Report Card: Oakland Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs

Defense

Defensive Line:

The defensive line had an above-average game by their standards. Although Khalil Mack was the only defensive lineman to register a sack, it came at a very crucial moment in the game in which the Raiders needed to get the ball back.

The run defense was also very stellar in holding the Chiefs running game to a total of 65 yards on 27 carries, which was good for an average of 2.4 yards per carry.

The positive to take from this performance was that these are now back-to-back solid performances we have seen from the defensive line. Baby steps, people.

Jihad Ward led all defensive lineman with 7 tackles.

Grade: B+

Linebackers:

The linebackers had their moments in this game, but were absolutely owned by Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.

After Kelce had a rather quiet game during the first go-around in Week 6, he came alive Thursday night with 5 receptions for 101 yards, many of which came on linebacker Malcolm Smith.

Perry Riley was another solid contributor in the run game, as well as a quality pass defender over the middle when called upon. The tight end position has been of concern when discussing this Raiders defense for quite some time now, and it will continue to be an Achilles heel unless they can prove otherwise.

Grade: C+

Defensive Backs:

After a sorry performance from the Oakland secondary in the first half that saw them give up nearly 200 yards passing — including a 36-yard touchdown to Tyreek Hill — it seemed like the secondary was on course to give up 300+ yards to yet another quarterback.

That was not the case, though, as the defense played much better in the 2nd half, slowing down Alex Smith and the passing attack.

A lot of this was because of cornerback T.J. Carrie, who again had a great game. Pro Football Focus graded him as Oakland’s best defensive player Thursday night, with a grade of 87.2. Carrie picked off an Alex Smith pass on the second play of the 2nd half, which seemed to completely shift the momentum of the game. Unfortunately, the Oakland offense was not able to capitalize on the forced turnover.

David Amerson had his share of bad plays, including surrendering that long touchdown pass to Hill, as well as giving up a 39-yard reception to Chris Conley on the opening possession of the game.

Karl Joseph was missed on Thursday night. Although Nate Allen had a solid game, he struggled to cover tight end Travis Kelce, and he also was burned a few times by Tyreek Hill.

Grade: C