Wide Receiver Amari Cooper
Before the Oakland Raiders Week 6 matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, we took a look at three matchups that would be critical in determining the outcome of the AFC West showdown.
The Silver and Black fell to the Chiefs 26-10, dropping their overall record to 4-2 as the group now prepares for back-to-back road games in the state of Florida. However, before we look down the road to the clash with the Jacksonville Jaguars, let's review the trio of matchups from the Chiefs game and see how they played out.
Wide Receiver Amari Cooper vs. Cornerback Marcus Peters
Both Cooper and Peters are quickly becoming two of the more dynamic players in the NFL at their respective positions, and Sunday afternoon each showed exactly why that is.
Cooper was electric in the Week 6 loss, particularly in the first half, and the explosive wide receiver finished the game with 10 receptions for 129 yards, becoming the first Raider since Brandon Myers in 2012 (14) to record double-digit receptions in a single game.
"He [quarterback Derek Carr] and I are on the same page," said Cooper postgame. "I know how he wants to throw the ball. I know how he wants me to run my routes. We just have to build on it now."
However, on the other side of the ball Peters would not be outshined in front of his hometown fans, as he didn't waste any time in snagging his league-leading fifth interception, that later resulted in seven points for Kansas City.
Both young players put together impressive performances Sunday afternoon in the rain at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, and while Cooper's day might have been statistically more impressive, Peters and the Chiefs were the ones who enjoyed a Victory Monday.
Linebacker Perry Riley Jr. vs. Running Back Spencer Ware
Riley enjoyed his second start in as many weeks since joining the Silver and Black, and played just under half the team's defensive snaps before linebacker Malcolm Smith came on in his stead, and finished up the rest of the Week 6 clash.
However, regardless of the personnel, Ware would not be stopped, and enjoyed a career day Sunday afternoon, carrying the ball 24 times for 131 yards and a touchdown.
The consistency the Chiefs were able to enjoy on the ground, also helped Andy Reid's offense control the clock, as Kansas City had the ball for 36:45, compared to the Silver and Black's 23:15.
The Raiders defense prides itself on being able to stop the run and own the line of scrimmage, but Sunday afternoon, that was just not the case as Ware and Jamaal Charles were able to leave their imprint on the game.
Offensive Lineman Kelechi Osemele vs. Defensive Lineman Dontari Poe
I think you have to give the advantage to Poe on this one, not only because the Silver and Black's run game was stifled, but also because the big defensive lineman found the end zone.
Yes, you read that correctly, the 346-pound nose tackle scored his second-career touchdown Sunday afternoon against the Raiders, on a one-yard rush that extended the Chiefs lead to 20-10 following the successful extra point.
Defensively, Poe and the Chiefs defensive front was able to limit the effectiveness of the Raiders running game, allowing just 65 yards on 17 carries by the team's tandem of running backs, and Derek Carr.
The 65 yards was the second-lowest rushing output of the season for the Silver and Black, and the team would be well-served to return to their dominant ways on the ground going forward.
