NFL Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs Must Open Up Passing Game Against Oakland Raiders

Fresh Videos

By @jerry2landry

Alex Smith Kansas City Chiefs Quarterback Passing

Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

A big win can lead to a big letdown, and there would be no bigger letdown for the Kansas City Chiefs than losing to the Oakland Raiders Thursday night.

Shockingly, the Chiefs have yet to complete a touchdown to a wide receiver this season. This is something they might want to accomplish if they want to avoid being the first team to lose to the Raiders in 2014. The Raiders are embarrassed, and they’re likely tired of being the NFL‘s silver-and-black pinata. This simmering frustration, coupled with the fact that they’re playing at home, is enough to get an upset brewing.

Not to mention that it’s a rivalry game — remember Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys, Week 8?

The Chiefs are 3-1 on the road and have been doing it without a stellar passing game. But this is the NFL, and trends tend to dissipate as new knowledge is acquired. That’s why the Chiefs need to open up the passing game. They need to go deep to Dwayne Bowe and establish Anthony Fasano over the middle. This will not only stretch the Raiders’ defense thin, it will also give Jamaal Charles even more room for explosive runs.

With a chance to take control of the AFC West, Kansas City can’t afford to leave points off the board. They can’t keep settling for field goals, and can’t be one-dimensional inside their opponent’s 20. Win this game, and they’re a half game back of home-field advantage for the Playoffs. Lose this game, and they’re only a half game up on the San Diego Chargers. There’s a lot more on the line than at first glance.

Being a short week, fans can expect another Thursday night blowout — but only if the Chiefs are willing to revive their red zone passing attack. 

Jerry Landry is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Jerry2Landry, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

Share Tweet
Trending Now on