Raiders Pull Off a Christmas Miracle Beating Kansas City 20-14

Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) stops Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Christmas Day Dec 25, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Las Vegas Raiders (7-8) pulled off a Christmas Miracle Christmas Day Beating the Kansas City Chiefs (9-6) 20-14. The Raiders passing game was awful with 62 total yards. It was their rushing game in the final minutes of the fourth quarter that sealed this win along with some amazing defense which included two defensive touchdowns 7 seconds apart in the second quarter. 

Christmas Day bright and early, the Raiders took on the Chiefs under cloudy skies. The Raiders came into this game on a high after annihilating the Los Angeles Chargers 63-21 a few weeks ago in a national Thursday night matchup. Last Sunday the Chiefs took care of the New England Patriots 27-17. The Chiefs came into this game favored they have seen Kansas City stumble at times this season and Sunday was no different coughing up two touchdowns to the Raiders defense in just seven seconds in the first half.

In a most unlikely first half of football, the Raiders took a 17-7 lead into the locker room. The first quarter was not a great one for either team although Las Vegas did take a slim 3-0 lead after the first fifteen minutes of play thanks to the 24 yd field goal from Daniel Carlson. 

The second quarter unveiled a shocking reversal of fortune for Las Vegas in an insane defensive effort. The Chiefs scored a touchdown at 7:34 when Isiah Pacheco rushed for 12 yards, the touchdown, and this game began to indicate a Kansas City turnaround; that is when the Raider defense began to flex its muscle, not once but twice. 

With just under five minutes left in the first half, Bilal Nichols recovered a Chief fumble and took it eight yards for a touchdown. Las Vegas regained the lead 9-7 but did miss their two-point conversion attempt. 

Seven seconds later the Raider defense struck again when Jack Jones intercepted an attempted Mahomes pass returning it for 33 yards and a second touchdown. Nothing was going right for the Chiefs offensively and the Raiders offense was not much to brag about either. It was the defensive effort by Las Vegas that had given the Raiders the lead at the half.

There was not much going on for either team in the third quarter and it looked pretty much like the opening quarter of the game. Once again, the Raiders did score in the quarter, a 35 Yd field goal extending their lead 20-7.

It all came down to the fourth quarter. Could Las Vegas hold onto the lead and hand the Chiefs a loss and actually give themselves a chance to win their division? This was a game of incredible defensive at times and horrendous missed tackles at other times from the Raiders; a real mixed bag. 

With 9:47 left in the game, the Chiefs with no other choice went on a fourth and goal. The Raider defense stepped up yet again breaking up the pass intended for Rashee Rice in the end zone and took over on downs. 

Las Vegas was seven minutes away from a most unlikely win. The defense continued to put leverage on the Chiefs offense making life pretty miserable for Patrick Mahomes. The Las Vegas defense continue to make great plays in the end zone breaking up touchdown possibilities. 

At 2:42 Kansas City found the end zone for the first time since the second quarter and had pulled to within six points 20-14.

Las Vegas picked just the right moment to get their rushing game going. Zamir White had some game clinching runs. He started slow with a six yard rush followed by a 43 yard rush and finished it off with a 15 yard run and that was the ball game. 

The Raiders had pulled off a Christmas miracle. White finished the game with 145 yards rushing and along with the Las Vegas defense stunned Kansas City. The Chiefs were just plain sloppy with a capital S.

Next Sunday, the Raiders will take on the Indianapolis Colts looking for their third win in a row. They will play that game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 10:00 AM.

    

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Rich Perez: Raiders defense scores twice in 7 seconds in first half, beat Chiefs 20-14 at Arrowhead; Raider coach Pierce has the players vote

The Las Vegas Raiders Zamir White (35) was crucial in the second half with a 44 and 15 yard runs against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Mon Dec 25, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Raiders podcast:

#1 Rich, talk about the Las Vegas Raiders (7-8) defense with two touchdowns on the second quarter. We’ll take the first one Bilal Nichols picked up a fumble and scored for the Raiders on the eight yard recovery making it 9-7.

#2 Talk about the Jack Jones interception he ran back for 33 yards at 4:48 left in the half and made a two point conversion make it a 17-7 lead at the half.

#3 Daniel Carlson who missed an extra point earlier in the game hit a 35 yard field goal and the Raiders go up 20-7 with 24 seconds left in the third quarter.

#4 The defense were incredible holding Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs (9-6) the defense forced three and out and Mahomes just had too much trouble in the red zone the Raiders defense broke up a play in the end zone. Mahomes was tested by the Raiders defense and they didn’t give up the big play.

#5 The Raiders gave up a 45 yard catch to Chiefs wide receiver Richie James to the Raiders nine yard with over three minutes but the Raiders defense broke up a pass from Mahomes. Justin Watson got a hand off and got in front of defender Nate Hobbs and scored and the Chiefs cut the lead to six points with two minutes left 20-14.

#6 Talk about Zamir White who ran and break away 44 yard run followed by a 15 yard run at the two minute. The Raiders are taking a knee and running down the clock. Quarterback Aiden O’Connell didn’t throw a second half pass and beat the Chiefs by six 20-14 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.

#7 The Raiders head to Indianapolis to face the Colts (8-7). The Colts lost their last game 29-10 to the Atlanta Falcons. The Colts are playing at the Hoosier Dome Sun Dec 31st with a 10:00AM kick off to conclude the Raiders regular road schedule. How do you see this match up?

Join Rich Perez for the Raiders podcasts Tuesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Tony Renteria: Can Raiders keep the offense going against Chiefs in KC on Christmas day?

Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) scores against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium on Thu Dec 14, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Tony Renteria:

On the Raiders podcast with Tony R:

#1 Tony, after the Raiders got shutout last Sunday 3-0 on Thursday Night Football it was a smorgasbord of scoring for the Raiders in the first half where Las Vegas scored three touchdowns in each of the first and second quarters.

#2 Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce never one to give up and never give up on quarterback Aidan O’Connell who was pretty much able to throw all night against a virtual non existent Los Angeles Charger defense.

#3 O’Connell had four touchdowns on his portfolio before the third quarter even ended. O’Connell was well over 200 yards in passing at 241 and was 19-32 and had command of his offense all night long a stark contrast from last Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings where he just couldn’t get anything going.

#4 Tony, Raiders wide receiver Devante Adams who was grumbling about not getting enough touches this season got seven receptions by the third quarter, 94 yards and one touchdown. He was besides himself as the Raiders picked up their victory since Nov 12th and snapped their three game losing streak.

#5 The Raiders head to Kansas City and Arrowhead Stadium to face the Chiefs on Mon Dec 25th on Christmas day. The Chiefs are coming off a win over the New England Patriots 27-17 after getting going on a two game losing streak. The Chiefs are trying to regroup how do you see this contest on Christmas Day on Monday?

Join Tony for the Raiders podcasts each Tuesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Rich Perez: No mercy rule here at Allegiant Raiders get scoring out of their system crush Chargers 63-21

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) is jubilant after scoring a first half touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Thursday Night Football Dec 14, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Raiders podcast with Rich:

#1 Rich after the Raiders got shutout last Sunday 3-0 on Thursday Night Football it was a smorgasbord of scoring for the Raiders in the first half where Las Vegas scored three touchdowns in each of the first and second quarters.

#2 Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce never one to give up and never give up on quarterback Aidan O’Connell who was pretty much able to throw all night against a virtual non existent Los Angeles Charger defense.

#3 O’Connell had four touchdowns on his portfolio before the third quarter even ended. O’Connell was well over 200 yards in passing at 241 and was 19-32 and had command of his offense all night long a stark contrast from last Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings where he just couldn’t get anything going.

#4 Rich, Raiders wide receiver Devante Adams who was grumbling about not getting enough touches this season got seven receptions by the third quarter, 94 yards and one touchdown. He was besides himself as the Raiders picked up their victory since Nov 12th and snapped their three game losing streak.

#5 The Raiders head to Kansas City and Arrowhead Stadium to face the Chiefs on Mon Dec 25th on Christmas day. The Chiefs have lost their last two games and their last win was against the Raiders at Allegiant on Nov 26th in a 31-17 final. The Chiefs will be an angry bunch after losing two straight games and the Raiders after losing three straight and crushing the Chargers are hoping to save up some of that scoring for Kansas City. How do you see this match up on Christmas night?

Join Rich after every Raiders home and away game for the Raiders podcast at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Raiders Demolish Chargers 63-21 on Thursday Night Football at Allegiant Stadium

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) scores on a touchdown pass against the Los Angeles Chargers in first half action at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Thu Dec 14, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Las Vegas Raiders (6-8) put the hurt on the Los Angeles Chargers (5-9) Thursday night. At the half the Raiders led 42-0 and never looked back. The Chargers did manage three touchdowns in the second half but the Las Vegas lead was insurmountable. The final was 63-21. 

Thursday night the Raiders took on the Chargers.Two struggling teams, two teams with identical records going into this game and both teams looking to improve their season record. The Chargers were without quarterback Justin Herbert who went through a surgery on his fractured right index finger. Season-ending injuries more often than not sink a team and the recovery time for Herbert is roughly six weeks. 

In other words this season is finished for the quarterback. The Chargers relied on back-up quarterback Easton Stick to lead the charge. The Raiders continued to stick with Aiden O’Connell.

 Las Vegas had a tough loss to the Vikings last Sunday in a very winnable game that all came down to a turnover; a Hunter Renfrow fumble at the Minnesota 20 yard-line. In the fourth quarter of the Minnesota game. Raider running back Josh Jacobs suffered a knee injury and missed tonight’s game.

Game recap: The first quarter of this game was a shocker. When the quarter came to and end the Raiders had a 21-0 lead. The last play of the opening quarter was a sack of the San Diego quarterback Easton Stick as the Las Vegas defense manhandled him the entire quarter. The first Raider touchdown was a one yard rush from Zamir White. 

Las Vegas kept the heat on and at 4:41 quarterback Aiden O’Connell connected with Tre Tucker for 30 yards and a 14-0 lead. At 3:07 the Raiders struck again with O’Connell finding Jakobi Meyers for 22 yards and their third touchdown of the game leading 21-0. This was an amazing start for Las Vegas 

The Raiders recovered another fumble deep in the Chargers territory in the second quarter at 9:32. The Chargers had given the ball away three times so far in this game. The Raiders turned that turnover into an eleven yard touchdown courtesy of O’Connell to Michael Meyer giving Las Vegas a 28-0 lead.

 O’Connell had thrown for 134 yards and three touchdowns so far in this game. The game had turned into an absolute nightmare for San Diego and would prove to be unending. The first half was a happy, happy night for Raider fans present at Allegiant Stadium for this nationally televised game. 

Las Vegas even turned to some razzle dazzle which eventually resulted in another touchdown. Brandon Bolton who had not carried the ball all season had two rushes, the second resulting in a 26 yard run and the Raiders fifth touchdown extending the Raiders lead to 35-0. 

The Las Vegas defense was having their way with the Charger’s offense and Los Angles was defenseless suffering stops on most of their possessions. It had been all Raiders, all night through two quarters. 

Just for good measure, Tre Tucker celebrated his second touchdown catch of the game with 0.31 seconds left in the half for a 42-0 Raider lead. There was still another half of football to play but the Chargers had a huge mountain to conquer. This was the largest half time lead in Raider team history.

O’Connell had thrown for 198 yards and four touchdowns in the half. The Las Vegas receiving effort was stellar with Devante Adams leading the pack with five catches for 73 yards. Las Vegas would get the ball to start the second half.

Apparently Adams wanted in on the action. At 10:42 in the third quarter he caught a three yard pass from Jakobi Meyers and the Raiders continued their onslaught leading 49-0. They would end the third quarter with a 44 yard fumble recovery for yet another touchdown. 

The Raiders John Jenkins ambled down the field leading the Charger defense on another wild goose chase taking a 56-7 lead. Earlier the Chargers had scored at 10:27 when Easton Stick connected with Joshua Palmer for their first touchdown of the game.

The Raiders opened the fourth quarter with another pick by Jack Jones for a 63-7 lead. This game was all but done at the half and this was just icing on the cake. The Chargers did score two touchdowns in the fourth quarter. 

What a night for the Raiders. O’Connell finished with 4 touchdowns and 248 passing yards. They rushed for 124 yards with Zamir White leading the way with 69 yards. Adams had a stellar night receiving for 101 yards and one touchdown. This team that got shutout last Sunday came back with a vengeance and put on an amazing display. 

The Raiders will be back on the field Christmas Day taking on the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. The Chiefs have had their struggles lately and will be looking to turn that around. Kickoff for that game is scheduled for 10:00 AM  

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Rich Perez: Raiders take on a low scoring Vikings team on Sunday

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) goes on the run away from Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devine Deablo (5) in first half action at Allegiant Stadium in Kansas City on Sun Nov 26, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Raiders podcast with Rich:

#1 How important was it for the Raiders to have had last Sunday as a bye week. The Raiders have lost four of their last six games.

#2 Last game for the Raiders on Sun Nov 26th they got pushed around in their own house with the Kansas City Chiefs scoring twice in the second quarter and picking up another ten points in the fourth quarter wiping out the Raiders 31-17.

#3 Rich when you look at the Raiders trying to get at Chiefs quarterback Pat Mahomes and yet and still he gets all day to throw how frustrating has that got to be for Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce.

#4 Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell threw for 248 yards and a touchdown he didn’t suffer an interception what did he lack on offense against the Chiefs in the loss?

#5 The Raiders are back this Sun Dec 10th at Allegiant. How do you see O’Connell throwing against a Minnesota Vikings defense that struggled last week on Monday Night Football against the Chicago Bears?

Rich Perez filled in for Tony Renteria on the Raiders podcast heard each Tuesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O: Browns on their fourth quarterback Flacco to start against Rams; Is 49ers-Eagles match up of the season?; plus more news

Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco will suit up for this Sun Dec 3, 2023 game against the Los Angeles Rams at So Fi Stadium in Los Angeles. Flaaco is the Browns fourth quarterback used for this season. (AP News photo)

On Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O:

#1 How frustrating does it have to get for the Cleveland Browns in terms of having the revolving door of quarterbacks. The Browns are now on their fourth quarterback with 38 year old Joe Flacco getting the start after quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson suffered a concussion last week. Robinson was ruled out on Friday. The Browns lost quarterbacks DeShaun Watson who is out with a shoulder injury and PJ Walker who started two games this season and will serve as Flacco’s back up Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams.

#2 Charlie, to the big game of the season the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles. How much is this game unfinished business for the 49ers and how badly does quarterback Brock Purdy want to get in win it and come out it in one piece?

#3 The Eagles have been leaning on their defense with linebackers stopping any quarterback keepers or opposing running backs. Will this be a factor for running back Christian McCaffrey whose had nothing but success in finding holes and getting yards.

#4 The Las Vegas Raiders badly want to get back in the win column after losing their last two games to the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs badly did some damage to Raiders defense last Sunday at Allegiant Stadium with a 14 point second quarter and a ten point fourth quarter for a 31-17 win. Simply put the defense just couldn’t stop quarterback Patrick Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid’s game plan down.

#5 The Raiders have a bye this Sunday and host the Minnesota Vikings Sun Dec 10th at Allegiant. Vikings lost to the Chicago Bears last Sunday in a squeaker 12-10 at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The Vikings have gone without their starter Kirk Cousins and have started Joshua Dobbs who went 22-32 for 185 yards one touchdown and what hurt Dobbs the most he was picked off four times. How do you see the Raiders and Vikings next Sunday in Vegas?

Join Charlie O for Headline Sports Sundays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Tony Renteria: Raiders just couldn’t do enough to get back in game Sunday

Las Vegas Raiders running back Jakobi Meyers (right) tries to outrun the Kansas City Chiefs safety Mike Edwards (left) in first half action at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas (AP News photo)

On the Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Tony Renteria:

#1 In the first half of Sunday’s game at Allegiant Stadium the Las Vegas Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs were knotted up 14-14 and it looked as if the Raiders were going gain ground on the Chiefs.

#2 Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell had 240 yards and a touchdown. O’Connell is the quarterback that the Raiders are hoping that could be their future.

#3 Raiders running back Josh Jacobs with 20 carries, 110 yards, and one touchdown. He was key in the first half in the Raiders scoring.

#4 Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers six receptions, 79 yards, one touchdown, the Raiders played good enough to win this game but as we were talking in the second half the Chiefs had a game plan but talking about Meyers he picked up a touchdown in this one on Sunday.

#5 The Raiders have the bye week on Sun Dec 3 and will return to action in Las Vegas on Sun Dec 10th against the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings are without Kirk Cousins at quarterback and are starting are starting Josh Dobbs. The Vikings have won five of their last six games. They did lose their last game last Sunday to the Broncos and host the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football. How do you see the Raiders and Vikings matching up on the 10th?

Join Tony Renteria for the Las Vegas Raiders podcast Tuesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Rich Perez: Great first half but Raiders can’t keep pace with Chiefs

Kansas Chiefs Derrick Nnadi (91) and cornerback L’Jarius Sneed (below) puts the tackle on the Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Devante Adams (17) in first half action at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sun Nov 26, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Rich Perez:

#1 In the first half of Sunday’s game at Allegiant Stadium the Las Vegas Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs were knotted up 14-14 and it looked as if the Raiders were going gain ground on the Chiefs.

#2 Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell had 240 yards and a touchdown. O’Connell is the quarterback that the Raiders are hoping that could be their future.

#3 Raiders running back Josh Jacobs with 20 carries, 110 yards, and one touchdown. He was key in the first half in the Raiders scoring.

#4 Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers six receptions, 79 yards, one touchdown, the Raiders played good enough to win this game but as we were talking in the second half the Chiefs had a game plan but talking about Meyers he picked up a touchdown in this one on Sunday.

#5 The Raiders have the bye week on Sun Dec 3 and will return to action in Las Vegas on Sun Dec 10th against the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings are without Kirk Cousins at quarterback and are starting are starting Josh Dobbs. The Vikings have won five of their last six games. They did lose their last game last Sunday to the Broncos and host the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football. How do you see the Raiders and Vikings matching up on the 10th?

Join Rich Perez after every Raiders home and away game at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Raiders Unable to Handle Chiefs Offense Losing their Seventh Game 31-17

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) looks for a receiver against the Las Vegas Raiders in first half action at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sun Nov 26, 2023 (AP News)

By Barbara Mason

The Las Vegas Raiders (5-7) had it all going on through the opening quarter Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs (8-3). They hung onto a 14 point lead through the second quarter of football. The Chiefs got their offense going at 6:38 in the second tying up the game at 14 going into half time. They never looked back beating the Raiders 31-17

Sunday afternoon the Raiders took on the Chiefs in Kansas City. The Raiders came into this game after losing last week to the Miami Dolphins in a close game 20-13. This was a one point game going into the fourth quarter. The Dolphins hit two field goals in the fourth quarter which sealed the game. The Chiefs also lost last week against the Philadelphia Eagles 21-17.

Game recap: The first quarter of this game was all Raiders. Las Vegas had the only score in the opening quarter of this game. Aiden O’Connell found Jakobi Meyers at 9:32 for 18 yards and the touchdown giving the Raiders the early 7-0 lead.

The Raiders extended their lead in the second quarter with a second touchdown at 12:41, this one on the ground. Running back Josh Jacobs rushed for 63 yards for the 14-0 lead. Las Vegas had scored 14 unanswered points.

Mid-way through the second quarter there was a real energy reversal. The sleeping giant began to flex it’s muscle. At 6:38 Isiah Pacheco rushed for one yard and the Chiefs first touchdown of the game.

Kansas City scored a second touchdown just seconds before the half to tie up the game at 14. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes found Justin Watson for 3 yards and it was now the Chiefs scoring 14 unanswered points.

The Chiefs scored both of those touchdowns with ease which was troublesome for the Raiders. This offense is lethal when it gets going and the second half of the second quarter was proof of that. The Raiders would have a lot of work to do in the second half. The Kansas City offense had come to life and stopping them would be no small feat.

Kansas City got the ball to start the second half. They scored at 9:15 taking their first lead of the game 21-14. Isiah Pacheco scored his second rushing touchdown of the game, another one yard rush. With a little over two minutes left in the quarter, the Raiders Daniel Carlson kicked a 34 Yd Field Goal. They still had the Chiefs in their sites trailing 21-17 going into the fourth quarter but they had to find a way to stop the offensive surge the Chiefs were bringing.

Kansas City wasted no time as the fourth quarter got underway. At 13:40 they scored their fourth touchdown of the day extending their lead to 28-17. This time Mahomes found Rashee Rice for 39 yards.

The Raiders were helpless trying to stop this power house offense. Las Vegas desperately needed points but they also needed stops which were non-existent since the start of the second half.

With 9:34 left in the game there was still plenty of time but Las Vegas had to tighten up offensively and defensively. They were making things far too easy for the Chiefs. They had to get the Chiefs off the field and they did just that putting some great pressure on Kansas City to get the ball back with 7:29 left in the game. It was crunch time for Las Vegas.

Las Vegas attempted a fourth and one on their own 20 yard line in the fourth quarter and failed, a huge stop for Kansas City. The Chiefs now had the ball on the Las Vegas 20 yard line hungry for another score.

They did not get the touchdown due to numerous penalties but settled for a Harrison Butker 32 yard field goal. The Chiefs now had a 31-17 lead and with 2:30 left on the clock time was running out for the Raiders. Kansas City was on their way to their eighth win of the season and the Raiders season record dropped to 5-7.

The Raiders did not get penalized the entire game nor did they have any turnovers. Las Vegas had more rushing yards than the Chiefs but could not handle the red hot offense of Kansas City particularly their passing game. Aidan O’Connell threw for 248 yards and one touchdown and no interceptions. The Raiders had 123 rushing yards with 110 yards credited to Jacobs.

Next up for Las Vegas will be the Minnesota Vikings on December 10th after their bye week. They will take on the Vikings at Allegiant Stadium with kickoff scheduled for 1:05 PM.