yards. Cook added five receptions for 75 yards and Michael Crabtree had seven receptions for 60 yards. NaVorro Bowman led all players with nine tackles.
Looking Ahead
On Saturday, Kansas City (7-6) will look to maintain the division lead at home against the Los Angeles Chargers (6-6). Next Sunday, the Raiders (6-7) host the Dallas Cowboys (7-6) in a must-win nonconference matchup.