At Arrowhead Stadium on Monday night, both actual and symbolic fireworks were sent off. The Chiefs and Raiders exchanged passes back and forth for over 750 total yards during their first meeting of the 2022 season as Patrick Mahomes sent the ball to Travis Kelce and Derek Carr fed Davante Adams.
The Raiders were advancing down the field after the Chiefs scored a touchdown to put the score 17-7. With just over a minute left in the half, Raiders quarterback Derek Carr was strip-sacked by Kansas City defensive tackle Chris Jones, who was then assessed a puzzling roughing-the-passer penalty. As a result, the Raiders gained a first down and ultimately scored a field goal.
The Chiefs won the toss and decided to choose possession for the second half. Las Vegas got the ball first and started their first drive at the 25-yard line following a touchback.
On their first two plays, Las Vegas ran the ball, but on their third, they were flagged for a chop-block. The Raiders chose a dump-off and a punt to start the game after a long incompletion against CB Jaylen Watson’s close coverage.
How the Chiefs prevailed
On Monday night, it was a tale of two halves. Even though the Chiefs were down 17 points at the end of the first half, the Raiders were still in control. One of Kansas City’s greatest assets is their tenacity even when they are losing.
Third-and-outs were piling up in the first quarter, so Kansas City’s effectiveness on third down in the second quarter made a big difference.
The Chiefs’ Mr. Reliable on offence, tight end Travis Kelce, who scored FOUR touchdowns on the night, was another factor in their victory. If you want to increase your chances of winning, you can’t allow Kelce to enter the end zone four times.
Postgame Wishes
During his postgame interview, Kelce took the time to wish his mother a happy birthday after a four touchdown performance.
“Happy birthday to my mom! Today is her birthday. Mom, happy birthday! You scored each and every touchdown.”