Derek Carr:
Quarterback understandably grouchy after loss.
The Raiders’ first two drives on offense Sunday resulted in a field goal and a touchdown.
Their next four: no more than four plays and then punt, punt, punt, punt.
It was a pivotal stretch as the Chiefs scored 28 unanswered points in an eventual 2810 win.
“We lost our rhythm,” head coach Jon Gruden said. “We lost some players. You have to credit Kansas City. They made some really good plays. And we had some presnap penalties to assist them.”
Running back Josh Jacobs briefly left the field because of cramping but returned after getting an IV. Gruden said receiver Tyrell Williams also left the field “to get shot up for a hip.” Both players did return.
The Raiders netted 139 yards on their first two drives but just two first downs in their next four. Quarterback Derek Carr said the Chiefs’ scoring outburst had an effect on the Raiders’ offense.
“They on offense were able to get going and jump out to a big lead,” Carr said. “And then it gets annoying because the game changes. The game plan is a little bit different — the whole setting things up, it really doesn’t matter because they’re dictating in a different way. … During the time where we couldn’t get a first down, they jumped up on us and that changes a bunch of stuff.” Tough run: Perhaps the most impressive part of Jacobs’ 51yard run in the third quarter was the finish.
Rather than find the sideline, Jacobs lowered his shoulder into a Kansas City defender, gaining a few extra yards. Afterward, the firstround pick said he had a purpose.
“I don’t want to be labeled as a soft back,” Jacobs said. “And I’m still young, so my body can take those kind of hits.”
Jacobs totaled 99 yards on 12 carries.
“We have a great offensive line and we still didn’t do too bad in the run game,” Jacobs said. “We just have to pick up the pieces a little bit.” Injury update: Return specialist Dwayne Harris left the game with an ankle injury sustained on punt coverage in the first half. Gruden did not have a specific update but said that the Raiders “missed” Harris.
Right tackle Trent Brown was not on the field in the fourth quarter because of a sore knee, Gruden said.
“We’ve got some guys that are beat up,” Gruden said. “But we don’t believe we have anything serious, although some guys could not finish the game.” Last hurrah: Kansas City tight end Travis Kelce was asked about Sunday being the possible last time he plays a game at the Coliseum, with the Raiders scheduled to move to Las Vegas in 2020.
“The bus ride in is going to feel weird going to a different location,” Kelce said. “I get amped up when we’re coming into a hostile environment like this. Seeing everyone flick me off coming in on the bus and seeing a few people’s cheeks you weren’t trying to see.
“It’s just, it’s football at its finest. Or pregame at its finest. We’re going to miss that for sure. So, shout out to everybody at Oakland for making it what it was.” Long hiatus: At least one player had a positive take on the Raiders not playing another game at the Coliseum until Nov. 3.
“I think we can definitely bond,” rookie receiver Hunter Renfrow said. “I think when you get a little adversity on a team, that’s when you come together the most.”