While the Broncos were idle the Raiders showed more improvement, and the Chiefs got a rare win

Article by Mark Brown

Oakland Raiders 37 – 29 San Diego Chargers

 

Carr helps the Raiders motor to victory over the sloppy Chargers

 

 

The impressive Raiders managed to turn two interceptions from Chargers QB Phillip Rivers into ten points on their way to a thrilling victory but for me it was Raiders QB Derek Carr that was the stand out player in this one.  He threw three touchdowns, the best of which was, simply, a sublime 52 yarder to Amani Cooper.

 

There is a chance in the near future that these two franchises could be stadium mates and if this is, indeed the last showdown in San Diego between the two then what a game to end with.  Unfortunately for the Chargers this one was all about Oakland and that includes a large, raucous almost fanatical showing of support from the Raiders fans.

 

It would seem that having a bye last week was just the medicine the Raiders needed to get back on track.  They looked quick, sharp, good in the tackle and overall a more efficient outfit than their opponents.  They scored on the first seven drives and even managed to keep San Diego from scoring a touchdown of their own until in to the 4^th.

 

Derek Carr went 24 of 31 for 289 yards.  Ironically Chargers QB Rivers managed more yardage put couldn’t get the points for his team as he went 38 of 58 for 336 yards but it was the two interceptions that cost the Chargers dear.  San Diego Coach Mike McCoy new exactly where to point the finger of blame as he told the after game press conference “It was poor all round, it’s pathetic, the first half was pathetic.  No excuses it starts with me.  Put it on me.”   In my opinion I think McCoy is being a little bit harsh on himself – you can train all week and work hard in practice but you can not legislate for mistakes and players not doing their jobs properly when it comes to the game.  Tactically the Chargers weren’t bad they just had no answer to a rampant Raiders. 

 

It’s also worth remembering that San Diego had a few notable absences this week as Antonio Gates (knee) and Safety Eric Weddle (groin) were both out with injury as well as rookie RB Melvin Gordon seemingly taking the brunt of the blame for the loss to Green Bay as he was benched for the first half.

 

Not only is the Chargers future in San Diego looking uncertain but now their season hangs in the balance as they contemplate life at the bottom of the division.

 

Next up for the Raiders is the New York Jets on the 1^st November

Next up for the Chargers is the Baltimore Ravens on the 1^st November

 

 

Pittsburgh Steelers 12 – 23 Kansas City Chiefs

 

Kansas halt five game losing streak as they hang on for the win late on

 

Third time lucky!!  Finally at the third time of asking the Chiefs managed to hold out in the fourth as their opponents looked like snatching victory yet again.

 

If Kansas City QB Alex Smith was worried late on he didn’t let the nerves show as he calmly did what he had to and pulled the strings as this game came to a close.  “This was not much different to the other two games (Denver and Chicago) – I just think we made plays down the stretch.  The bottom line, staying aggressive in all three facets of the game”

 

The Chiefs worked tirelessly to shut down Pittsburgh stand in Landry Jones who had to step in for the injured Roethlisberger and Vick.  He did manage 209 yards and a touchdown pass but being picked off twice and a fumble helped the Chiefs over the line.  Having said that it was not until the third quarter that the Chiefs had any kind of breathing space and that only came about because of one of the interceptions from Jones.  The Chiefs took possession and managed a 47 yard drive before Charcandrick West plunged in to the end zone from a yard out.

 

West, Kelce and Conly all took advantage of the in form Smith who seemed determined not to let this lead slip this time.  For a brief spell though the Steelers looked like they were going to be the third team to break the Chiefs hearts late on in the fourth as they forced the Chiefs to punt and then added a field goal of their own but this time Smith and Co were in no mood to give it up and managed to cling to the victory.

 

Already the Chiefs are showing the same kind of determination that Coach Fox bred in to the Broncos and for me, given time Fox will turn it round and when that happens?....Well, AFC West you have been warned!!!

 

Next up for the Chiefs is the Lions on 1^st November