The Oakland Raiders had a chance to take control of the AFC West with a win over the division rival Kansas City Chiefs Sunday as the Denver Broncos lost to the San Diego Chargers Thursday night, but the Raiders played their worst game of the season resulting in a 26-10 loss at home.
The Raiders looked good early as rookie running back Jalen Richard set his team up with good field position returning the opening kick 50 yards. Seven plays later Raiders quarterback Derek Carr connected with receiver Andre Holmes on a 3-yard touchdown pass putting the Raiders out in front 7-0.
On the Raiders next drive Carr was looking for receiver Michael Crabtree deep, but Chiefs defensive back Marcus Peters made a nice play to intercept Carr. Kansas City capitalized as running back Spencer Ware found pay dirt from two yards out to tie the game at seven.
The Chiefs again capitalized on the Raiders mistake as Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski missed a 52-yard field goal attempt and the Chiefs turned it into more points as Jamaal Charles scored from four yards out to put the Chiefs up 13-7 as Chiefs kicker Cairo Santos missed the extra point.
The Raiders cut the deficit to 13-10 just before halftime as three quick passes put the Raiders in field goal position and this time Janikowski connected on a 46-yard attempt.
That was all for the Raiders offense on the day though as five second half drive resulted in three punts, a sack-fumble of Carr and a turnover on downs. Chief quarterback Alex Smith did what he does best, as he took care of the football and didn’t turn it over and the Chiefs came away with the 26-10 victory.
Carr completed 22-of-34 passes on the day for 225 yards, a touchdown, one interception and a fumble. Receiver Amari Cooper did most of his damage in the first half, as he had nine catches for 117 yards and finished with 10 catches for 128 yards.
Smith did not turn the ball over on the day while also completing a very efficient 19-of-22 passes for 224 yards. Ware had 24 carries for 131 yards while Charles had 47 total yards and a touchdown.
The loss drops the Raiders to 4-2 which is tied for the division lead. Next week they travel to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a 10 a.m. Pacific time game.
