Chiefs beat Raiders. Three takeaways.
- Lewis Green
- Oct 29, 2024
- 4 min read
Stop what you’re doing. Take it in. The Kansas City Chiefs are 7-0, for just the third time in franchise history. This isn't just a stat—it's a sign. This team has the most talented quarterback to ever sling the rock, the back-to-back defending Super Bowl champs are chasing a legendary threepeat, and they're looking sharper than ever. This isn't just history; it’s sports heritage unfolding in real time. Don’t take it for granted, Chiefs Kingdom.
Now that we've soaked up the gravity of it all, let’s break down what went down at Arrowhead West—excuse me, Allegiant Stadium—where Kansas City handled the Las Vegas Raiders 27-20, making sure Raiders fans remembered who rules this AFC West rivalry. Here’s how they got it done:
Takeaway One: This is who the Chiefs are.
Let’s break down what makes this 2024 Chiefs team truly remarkable. They aren’t the high-flying, score-from-anywhere offense we saw in 2018. Back then, Mahomes racked up 5,000 yards and 50 touchdowns, thrilling us with deep balls and impossible plays. But that team, for all its flash, had gaps—and it cost them. Four losses and an AFC Championship defeat in which Mahomes never got the ball in overtime, showed that relying on sheer offensive power can only take you so far. Fast forward to today, and we’re looking at a nearly flawless team built on depth, balance, and strategy.
With Andy Reid at the helm, the Chiefs now play a brand of football that’s tough, complete, and playoff-ready. Think of the classic Pittsburgh Steelers: gritty, defensively solid, and not afraid to grind out ugly wins. But add Mahomes, Kelce, Chris Jones, and Reid’s innovative mind to that equation, and the Chiefs are on another level. They don’t need to score 30 points every game, and Mahomes doesn’t have to be a one-man highlight reel. The Chiefs can win in multiple ways, with a lockdown defense to support their quarterback. Mahomes has the tools around him to be efficient rather than explosive, letting the team’s overall strength do the heavy lifting.
This is how winning football is built—through balance, versatility, and a resilient roster that doesn't rely on a hot-and-cold quarterback. It’s the kind of complete football that’s ready-made for playoff success, and under Reid’s guidance, the Chiefs have mastered it. This isn’t just Mahomes’ team anymore; it’s a fully realized, tough-as-nails powerhouse that’s designed to go the distance.
Takeaway Two: Deandre Hopkins is a great fit in KC's offense.
One big takeaway from Sunday’s game against the Raiders? DeAndre Hopkins is going to be a massive asset for this team. The Chiefs have been crying out for help at receiver, and while Hopkins didn’t make jaw-dropping plays every snap, his impact was obvious. With a couple of smooth catches for 29 yards, Hopkins gave us a preview of his value—his hands are rock-solid, and his football IQ and route-running are as sharp as ever. He consistently created separation and was exactly where Mahomes needed him to be.
Take the Travis Kelce touchdown, for example. Hopkins lined up outside, and just his presence was enough to draw extra attention from the defense, opening up the middle for Kelce to find space in the red zone. This isn’t a coincidence; Hopkins’ mere presence forces defenses to account for him, which is huge for Kansas City’s offense.
The potential here is enormous, especially with JuJu and Hollywood looking to return in December. It feels like the Chiefs are heating up at just the right time, and Hopkins might just be the catalyst they need to keep the momentum rolling into the playoffs.
Takeaway Three: Mike Pennel for DPOY.
No, I'm not really endorsing Mike Pennel for Defensive Player of the Year, but if there were a “Run-Stuffer Extraordinaire” award, it would have his name all over it! Through seven games this season, Pennel’s been a man possessed in the trenches, clogging gaps and thwarting running backs’ hopes and dreams. He’s been the silent hero behind the Chiefs’ recent dominance against the run, especially impressive given the lineup of top-tier running backs they’ve faced. And when you’ve gone toe-to-toe with Derrick Henry and kept his stat sheet looking slim, that’s a headline-worthy performance in itself.
Here’s the beauty of Mike Pennel: he doesn’t care about the spotlight. His stat line this year isn’t loaded with numbers to make the casual fan swoon—4 solo tackles, 2 sacks, and a forced fumble—but if you ask any running back who’s tried to get past him, they’d likely remember every last painful encounter. He’s bringing all the grit and veteran savvy of a guy who’s played 128 career games, and it shows.
So yeah, DPOY might be a reach. But every Chiefs fan knows that if there’s one guy whose name should be scribbled in the margins of Defensive MVP considerations, it’s Pennel. He's playing a brand of football that only true defensive junkies fully appreciate: disciplined, ruthless, and geared toward winning games by shutting down every last rushing lane in sight.
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