Upset Becomes Upsetting

**Mr.Murder** · 11-23-2003, 10:23 PM

Upset Becomes Upsetting
By Chris Haynie, Staff columist for Raiderfans.net
November 23, 2003

The rivalry that is the Oakland Raiders-Kansas City Chiefs are among the finest is sports. Each team has impressive history in terms of individual and teams Excellence and is tied in head to head competition all time. Two heavyweights whose battles have combined for a momentous split decision overall. This game was no different, it lived up to its billing for head coach Bill Callahan's Raiders team one week removed from an intense home win as they faced playoff elimination. A week of rain, overcast conditions and strong winds greeted the team as well, with the weather getting increasingly colder. Many would expect a mistake filled game to result; that neither team committed a turnover is a credit to both.

Oakland came in hurting, starting five defensive backs as only two of their starting LB were healthy. The Chiefs responded after an initial three and out. Gaining yards both rushing and using passes to the running backs to fuel a 14-0 Chiefs first quarter lead ending with a sack of Raiders QB Rick Mirer for a two-yard loss.
Raiders strong safety Derrick Gibson was injured in the second quarter hustling for a loose ball from Chiefs star return man Dante Hall's fumble on a punt return. Fortunately no injury of serious nature was diagnosed but all precautions were taken.

The play stoppage may have well helped end some Chiefs momentum, as did the efforts of the Raiders defense. After several possessions exchanges Oakland's offense found a groove passing and their first scoring drive ended with a Mirer 13 yard run for a 14-7 game just after the two-minute warning.

Chiefs QB Trent Green responds with an 8 play 1:28 minute drive using no huddle and shotgun plays to build a 21-7 lead going into halftime which was highlighted by a third a ten pass for 20 yards to speedster Eddie Kennison on young Raiders CB Phillip Buchanon.

Injuries, a tough road game with a raucous crowd had all the makings of a blowout despite Mirer's valiant rushing and another drive that ended with a missed fourth down conversion in Chiefs territory.

A thunderstorm moved in the dark skies over Arrowhead and the game's outcome was threatened by it. That storm's name was Ty Wheatley who capped a nine play drive to end start the second half's opening drive with a 15 yard touchdown run.

Witnesses to the act saw multiple victims of blunt force trauma receive Raider power falling at Wheatley's feet. License plate number of 47 was seen leaving on a large mack truck that only stopped only for 6 points or to pick up blitzers on key pass plays. For now the score was 21-14.

Dante Hall provided a 44-yard return the ensuing kick to set up a Chief field goal after that. The momentum was once again in their hands as they led 24-14. After exchanging possessions Mirer once again found paydirt, converting a short third with a 20 yard run, hitting receiver Tim Brown for a short gain, and then finding Jerry Rice for a 47-yard touchdown. Fittingly Wheatley's block helped secure time for a confident strong throw and Rice scored for a record setting 1,500th catch and touchdown number 193, his first this season and his seventeenth as a Raider. Legends play like it when facing other legends. These Raiders were doing so, and challenging for their chance at a playoff birth.

Stopping a fourth and short pass led to a Raiders punt placed inside the Chiefs 8 by Shane Lechler, arguably the best in the sport right now. The field position helped a hurt defense to make a stand and regain momentum.
The tide turned black for both teams in the same play as a Raider punt return by Buchanon for 27 yards was limited in net by a 15 yard penalty on the same player for taking his helmet off and taunting fans on the sidelines. Moved back to the 41 with the crowd back in the game, the Raiders drive stalled after a false start and the result was a clutch FG by Sebastian Jankowski. Tied up at 24, judges' decision pending for possible overtime.
Chiefs head coach dick Vermeil was rewarded for his faith in his QB who followed him from his previous team with a drive that announced his arrival as a contender beyond doubts to secure a win. He completed 6 of 7 passes including a pass on fourth and fourteen for a first to Marc Boerighter which set up Morten Andersen's game winner, 27-24 and the game ended with an 8 yard Buchanon return which ended with a helmet off before the gun by a Chief.Linebacker Dewayne Rudd could tell as much that doing so is a mistake, but not in this instance. Chiefs win 27-24.

The ten seconds of time for an offensive penalty pass interference call with: 31 seconds remaining was not enforced either on the Chiefs final possession, allowing time to secure an extra shot at securing closer FG range. One big mistake let 2 others in the last minute get overlooked.

This game is one to remember for all time. All time leading WR Jerry Rice scored a record setting individual catch and TD, Tim Brown set additional Raiders all time team records for receivers catches and yards, and all time Raider great and special projects director Jim Otto was in the lockerroom livid about a "stupid" mistake turning the game's possible outcome.

Resources: NFL.com, ESPN

BK · 11-24-2003, 11:17 AM

great article mr.murder!

**Rhode Raider** · 11-24-2003, 03:07 PM

**Raiderrooter** · 11-24-2003, 08:36 PM

Excellent stuff. Man this one still hurts even more than 24 hrs later. I really thought the Raiders would pull this one out and give us fans some joy in an other wise joyless season. Oh well maybe we can spoil Denvers year and get a smile out of that.