Las Vegas Raiders vs Chiefs 2021 Week 10: Studs and Duds
Duds – Jonathan Abram and the Raiders DBs
Speaking of what could have been, the Raiders DBs had several golden opportunities to make plays in this game and were unable to do so. Patrick Mahomes threw the ball up for grabs several times and instead of making plays that could have swung the game, the Raiders’ defensive backs failed to capitalize on the moment.
The first moment was in the third quarter with the Chiefs leading 17-14. Kansas City got the ball on their own 18-yard line and on second and 14, Mahomes threw short to Hill and was nearly intercepted by Hayward. This would have given the Raiders the ball deep in KC territory and guaranteed them at least 3 points to tie the game. Instead, KC marched down the field and went up 24-14.
The second moment was in the third quarter as the Chiefs were up 27-14. The game may have been pretty much over but there was still some fight left. Mahomes overthrew Mecole Hardman near the goal line and the ball was in Trevon Moehrig’s grasp but he somehow dropped it on his way to the ground. If he completed the catch it would have given the ball to the Raiders on their own 20 with a chance to claw their way back into the game. Instead, we got moment number three as Jonathan Abram was embarrassed by Darrel Williams.
On third and 6 from the Raiders 38, Mahomes was put under pressure, scrambled out of it, and threw up a prayer to running back Darrel Williams who was covered by Jonathan Abram. It seemed like an easy play for Abram to either pick it or at least knock it down but instead he allowed himself to get Mossed by Williams to put the game to bed for good.
This was the second time in as many weeks that Abram has been in prime position for an interception but misjudged the ball and got embarrassed by the receiver. It may be time to switch Abram to linebacker full-time this offseason.