Losers
Josh Jacobs
After last week’s listless loss to Washington, running back Josh Jacobs said the offense needed to pick it up, in both temperament and play. But on the first snap of this game, Jacobs set a losing tone before many fans had even settled in.
THAT'S HOW YOU START‼️
📺: #LVvsKC on CBS pic.twitter.com/fuo645JCGq
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) December 12, 2021
His fumble, which led to an immedate Kansas City touchdown, came on a play when he had little blocking to speak of. But the play was inexcusable by any measure. The Chiefs were fired up from the start of this one though, and those that saw what the Raiders did before kickoff know exactly why.
Yannick Ngakoue
Raiders defensive end Yannick Ngakoue had a QB sack in this ballgame, but one stunt he pulled, along with many of his teammates, was as hollow and unproductive as they come.
He led many Raiders over to the Chiefs’ midfield logo before kickoff; in the NFL, that’s perceived as a sign of disrespect toward the home team. With the way this game unraveled so rapidly, with three turnovers in the first half that led to 21 Chiefs points, this is a terrible and embarrassing look.
Yannick Ngakoue: "hey guys, come here I got a great idea…" pic.twitter.com/KdGHoyNkIi
— Pick Six Podcast (@picksixpod) December 12, 2021
Ngakoue is new to the Raiders, and this was his first time in Arrowhead Stadium as a member of the team. He learned quickly that it will take much more than hollow gestures to turn this lopsided rivalry around.
Brandon Parker/Alex Leatherwood
Once again, the right side of the Raiders offensive line wasn’t up to the task of protecting QB Derek Carr. Both Alex Leatherwood and Brandon Parker only provided mild resistance to a fierce Kansas City pass rush, taking turns being abused by defensive lineman Chris Jones and others.
And there’s not much more to say than that. Except that they were two of the largest reasons for the Raiders’ slow start, even after they had a chance to take a deep breath and regroup after Jacobs’ fumble. Against quality NFL defenders, they appear toothless.
Zay Jones/Bryan Edwards
In the offseason, wide receiver Bryan Edwards drew rave reviews, earning comparisons to some of the greatest big-bodied pass catchers the NFL has ever known.
His position mate, WR Zay Jones, has caught countless passes from Carr in Las Vegas parks during the offseason but has little NFL production to show for it. During a time when the Raiders need their wideouts to step up after the Henry Ruggs calamity, they failed to make an impact Sunday despite some minor statistical accomplishments.
They left all the work for WR Hunter Renfrow, who had a career day with 13 receptions for 113 yards and a touchdown, though Renfrow did have a first-half fumble when the Raiders were still technically in the game. We already know Renfrow is a winner, however. He needs his position mates to follow suit, whether it’s Jones and Edwards or new players next year.
In the end, another late-season collapse is in full swing for the Raiders. They have four games left to play, but it would be natural for everyone involved with the franchise, especially ownership, to start thinking about next season immediately after this memorable drubbing.