Pick Six: The stage is set for intense divisional game between Raiders and undefeated Chiefs

Oct 25, 2024 at 06:12 PM

Levi Edwards

Digital Team Reporter

1. Christmas Day wake up call

The Kansas City Chiefs have been on a tear riding a 12 game winning streak, dating back to last season – the longest active streak in the NFL. However, that streak could come to an end against to the team that fueled it.

The last time the Chiefs were defeated was Week 16 in 2023 by the Las Vegas Raiders in Arrowhead Stadium. The Silver and Black were victorious, 20-14, scoring two touchdowns off a fumble recovery and a Jack Jones pick-six for 33 yards. Andy Reid described the game as a "wake up" call for his team which ultimately won the Super Bowl.

As for Antonio Pierce, it was a defining moment in helping earn his current position.

"Obviously, I'm glad that we woke them up. That's not what we wanted to do; we were worrying about winning the game just like we are this week," Pierce said Friday. "But again, just the amount of respect that we have for that organization and what they're able to do consistently week in and week out. Obviously, Andy [Reid], I played against him and now coaching against him, he knows how to get his guys ready to play."

2. From student to teacher

Pierce also has a healthy relationship with Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, bonded by their time together in New York.

Spagnuolo was Pierce's defensive coordinator for two seasons when the Raiders coach was a player with the New York Giants, compiling a 22-10 regular season record in that span and knocking off the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. Pierce was the team's leading tackler in each of those seasons, racking up 197 total tackles between 2007-08. He has mentioned on multiple occasions that Spagnuolo has served as mentor for him since getting into coaching.

"Steve Spagnuolo, what he's able to do – the pressure, this year you see them kind of morphing into something different," Pierce said. "They got different personnel groupings, playing not as blitz happy, but they're still aggressive. Still stout at linebacker. They do a good job with their staff just getting their players to do exactly what they're asked to do. And then when there are plays to be made, they make them, and especially in critical moments in the game, red zone, two-minute, third down, that's probably when they're at their best.

"That staff is very good, and obviously that's why they've now won back-to-back Super Bowls."

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3. The return of WR1

The Silver and Black offense should greatly benefit from the return of Jakobi Meyers, who Pierce is confident will play this Sunday.

The receiver has been ruled questionable after limited participation in practice Wednesday and full participation on Friday, ramping up for his first game since suffering an ankle injury. Meyers presence could also help take some eyes off Brock Bowers in the secondary and provide veteran composure in the huddle.

"All I can do is focus on the Chiefs this week, do what I can to help," Meyers said.

On the opposite sideline, the Chiefs will be going into the game without two of their top receivers as Rashee Rice is on injured reserve and JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) was ruled out.

4. The Condor versus The Chiefs

Maxx Crosby (ankle) was a full participant in practice Friday with the expectation of suiting up for this divisional matchup.

Seeing red seems to bring the best out of Crosby, as he has recorded five sacks, 12 tackles for loss and 12 quarterback hits in his 10 career games against the Chiefs. After making his way up to third all-time in sacks in franchise history last week, he needs two more tackles for loss to become the fourth player in franchise history (since 199) to record 100 tackles for loss in their first six seasons.

5. Rock Steady

The Raiders will need guard Jordan Meredith to step up once again this Sunday as Dylan Parham is sidelined with a foot injury.

While Parham has been one of the Raiders' top performing players this season, Meredith has filled his shoes nicely. He received an 85.1 offensive grade and 85.8 pass blocking grade from Pro Football Focus in Week 7 against the Los Angeles Rams. That also comes without allowing a single sack or committing any penalties this season.

"I think Jordan is so steady," offensive coordinator Luke Getsy said. "I think the fact that we can move him around, left guard, right guard, and throw him in at center, I think all that stuff's been really impressive with him. And I think he answered the bell, and we're excited to see how the rest of the season plays out for him, but it's been positive."

6. Quarterback situation

Even with the signing of Desmond Ridder this week, Gardner Minshew II is set to start against the Chiefs on Sunday.

Ridder, the former Atlanta Falcons third-round draft pick, was signed off the Arizona Cardinals practice squad to aide the quarterback room following Aidan O'Connell being placed on injured reserve. Ridder brings starting experience to Las Vegas, however the team is still allowing him to become adjusted to the playbook and the locker room before making any more decisions.

"I don't think he's trying to press, and we're not asking him to press and go in there and be the starting quarterback and help us turn this thing around. He's just a part of the puzzle for us," Pierce said Friday. "And I think he's doing a good job in the room. He has a good setting and presence about himself, very confident player, sharp, and to be honest, he's working his tail off to try to learn to play book as fast as he can."

Meanwhile, Minshew is focused on winning his third game this season as the Raiders' signal-caller with the goal of cleaning up his four turnovers committed last Sunday at SoFi Stadium.

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Las Vegas Raiders long snapper Jacob Bobenmoyer (50) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.