For the first time in his NFL head coaching career in Kansas City, Andy Reid recorded his first shutout of his Hall of Fame career. On Sunday, the Las Vegas Raiders were no match for the Chiefs, who were dominant on defense and even better on offense.
In securing a 31-0 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, the Kansas City Chiefs improve to 4-3 on the season, sending a message to the NFL that they are the team to beat in the AFC. With wide receiver Rashee Rice returning and scoring two touchdowns, along with a full arsenal of offensive talent, Patrick Mahomes is in a new zone.
The three-time Super Bowl Champion finished with a 126.6 passer rating. He threw three touchdown passes and, had he not been pulled in the second half, would have surpassed 300 yards passing.
Mahomes led the Chiefs through five consecutive scoring drives from the first quarter until he left the game after Kansas City pushed the score to 31-0. He threw to nine different receivers, and he had all day to throw.
Kansas City rushed for 152 yards, with Isiah Pacheco leading the way with 57 yards on 15 carries and a touchdown. Kareem Hunt was used as the battering ram, and three of his four carries gained first downs. He continues to be the Chiefs’ short-yardage bulldozer.
On defense, the Las Vegas Raiders struggled against what Steve Spagnuolo orchestrated on Sunday. Smith was limited to 67 passing yards and completed only 10 of 16 passes. Overall, without Wide Receiver Jakobi Meyers and Tight End Brock Bowers, the Raiders’ offense was ineffective.
Before the game, the Raiders aimed to get rookie running back Ashton Genty the ball, but he was limited to 21 yards on six carries. Overall, the Raiders finished with just 100 yards of offense and only three first downs.
But the highlight of this game was Rashee Rice’s return, with seven catches, including two for touchdowns. His presence in the offense introduces a new challenge for Mahomes, who now has all his weapons on the field.
Hollywood Brown scored another touchdown catch, and it was great to see Tyquan Thornton make a big 39-yard reception. In the future, if Mahomes and this team stay healthy, they will strike fear into the hearts of the remaining teams on the Chiefs’ schedule.
The offensive line had another solid game, but All-Pro Guard Trey Smith left the game with back tightness, and Mike Caliendo did a commendable job filling in for him.
Jalon Moore was once again playing left tackle for Josh Simmons, who remains in San Diego, dealing with a family issue. At this point, the Chiefs plan to be patient with him.
As for his teammates, they are beginning to find their mojo and swagger. It was clear today that the Chiefs are enjoying playing football.
The Raiders were no match for Kansas City, but with how the Chiefs executed their game plan on both sides of the ball, this team continues to build its championship DNA.
Additionally, when Andy Reid pulled many of his starters halfway through the third quarter, some backups gained valuable game experience that could benefit them later this season if they need to step up.
Kansas City will have an extra day to prepare for its upcoming game, a Monday Night NFC showdown against the Washington Commanders.
Then come their most challenging road games of the season. After Washington, the Chiefs head to Buffalo on a short week, then play an away game at Denver after their Bye Week. So Reid will get two weeks to prepare for Denver.
