The Las Vegas Raiders put on an uninspiring performance in Kansas City in front of a nationwide audience on CBS. The Kansas City Chiefs shut out the Las Vegas Raiders 31-0. After starting the season winless, the Chiefs have won four of their last five games.
Against Las Vegas, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes completed 26-of-35 passes for 286 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions. The Chiefs’ offense played flawlessly. The team scored four touchdowns and one field goal on their first five possessions. The Las Vegas Raiders had a difficult time getting off the field as Kansas City went 9-of-15 (60%) on third down. The Chiefs didn’t punt the ball until the fourth quarter, which was after the team had pulled their offensive starters.
“They’re a terrific team,” Head Coach Pete Carroll said postgame. “They [Chiefs] did everything like they do, and they played really well in all phases and kept us totally at bay.”
Zero Rhythm, Zero Points
The Las Vegas Raiders were shut out for the first time since the 2023 NFL season. The offense recorded 95 total yards against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Raiders were unable to sustain drives, going an unsuccessful 0-for-7 on third downs. The team recorded only three first downs the entire game, with one of those first downs coming from a defensive penalty.
With All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers and wide receiver Jakobi Meyers both out with an injury against Kansas City, rookie running back Ashton Jeanty was expected to receive a heavy workload. However, Jeanty only carried the ball six times. He was targeted once in the passing game. “We came into this game really wanting to run the football, figuring that would be a key element of this makeup of this game,” Pete Carroll said. “But we just couldn’t get there. We didn’t change our minds about that at all. We didn’t miss that thought. We just couldn’t get in charge of the down and distance well enough.”
Identity Crisis
After seven weeks, the Las Vegas Raiders have failed to establish an identity on the offensive side of the ball. This is a significant concern. Chip Kelly is the highest-paid offensive coordinator in the National Football League. Kelly’s offense currently ranks 30th in points per game. Las Vegas traded a 2025 third-round pick to Seattle for quarterback Geno Smith, who has looked uncomfortable in Chip Kelly’s offensive scheme. Smith is currently leading the league with 10 interceptions. Following the bye week, the Las Vegas Raiders’ offense will need to show signs of improvement, or else some uncomfortable discussions will need to take place.
Road Woes Continue
The Las Vegas Raiders have been outscored 125 to 50 in four road games this season—a negative 75-point differential. The Raiders are 1-3 on the road, with their only win coming in Week 1 against the New England Patriots. The Las Vegas Raiders are spiraling in the wrong direction. The Raiders are now losers of five of their last six games. After being hired as the 24th head coach in franchise history, Pete Carroll preached competition to his players and coaching staff, but it has been anything but for the once-proud NFL franchise.
–Follow Dan Loya on X @DLoya_NFL
