Arrowhead Pride
What more could we possibly ask for?
On Sunday, the Kansas City Chiefs did nearly everything right against their old foes: the Las Vegas Raiders. In nearly every aspect of a game, it was a complete and total dismantling of a lesser opponent. We could get used to seeing this offense the rest of the season, but we can’t expect many more blowouts like this 31-0 laugher.
The only challenge is coming up with any losers from this game. Enjoy the victory Monday!
Here are the Chiefs who stood out.
Wide receiver Rashee Rice: To nobody’s surprise, the third-year wideout hit the ground running in his return from suspension. His talent, fit and chemistry with quarterback Patrick Mahomes still look like a cheat code for the offense. Rice turned 10 targets into seven catches for 42 yards and two touchdowns — one on a flip pass and another on a back-shoulder fade. It was the kind of effortless production that reminded everyone why he’s such a critical piece of Kansas City’s attack.
Running back Brashard Smith: Will we look back on Week 7 as the breakout game for Smith? Seeing him dance and weave through traffic on a screen just felt right. It was an element that’s been missing since Jerick McKinnon moved on — and one that has been a hallmark of Andy Reid’s offenses since the days of Jamaal Charles. Nobody’s putting that level of expectation on Smith — at least not yet — but 80 total yards on 15 touches is an outstanding contribution from a seventh-round rookie. He’s proving to be not only a reliable pass catcher (five-for-five on Sunday) but also a player who could break free on any given play. As he continues to grow, he could become a true difference-maker in this offense.
Wide receiver Xavier Worthy: Finally seeing Rice, Worthy, Hollywood Brown, JuJu Smitch-Schuster and Tyquan Thornton all on the field together was a treat — and Worthy did his part to impress. He showed off his speed on a 13-yard run — and his toughness with a contested jump-ball grab over the middle. Worthy looks like a complete receiver — one who is a perfect complement to Rice. These two (along with Mahomes) could be putting on a show for a long time to come.
Defensive tackle Chris Jones: On the Raiders’ first drive of the second half, Jones stuffed Ashton Jeanty for no gain, then sacked Geno Smith to force a punt. His day was finished after just 22 snaps — an efficient, dominant afternoon that preserved some wear and tear on the All-Pro defender. Not a bad day’s work.
Kicker Harrison Butker: A clean game at last! The ninth-year pro connected on all five of his kicks, marking his first flawless outing of the season. Hopefully, the early-season hiccups are behind him — because there will soon be closer games in which every point will matter.
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