Raiders allow franchise-worst 56 points in loss to Chiefs

Originally published on Silver & Black Report on Dec. 15, 2013

The Oakland Raiders returned home after dropping their last two games on the road but didn't see any increase success as Jamaal Charles and the Kansas City Chiefs came to town.

The Raiders defense, which has not looked good as of late, hit a new low as they gave up 56 points to the Chiefs in their 56-31 loss. The 56 points is the most points ever allowed by the Raiders in franchise history.

Andy Reid turned to his speedy back early and often as Charles led the rout of the Raiders early with a screen pass from Alex Smith to quickly take the lead. Following a 50-yard kickoff return to the 49-yard line by Quentin Demps, Smith through a screen out to the left to Charles who scampered 49 yards untouched for the touchdown on the first play from scrimmage.

That would become the theme for the day, as Charles finished with eight receptions for 195 yards and four touchdowns. And if it isn't broken, why fix it?

The Chiefs went right back to the Charles well on their second drive. After being pushed back to a 3rd and 19, Smith swung it out back to his left for a screen to Charles once again who went 39 yards for another touchdown to put the Chiefs up 14-3.

Then it was time for the Chiefs defense to get on the board. On 3rd and three, Chiefs safety read Raiders quarterback Matt McGloin's eyes and intercepted his pass and returned it all the way for a touchdown, putting the Chiefs up 21-3 in the first quarter.

Kansas City held the best turnover ratio coming into the game at +15, and they only increased that number today as they forced another seven. McGloin had five of his own (four interceptions and one fumbled snap), while special teams specialist Taiwan Jones added a fumble of his own on a kick return. Quarterback Terrelle Pryor, who replaced McGloin in the fourth quarter, threw an interception as well. The Chiefs only had one turnover of their own, a fumble by Smith.

Berry had a second interception in the second quarter. The turnover once again culminated in a screen pass for a touchdown from Charles, this time from 16 yards out and to put the Chiefs up 35-10.

The Raiders were able to head into halftime only down 35-17, scoring on two goal-line touchdowns from running back Rashad Jennings.

The Raiders seemingly made adjustments on offense to start the second half, scoring two touchdowns to cut the Chiefs lead to just four points.

McGloin was able to find cornerback/running back Taiwan Jones for a big 52-yard gain that set up a six-yard touchdown pass to a wide-open Andre Holmes, for his first-career touchdown.

After a big stop on defense, the Raiders were able to get back on the board with a touchdown pass to tight end Mychal Rivera for the touchdown. The touchdown was made possible by a spectacular one-handed catch by Holmes for a gain of 28 yards on 3rd and 7. The touchdown made the score 35-31 with just under five minutes remaining in the third quarter.

But that would be the closest the Raiders would get to the Chiefs as Charles once again beat the Raiders defense for yet another touchdown reception. On 3rd and one, Smith found Charles on a wheel route for a 71-yard touchdown reception. Linebacker Miles Burris was in coverage but could not keep upu with the much-speedier back.

Things escalated quickly as Jones' fumble came on the following kickoff, giving Smith and the Chiefs offense a short field. Smith capitalized with a six-yard touchdown reception to tight end Sean McGrath, making the score 49-31.

The Chiefs final touchdown would occur following yet another McGloin interception in the fourth quarter. Backup running back Knile Davis, who was inserted after Reid pulled Charles, broke free for a 17-yard touchdown run to give the Chiefs the final score of 56-31.

Pryor replaced the McGloin for the rest of the game but was largely ineffective as well, finishing 1/4 for 12 yards and one interception. McGloin was 18/36 for 297 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions.

Things don't get any easier for the Raiders as they head to San Diego to take on the Chargers followed up by hosting the Denver Broncos for the season-finale. Both teams will likely be playing for playoff contention and/or seeding.

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