Normally, the hero of the tale is able to slay the dragon — eventually. But try as he might, Derek Carr has yet to conquer the monster that is Arrowhead Stadium, proving the Raiders-Chiefs “rivalry” portends not to have a fairytale ending for the Silver & Black. Far from it, actually. The clash between the
Chiefs continue to be Carr’s beast of burden
Carr needs to play better obviously vs Chiefs. Yet defense HAS to generate pressure on Mahomes and get turnovers.
Without defense playing well, chance of winning nearly nonexistent.
A few more thoughts:
-Running game HAS to get going. Offensive line play has been below average given backups playing
– Gruden has to avoid predictability. Remember this quote from last year?
The biggest thing is we knew that when (Carr) did take shots downfield, we understood it pre-snap by the formation, and it put us in a position to make a play,” Mathieu said. “Tight ends, running backs, check-downs, that’s his game.”
Okay, correct me if I am wrong, but isn’t the Chiefs defense supposed to be weakest against the run? Just like the Bills defense? Need to control the ball with the ground game. That means using all of the backs to keep Josh fresher for the latter stage of the game.
The defense will have to play better and not let big plays to happen.
I fear this is going to be a blood bath.
I always think of that Thursday night game in Oakland in 2017. Carr was playing with broken bones in his back and just shredded them. It can be done, just has to happen on the road.
Another interesting tidbit about his record in Kansas City; I believe all six of those games have come in December. Maybe warmer weather and a smaller, quieter crowd makes a difference.