Las Vegas Raiders lose heartbreaker to the Kansas City Chiefs, 35-31
By BD Williams
Las Vegas Raiders lose heartbreaker to the Kansas City Chiefs, 35-31
2nd Half
Mahomes got the ball to start the second half of regulation, and he would answer for this interception by creating some signature magic with an escape and off-platform throw to Travis Kelce. The Raiders struggled to stop the run all game, and this drive was no different, with yet another touchdown scamper from Clyde Edwards-Helaire to put the Chiefs up 21-17.
The Raiders offense was ready to answer back. A big catch and run by Darren Waller, followed by a crushing run by Jacobs, who turned a Chiefs defender into ground beef, allowed Hunter Renfrow to put the Raiders inside the 5 yard line. Waller would get his number called with a play-action throwback for a score to take the lead.
Both teams would trade punts on their ensuing drives. The Chiefs got the ball back, but the defense would make them earn it. Chiefs went for it on a 4th and 2 play, followed by a miraculous toe drag catch by Travis Kelce to put them into scoring position. Another rushing touchdown, this time by Le’Veon Bell would put the Chiefs ahead 28-24.
Looking to take the lead, Carr and offense trotted out with 5:54 remaining. A nifty pass to Agholor, who faked the mesh but turned upfield got the drive going to midfield. A slew of Chiefs penalties continued to bail the Raiders out of negative plays until they arrived on the doorstep. Faced with a 3rd and 1 at the goal-line, Gruden called a play action pass, and Carr bought time before throwing to strike to Jason Witten at the near pylon for the go ahead score.
Down three, the Chiefs took the field with 1:43 remaining. Mahomes completed pass after pass edging closer to the red zone. A blown coverage in the red zone allowed the Kansas City QB to throw an easy touchdown pass to Kelce with 28 seconds left on the clock.
Derek Carr would attempt a last minute desperation heave but it would be intercepted by Daniel Sorensen and the Raiders would lose a heart breaker 35-31.