The Kansas City Chiefs suffered their only defeat this season back in Week 5 against the Las Vegas Raiders. As the AFC West division rivals face off again this Sunday, there will be plenty of extra emotion ahead of an already heated rivalry.
Patrick Mahomes has matched up with the Raiders following the bye week in each of his three years as a starter. He spoke about it along with the complexities of the long time rivalry.
“I think just playing them so many times in my career so far and being a divisional opponent, you start to configure a game plan,” said Mahomes. “I think they do a good job with their defensive coordinator of throwing a lot of different stuff out there, a lot of different coverages, a lot of different blitzes. For me, trying to build a memory bank of stuff they’ve done to me in the past and, at the same time, be ready for stuff they could present to me during the games this year. It’ll be a great challenge for us, but we’re excited for it.”
Mahomes didn’t have his best game in the 40-32 loss throwing his first, and only interception in the process. He explained to reporters what it’s like playing a team for the second time in a season from his perspective.
“I don’t know if it’s necessarily different,” said Mahomes. “You prepare the same way, you just have a little bit more of a familiarity with the opponent. Obviously, being a divisional opponent and someone we played not too long ago, you understand the things they did against you in that game, look back at that game. At the same time, you have to be prepared for the un-scouted look, so that’s what we’ll be preparing for as well.”
As the hot topic of the week is surrounding the infamous victory lap from the Raiders leaving Arrowhead Stadium in Week 5, Mahomes gave them respect for winning the Week 5 battle.
”They came out and won the football game, so we’ll have to do a better job of that this time,” said Mahomes. “Know that we’re playing against a good opponent, and know that we’re going to have to give our best shot if we want to come out with a win.”
The Chiefs will be focused on getting back in the win column versus their rival but understand it will take a team effort. Mahomes should be extra motivated for the matchup, especially in front of a national audience on Sunday night.
[listicle id=80657]