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5 takeaways from Raiders’ loss to Chiefs in Week 14

By John Buhler

KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 10: Strong safety Daniel Sorensen No. 49 of the Kansas City Chiefs attempts to punch out the ball from wide receiver Michael Crabtree No. 15 of the Oakland Raiders during the fourth quarter of the game at Arrowhead Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jason Hanna/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 10: Strong safety Daniel Sorensen No. 49 of the Kansas City Chiefs attempts to punch out the ball from wide receiver Michael Crabtree No. 15 of the Oakland Raiders during the fourth quarter of the game at Arrowhead Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jason Hanna/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MO – DECEMBER 10: Quarterback Alex Smith No. 11 of the Kansas City Chiefs is chased by defensive end Khalil Mack No. 52 of the Oakland Raiders during the game at Arrowhead Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – DECEMBER 10: Quarterback Alex Smith No. 11 of the Kansas City Chiefs is chased by defensive end Khalil Mack No. 52 of the Oakland Raiders during the game at Arrowhead Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

The pass rush was the only positive part of the Raiders’ game plan.

Apparently the vaunted Raiders pass rush is here to stay. Ever since Ken Norton Jr. was fired from his post as defensive coordinator after that debacle down in Mexico City versus the New England Patriots, the Raiders’ edge players have been spectacular at generating pressure and getting after the quarterback.

Oakland’s Walter Payton Man of the Year honoree in outside linebacker Bruce Irvin has really come on of late. He had two, maybe three sacks, in this game with the Chiefs. That brings him to 7.5 to possibly 8.5 on the season. If that third sack wasn’t given to inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman, Irvin would have set a career high with 8.5, possibly making a Pro Bowl push.

Khalil Mack has been solid as ever, as he record a sack in this ball game to put him at 8.5 with three games remaining. His Pro Bowl ticket has been punched and should have his third-straight 10-sack season for the Silver and Black.

Though he didn’t factor much in this game, defensive linemen Denico Autry has been the third pass rusher of note of late for the Raiders. Regardless of how the 2017 NFL season ends for the Raiders, we can say that the Silver and Black have one of the best pass rushing teams in all of football. It is a skill that this team can totally carry into next season. Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith spent half of the game on his back.

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