Chiefs vs. Raiders rating, takeaways: Travis Kelce explodes as Kansas Metropolis edges Vegas in prime-time shootout

Fireworks went off at Arrowhead Stadium on Monday night time, each actually and figuratively. Assembly for the primary time within the 2022 season, the Chiefs and Raiders mixed for nearly 750 whole yards, going forwards and backwards as Patrick Mahomes slung it to Travis Kelce and Derek Carr fed Davante Adams. Regardless of a scorching begin from Las Vegas, who scored 17 unanswered factors to open the matchup, Kansas Metropolis completed on high. Kelce paved the best way with a “Monday Night time Soccer”-record 4 landing catches, sealing a 30-29 victory that retains the Chiefs atop the AFC West at 4-1, whereas dropping Josh McDaniels’ squad to 1-4 on the 12 months.

Carr gave it his all to mount a late comeback after the Raiders misplaced the lead, hitting Adams on a deep TD to tug inside one level within the fourth quarter. However McDaniels opted to go for 2 moderately than tie the sport at 30, and the Chiefs protection held agency, stuffing an in any other case productive Josh Jacobs on the objective line. Mahomes, in the meantime, was cash when concentrating on Kelce, who additionally set a crew document for TD catches by a good finish.

Why the Chiefs received

It was a story of two halves Monday night time. The Raiders dominated the primary half, however even down 17 factors, you may by no means rely the Chiefs out. Kansas Metropolis’s skill to persevere even when they’re dropping is one among their greatest strengths.

The Chiefs excel when they’re behind, taking the strain and benefiting from it moderately than collapsing beneath it. Kansas Metropolis stayed poised whereas trailing, whereas the Raiders received determined and made questionable selections, however extra on that within the subsequent class.

Kansas Metropolis’s effectivity on third down within the second quarter was a serious distinction maker from the primary, the place the third-and-outs had been including up.

Another excuse the Chiefs received was their Mr. Dependable on offense, tight finish Travis Kelce, who had four (yes, FOUR) touchdowns on the night. You possibly can’t let Kelce in the long run zone 4 instances if you wish to give your self a very good probability to win. 

Why the Raiders misplaced

The Raiders let the Chiefs offense do what the Chiefs offense does greatest: exploit opposing defenses. That they had them within the first half, however taking part in Kansas Metropolis takes all 60 minutes. The Raiders’ aggressiveness slowed within the second half on protection they usually had no reply for quarterback Patrick Mahomes and firm.

Everybody is aware of Kelce is the go-to man for the Chiefs, but the Raiders let him rating 4 instances.

The Raiders additionally beat themselves on many events. 

What would have been a missed area objective for the Chiefs became a Kelce landing on account of a pricey holding penalty on the Raiders throughout the area objective attempt. The Raiders stopped the Chiefs within the pink zone, one thing very troublesome for groups to do, however erased that with their very own mistake. 

With just below 5 minutes to go within the fourth, the Raiders determined they might “play to win the sport,” as Herm Edwards famously stated, moderately than take the tie in direction of the top of the sport. Down 30-29, they went for 2 moderately than take the (just about) assured factors from the additional level. The 2-point attempt failed, in order that they remained behind.

Their protection stepped up, however the offense was unable to get into area objective place, turning it over on downs, with victory formation from the Chiefs left to finish the sport. Had the Raiders taken the additional level moderately than go for it on two, the sport would have been tied because the clock expired and gone to additional time.

General, the Raiders didn’t have the stamina to maintain up with the Chiefs. Mixed with self-inflicted wounds, they nearly appeared destined to lose the sport.

Turning level

Which Kelce landing ought to we choose? The primary one from No. 87, within the second quarter, made the assertion to the Raiders, and the gang, to by no means rely the Chiefs out and by no means get too comfy with a lead.

The second Kelce TD, a four-yard reception within the third quarter, was actually when the sport started to flip, and anybody who watches Chiefs soccer was doubtless predicting that KC would find yourself turning this one round and successful. The landing gave the Chiefs their first lead of the sport and the momentum. As soon as they get that rhythm on offense, the Chiefs sometimes get it performed and find yourself successful the sport, which is precisely what occurred right here. 

Play of the sport

Kelce’s fourth landing not solely electrical, however was a record-setter. Kelce now could be the “Monday Night time Soccer” chief for many touchdowns by a participant in a recreation. After the landing, the already loud crowd exploded and Mahomes held up 4 fingers to have fun. Kelce’s 4 touchdowns had been all fewer than 10 yards, the primary time that has occurred in NFL historical past, per CBS Sports research team.

Quote(s) of the night time:

After a four-touchdown efficiency, Kelce took the time to want his mom a contented birthday throughout his postgame interview.

“Blissful birthday to my mom, my mom’s birthday is right this moment. Blissful birthday mother! All these touchdowns had been for you.”

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes crashed Kelce’s postgame interview with an essential message about his teammate. Hugging Kelce, with a smile on his face, Mahomes stated, “I like this dude proper right here child, this my dawg.”

What’s subsequent

The Kansas Metropolis Chiefs will face arguably their hardest opponent but subsequent week once they host the Buffalo Payments. Quarterback Josh Allen is taking part in at an elite stage and continues to be a favourite for the league MVP award. The Payments are coming off a dominant 38-3 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers during which Allen had an unimaginable 424 whole yards with 4 touchdowns, and he didn’t even play the whole recreation.

The Raiders will get some relaxation after this Monday night time recreation, however after their bye week they are going to face the Houston Texans on Oct. 23. Heading into Week 6, the Texans (1-3-1) have been one of many worst groups within the league.