Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes loves the winning part, but he’s growing tired of close games decided as the clock expires.
The Las Vegas Raiders would be happy with any type of victory since they are winless since Sept. 29. But the Raiders (2-9) are hoping to pull another holiday surprise in an AFC West battle on Black Friday after Las Vegas spoiled Christmas Day 2023 at Arrowhead.
Kansas City (10-1) is tied with the Detroit Lions for the top record in the NFL. But the Chiefs haven’t been racking up victories in the dominant fashion they did in past seasons.
Five of Kansas City’s victories this season have been determined on the final play of the game — two made field goals, one rushing touchdown in overtime, one blocked field goal and one opponent touchdown overturned.
Mahomes said the close wins are a product of the club’s studying during the week.
“Being prepared for the moment,” Mahomes said Tuesday of the team’s methodology. “Obviously, you want to do it throughout the entire game but when it’s do or die time and you have to make it happen, guys go out there and make it happen.”
The latest close call was nearly even more of a stunner as Kansas City needed a 31-yard field goal from Spencer Shrader to post a 30-27 road victory over the Carolina Panthers, one of the NFL’s worst teams.
The Chiefs led by 11 points in the fourth quarter before blowing the lead and getting rescued by Shrader, a fill-in for injured regular kicker Harrison Butker.
Kansas City coach Andy Reid had to give a pep talk in the down winner’s locker room following the escape. Mahomes explained why the mood was downcast.
“I think we hold ourselves to an extremely high standard,” Mahomes said. “So unless we felt we play our best, guys are itching to get back out there and go for more. I felt there were times we played good football … and we were able to find a way to win at the end of the game.
“Unless we play the way we expect to play, we’re going to strive to be better every time we step on the football field.”
The Chiefs registered a 27-20 road win over the Raiders in Week 8 when they didn’t need late-game heroics or good fortune to win.
Las Vegas has dropped seven consecutive games and is tied with the Jacksonville Jaguars and New York Giants for the worst record in the NFL.
Five of their losses have been by double digits, including the past three. The Raiders lost 29-19 to the visiting Denver Broncos last weekend.
Las Vegas also lost quarterback Gardner Minshew for the rest of the season with a fractured left collarbone.
Aidan O’Connell, who broke his right (throwing) thumb in Week 7 against the Los Angeles Rams, returned to practice this week and is expected to start. He was a full practice participant on Tuesday. Desmond Ridder, who replaced Minshew after the injury against Denver, will be the backup.
“We’ve got a short week, so obviously, the timeline is kind of sped up,” Raiders interim offensive coordinator Scott Turner said. “We’re going to evaluate those guys. Ultimately, Coach (Antonio Pierce) will make the decision on who we’re going with. You’ve just got to get somebody ready to play in a short period of time, but there’s nothing you can do about it.”
Ridder joined the Raiders one day after O’Connell’s injury.
“I’ve been here almost a month and now I feel comfortable with the offense,” Ridder said. “I’m ready to go.”
Cornerbacks Nate Hobbs (ankle) and Jakorian Bennett (shoulder) and running back Zamir White (quadriceps) missed practice Wednesday for Las Vegas.
Shrader (right hamstring) and linebacker Cam Jones (illness) were the only Chiefs to miss practice Tuesday. Kansas City signed kicker Matthew Wright to its practice squad and he will handle the duties if Shrader can’t go.
The Chiefs have won 17 of the past 20 meetings.
–Field Level Media
