AFC West Roundup: Week 13
By Justin Smith
Oakland Raiders
1st Place – AFC West
Record: 10-2
Last Game: defeated Buffalo Bills (6-6) 34-28 in Oakland
Next Game: at Kansas City Chiefs (9-3) Thurs, Dec 8, 8:25 EST
The Raiders withstood some drops, penalties, and porous run defense through the first three quarters to keep the game close.
This offense, though, is something to behold. “Close” was 24-9 with a little more than five minutes left in the third quarter. That’s close enough, as Carr and company showed on Sunday.
Twenty game minutes later, the Raiders had blitzed the Bills 29-0 with a combination of big plays, solid runs and defensive magic to salt the game away. It didn’t look close, though it was for most of the game.
Their outburst would’ve netted a 29-0 lead with 10 minutes left in the second quarter, if it happened at the beginning. Carr, Cooper, Crabtree, Murray, Richard, Rivera, Roberts and the offensive line took over their side of the ball.
Khalil Mack again took over his.
Mack stuffed Shady McCoy in the backfield for a loss in the midst of three straight three-and-outs pitched by the defense while the offense got humming.
He bull-rushed QB Tyrod Taylor in the end zone and got his hand on a pass, tipping it up in the air for an easy Nate Allen interception that led to another quick Raiders touchdown.
Then, for the second straight week, Mack took the other team’s soul. With Buffalo having one last gasp but likely little chance, Mack saw to it they had none. He started his rush slowly before bulling past the right tackle and chasing Taylor down from behind. Mack punched the ball from Taylor’s hand and it just fell into his lap, like it was coming home.
Strip-sack fumble recovery. Game over. Again.
The Raiders have their biggest game in years on Thursday night when they travel to Arrowhead to face the Chiefs for first place in the division. They will have to play much more like they did in the final twenty minutes than the first forty if they hope to beat the Chiefs.
The Raiders gave up over 200 yards on the ground to the Bills. Granted they are the #1 rushing team in the NFL, and Taylor is the top rushing QB in the league. But that’s still worrisome. McCoy got loose for multiple big runs. Taylor did as well.
The Chiefs are getting far more creative lately with newly discovered weapons Albert Wilson and Tyreek Hill. They are as healthy as they’ve been all season, particularly on defense. Justin Houston is back to wreaking havoc. They are as dangerous a team as the Raiders have played.
And they beat the Raiders in Oakland, 26-10, forcing the Raiders into their worst game of the season.
The Raiders can win this game, but the key is limiting mistakes while forcing one or two of their own. These teams match up well. The Raiders offense is more explosive. The Chiefs defense is more consistent. Both special teams units are excellent.
This game will likely come down to who can make one or two more plays. Is it Carr or Smith? Is it Mack or Houston? Or is it some unlikely hero/goat from either side?
McCoy went for almost 200 all-purpose yards on Sunday. Spencer Ware is a viable dual-threat. Can the Raiders contain him? Can their own running game with Latavius Murray and Jalen Richard continue their success from last week?
Thursday will tell the story. The Raiders still have two divisional road games after this one, and would be hard-pressed to win the division if they lose a second to the Chiefs. The Chiefs would be hard-pressed to win the division if they fall two games behind the Raiders with three left to play.
No pressure.