Chiefs Defender Takes Subtle Shot at Raiders After Week 8 Victory in Vegas
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Drue Tranquill didn’t hold back from a little post-game trash talk after the Chiefs’ Week 8 win over the Las Vegas Raiders.
With this victory, the Kansas City Chiefs extended their winning streak to five games over the Raiders at Allegiant Stadium, marking a 5-0 record since the Raiders’ relocation to Vegas in 2020.
Following the Chiefs’ 27-20 win, Tranquill took to social media, posting, “Feeling right at home in Arrowhead West” on X.
He shared four photos from his time at Allegiant Stadium — commonly called Arrowhead West by Chiefs fans. Within hours, his post had amassed over 7,000 likes.
Adding to the subtle jabs, sports show producer Adam Ghostvetta pointed out that “[Chiefs head coach] Andy Reid is now tied with [former Raiders head coach] Josh McDaniels as the winningest coach in Allegiant Stadium history.”
“To clarify for those who need it: Allegiant Stadium is not Andy Reid’s home stadium,” Ghostvetta added.
Drue Tranquill Leads Chiefs With 3 Tackles for Loss
Tranquill and the Chiefs had every reason to celebrate. Dominating the Raiders in recent matchups, the Chiefs were relentless — apart from a Christmas Day loss at Arrowhead last season.
Tranquill put in a solid performance, finishing second in total tackles behind fellow linebacker Nick Bolton with six tackles. His efforts included four solo tackles and three tackles for loss (TFLs), leading all Chiefs players in TFLs.
Additionally, Tranquill logged one sack and a QB hit.
The Chiefs’ defense consistently pressured Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew, recording five sacks and eight QB hits. In total, they tallied seven tackles for loss.
Defensive linemen George Karlaftis and Tershawn Wharton each contributed a sack and one TFL. Linebacker Leo Chenal and defensive tackle Mike Pennel also chipped in with a sack apiece.
Five different Chiefs defenders registered tackles for loss during Week 8.
Chiefs Leaning on Defense in Win Over Raiders
In his post-game recap, Sports Illustrated’s Jordan Foote shared four takeaways from the Chiefs’ victory, one of which credited the defense for its strong showing.
“With the offense not putting up flashy numbers and facing red-zone struggles for several weeks, [Steve] Spagnuolo’s defense has taken on more responsibility,” he wrote. “This unit has largely answered the call. Week 8 was another example, as Kansas City shook off Gardner Minshew’s hot start and tightened up in the following drives.”
“Possibly the NFL’s top rushing defense squared off against football’s weakest rushing offense,” Foote continued, “so the outcome was predictable.”
“Led by Minshew, Alexander Mattison, Zamir White, and others, the Raiders totaled only 33 yards on 24 carries,” he added. “Against the pass, George Karlaftis’ sack forced a third-quarter field goal, while he and Wharton helped deliver another sack that led to a turnover on downs. Mike Pennel also forced a fumble. Despite the Raiders’ strong start, the Chiefs ultimately had the last laugh.”
This season, the Chiefs’ defense has allowed 20 or more points only three times across seven games, with the highest score they conceded being 25 points against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2.
