Raiders stun sloppy Chiefs with 2 defensive TDs in 20-14 victory on Christmas Day

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In a surprising turn of events on Christmas Day, the Las Vegas Raiders secured a hard-fought victory against the Kansas City Chiefs with a final score of 20-14. This victory was marked by the Raiders’ impressive defensive prowess, resulting in two crucial defensive touchdowns, a recurring theme in their recent performances.

The first highlight of the Raiders’ defensive excellence came in the form of a fumble recovery by the formidable Bilal Nichols, a big defensive tackle who displayed agility unusual for his position. Nichols returned the fumble for a crucial 8-yard touchdown. However, what truly raised eyebrows was the lightning-fast response from the Raiders’ defense. Just 7 seconds later, Jack Jones intercepted Patrick Mahomes and skillfully carried the ball 33 yards for another touchdown.

This exceptional defensive display proved to be a game-changer for the Raiders, who had been struggling with a six-game losing streak against the Chiefs. Kansas City, on the other hand, found themselves in an uncharacteristic slump, squandering an opportunity to clinch the AFC West for the eighth consecutive year. The usually reliable Harrison Butker missed a chip-shot field goal, penalties and dropped passes haunted the Chiefs, and they failed to convert on fourth down not once but twice in the second half.

Despite the Chiefs’ late-game efforts, with Patrick Mahomes connecting with Justin Watson for a touchdown with just 2:42 left on the clock, the Raiders effectively sealed their victory. Zamir White’s explosive 43-yard gain on the following possession allowed them to run out the remaining time, denying the Chiefs a comeback.

Mahomes, typically known for his brilliance on the field, had a challenging day, finishing 27 of 44 for 235 yards with one interception, and narrowly avoiding a second interception after a review overturned the call. The Raiders, playing without their injured running back Josh Jacobs, struggled on the offensive end, with Aidan O’Connell completing only 9 of 21 passes for 62 yards, failing to complete a pass after the first quarter. The Raiders’ saving grace came in the form of their rushing game, with Zamir White amassing an impressive 145 yards on the ground.

This lackluster performance by the Chiefs was a stark contrast to their usual standards, with head coach Andy Reid expressing frustration over their recent sloppy play. The Chiefs started the game with two consecutive three-and-outs, an unusual occurrence with Mahomes at the helm. The first quarter proved to be disastrous for the Chiefs, as they managed to gain a mere minus-18 yards, marking one of their worst starts since 1991. Mahomes was sacked twice during this rough start, and additional offensive penalties compounded their struggles.

The turning point of the game occurred when Isiah Pacheco, in a creative play, took a direct snap 12 yards for a touchdown, briefly giving the Chiefs the lead. However, their momentum was short-lived as Pacheco’s attempt to hand off to Mahomes resulted in a fumble, which was swiftly capitalized upon by the 315-pound Raiders defensive tackle Nichols, who scooped up the loose ball and raced to the end zone for another touchdown. Just moments later, Mahomes threw an ill-fated interception to Jack Jones, who secured his second pick-6 in as many weeks. This rapid sequence of events left the Raiders with a commanding 17-7 lead, further solidifying their dominance over their long-time divisional rivals.

As the game progressed, it became evident that the Chiefs were struggling to find their rhythm. Even the usually dependable Harrison Butker faltered, missing a relatively easy field goal attempt before halftime. The Raiders capitalized on these mistakes by adding a field goal late in the third quarter, extending their lead to 20-7 heading into the final quarter.

Noteworthy statistics and streaks from this game include the Raiders’ impressive five defensive touchdowns this season, a feat not seen since 2005. The first quarter showcased the Raiders’ defense at its finest, reminiscent of their performance in 1991 when they held the Chargers to a staggering minus-21 yards. Rashee Rice’s six receptions in this game allowed him to surpass the Chiefs’ rookie record for catches in a season, previously held by Dwayne Bowe in 2007.

In terms of injuries, the Chiefs faced setbacks with cornerback L’Jarius Sneed leaving the game after a late third-quarter tackle, while Isiah Pacheco entered the concussion protocol after his helmet came off, and he was inadvertently kicked in the head. Additionally, right guard Trey Smith suffered a leg injury in the fourth quarter.

Looking ahead, the Raiders will face the Indianapolis Colts in their next game, while the Chiefs will take on the Cincinnati Bengals. This game serves as a reminder that in the NFL, even the most dominant teams can have off days, and the Raiders’ resilient defense made the most of this opportunity to secure a significant victory.

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More about Christmas Day Upset

• NFL Official Website
• Las Vegas Raiders Official Website
• Kansas City Chiefs Official Website
• ESPN NFL Coverage
• AFC West Division Standings
• Patrick Mahomes NFL Profile
• Raiders vs. Chiefs Game Recap
• Rashee Rice NFL Profile
• AFC West History