Raiders recap: 5 key figures in huge win over Kansas City Chiefs

The Las Vegas Raiders’ unreal 40-32 win at Arrowhead Stadium over the Kansas City Chiefs was huge for several people on the Raiders’ sideline.

Let’s look at five people who contributed to this important victory — and how they forced the first loss of the reigning Super Bowl champions this season.

Derek Carr:
This wasn’t quite the Steve Young “monkey off my back” moment but this was a gigantic achievement in Carr’s career and definitely one of his biggest wins.

Carr was 0-6 at Arrowhead Stadium going into this game. And it started badly as the Chiefs went out to a a 14-3 lead and Carr threw a terrible interception to set up a touchdown. Yet, Carr settled down and made all the throws he needed to make. He answered a lot of questions as he threw for 347 yards and three touchdown passes.

Jon Gruden:
On multiple occasions Sunday, the CBS broadcasters noted that Gruden said he “hated” the Chiefs (but not Andy Reid). Gruden knew how important this game was ... a loss and the Chiefs would have had a three-game lead in the AFC West and not a one-game lead. Gruden motivated his team and they played an inspiring game. Gruden had Carr go for it on fourth and one to ice the game because there was no way he was going to punt the ball. Gruden badly wanted this win and got it as he improved his record to 14-23 in his return to the franchise.

Paul Guenther:
The Raiders’ defensive coordinator has been under fire as his unit has been allowing 30 points a game. Yet, the unit took over after halftime, allowing the Chiefs to score just eight points. The Raiders’ defense gave Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes fits in the half and had a solid pass-rush for most of the game, which has been rare this year. Guenther made adjustments at half time and it is a huge reason why the Raiders won. It is the highlight of his 37 games with the franchise. Players noticed it as well.

Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Henry Ruggs III:
The rookie wide receiver was out the past two games with a hamstring injury and the Raiders missed him. The speedster from Alabama, who was the No. 12 overall draft pick, opens up Gruden’s playbook. He only had two catches Sunday, but they accounted for 118 yards, including a 72-yard touchdown. Ruggs brings some serious hot sauce to this offense.

Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Johnathan Abram:
The second-year safety is a wild ride. He’s often too aggressive, he makes some bad decisions and he is a magnet to the yellow flag. But he is a dynamic force, as well. Abram was talking big in this game.

Watching him go after Mahomes for the next decade is going to be so fun to watch.