The Kansas City Chiefs got off to a quick start in Week 14, scoring on the first play from scrimmage on the Raiders’ opening possession. A handoff to the left side of the Las Vegas line resulted in a Josh Jacobs fumble which was recovered by first-year Chief Mike Hughes and returned for a touchdown. Another first-year Chief, Jarran Reed, forced the ball free, marking one of the only highlights of what has otherwise been an underwhelming season for the free-agent acquisition.
After a pre-game meeting on Kansas City’s logo by the Raiders, this game started on a chippy note as Las Vegas tries to salvage their season with a win on the road at Arrowhead. Early indications are that they’ll face an uphill battle, as the Chiefs look to be clicking on defense, and already have a seven-point lead before their offense has played a snap.
Check out the game-changing play here, and notice how veteran safety Tyrann Mathieu knew it was going for six as soon as the ball came out:
THAT'S HOW YOU START‼️
📺: #LVvsKC on CBS pic.twitter.com/fuo645JCGq
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) December 12, 2021
This play changed the complexion of the matchup early, and Kansas City will just need to hang on and nurse their early lead to secure a victory. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is sure to be pleased with his unit’s performance on their first two drives, which resulted in the scoop-and-score on the first and a punt on the second.
Spagnuolo won’t have the luxury of taking his foot off the gas in this one, though, and will need to stay aggressive to contain the Raiders’ offense in all four quarters. While the hot start will certainly give him breathing room, Chiefs fans are craving a shutout after feeling disrespected following the Raiders’ pre-game stunt on the logo.
A win this week would keep Kansas City in the mix atop the AFC, and could potentially extend their lead in the division.
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