What extra might we presumably ask for?
On Sunday, the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs did almost every part proper in opposition to their outdated foes: the Las Vegas Raiders. In almost each side of a recreation, it was a whole and whole dismantling of a lesser opponent. We might get used to seeing this offense the remainder of the season, however we will’t count on many extra blowouts like this 31-0 laugher.
The one problem is arising with any losers from this recreation. Benefit from the victory Monday!
Listed here are the Chiefs who stood out.
Broad receiver Rashee Rice: To no one’s shock, the third-year wideout hit the bottom operating in his return from suspension. His expertise, match and chemistry with quarterback Patrick Mahomes nonetheless appear like a cheat code for the offense. Rice turned 10 targets into seven catches for 42 yards and two touchdowns — one on a flip go and one other on a back-shoulder fade. It was the type of easy manufacturing that reminded everybody why he’s such a important piece of Kansas Metropolis’s assault.
Operating again Brashard Smith: Will we glance again on Week 7 because the breakout recreation for Smith? Seeing him dance and weave by way of visitors on a display simply felt proper. It was a component that’s been lacking since Jerick McKinnon moved on — and one which has been a trademark of Andy Reid’s offenses because the days of Jamaal Charles. No person’s placing that degree of expectation on Smith — a minimum of not but — however 80 whole yards on 15 touches is an impressive contribution from a seventh-round rookie. He’s proving to be not solely a dependable go catcher (five-for-five on Sunday) but additionally a participant who might break away on any given play. As he continues to develop, he might develop into a real difference-maker on this offense.
Broad receiver Xavier Worthy: Lastly seeing Rice, Worthy, Hollywood Brown, JuJu Smitch-Schuster and Tyquan Thornton all on the sphere collectively was a deal with — and Worthy did his half to impress. He confirmed off his pace on a 13-yard run — and his toughness with a contested jump-ball seize over the center. Worthy appears like a whole receiver — one who is an ideal complement to Rice. These two (together with Mahomes) could possibly be placing on a present for a very long time to come back.
Defensive deal with Chris Jones: On the Raiders’ first drive of the second half, Jones stuffed Ashton Jeanty for no acquire, then sacked Geno Smith to drive a punt. His day was completed after simply 22 snaps — an environment friendly, dominant afternoon that preserved some put on and tear on the All-Professional defender. Not a foul day’s work.
Kicker Harrison Butker: A clear recreation ultimately! The ninth-year professional linked on all 5 of his kicks, marking his first flawless outing of the season. Hopefully, the early-season hiccups are behind him — as a result of there’ll quickly be nearer video games through which each level will matter.
Andy Reid and Steve Spagnuolo: When your staff information a shutout, shortly piles up 31 factors and has backups taking part in earlier than the fourth quarter, the teaching workers has clearly finished its job. Past the rating, the dominance was overwhelming: 30 first downs to the Raiders’ three; 10-of-17 on third and fourth right down to went none-for-8 for Las Vegas and no red-zone journeys for the Raiders, whereas Kansas Metropolis scored touchdowns on 4 of its 5. The Chiefs additionally gained the turnover battle (+1), time of possession (by a large margin) and whole performs — 77 to the Raiders’ 30 — whereas outgaining them 434 to 95 yards. The display recreation returned, the trick performs have been sharp and penalties have been minimal. Each traces managed the trenches, and the staff’s depth confirmed regardless of short-term accidents to Brashard Smith, Jawaan Taylor and Kareem Hunt. Most significantly, Kansas Metropolis didn’t play right down to its opponent — and didn’t ease up till the sport was fully determined.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes: Simply in case anybody forgot who the MVP front-runner is, Mahomes delivered a primary half for the spotlight reels. He led landing drives of 80 or extra yards on every of the primary three possessions and appeared like he was having fun with each second. His consolation degree together with his safety and receivers is likely to be the most effective it’s ever been — and it confirmed within the creativity: no-look passes, improvisation and even the “this by no means works” play that one way or the other labored completely. His solely slowdown got here from the scoreboard, as he rested for the complete fourth quarter after placing the sport out of attain.
Quarterback Gardner Minshew: Dude didn’t full a single go — and misplaced yards on all three of his dashing makes an attempt. Why did Reid bench Mahomes for this man? (Sure… I’m kidding).
Please Observe: The labels “winners” and “losers” aren’t judgments of expertise or character. They merely mirror single-game efficiency. No disrespect is meant.
