By Chiefs Community & Digital Media Producer
It was 53 years ago that the Kansas City Chiefs and the Oakland Raiders met at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum for the very first time.
Quarterback Len Dawson tossed three touchdown passes and tailback Mike Garrett rushed for another score in that game as Kansas City defeated the Raiders in a classic matchup of original American Football League franchises.
One of the league’s greatest rivalries developed in the years following that matchup, and more than five decades later, the two teams will meet again in Oakland on Sunday for the final time – and on the infield dirt of the multi-sport facility, no less – before the Raiders relocate to Las Vegas in 2020.
And while the Chiefs are 10-2 against Oakland since 2013 – where they’re averaging 30.5 points-per-game – the rivalry is still very real for Head Coach Andy Reid.
“I think when you step into that stadium and when you’re out there, you understand the rivalry. The guys that have been here, they get it,” Reid said. “It’s probably as close are you’re going to have to a college atmosphere, as far as rivalries go. Likewise, when the Raiders come here, I think they realize that. I think it’s a neat thing. Our fans feel it, their fans feel it and the players feel it.”
The rivalry will of course continue following the move, but the circumstances inevitably create some additional significance to an already important game between divisional opponents, and if the new-look Raiders’ performance last week against Denver was any indication, the finale could be a good one.
Oakland added several fresh faces this offseason ahead of their second campaign under Head Coach Jon Gruden, and from wide receiver Tyrell Williams’ big game to an impressive performance by veteran linebacker Vontaze Burfict, those new pieces paid dividends in a season-opening victory over the Broncos on Monday Night Football.
The Raiders raced out to a two-touchdown lead in that contest while holding Denver out of the end zone until late in the fourth quarter, demonstrating a certain intensity throughout.
“Those guys are playing with a ton of energy. Those young guys they had last year have elevated their game and the guys they brought in are playing with a ton of confidence,” said Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes. “It’ll be a great test for us. They have a lot of different coverages and different blitzes, so for us, it’s going to be an early test and we’re going to need a good game plan.”
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