Chiefs are stunned by the Raiders: With this odd passing stat, Las Vegas becomes the first NFL franchise to win a game in 23 years.
As shocking as the upset was, the most bizarre aspect of the game was how the Raiders won: they didn’t complete a single pass after the first quarter, making them the only team in 23 years to win a game despite completing exactly ZERO passes during the last three quarters.
The Raiders didn’t complete a single pass after the first quarter, which was fairly shocking given how hot Aidan O’Connell was in the first quarter. The rookie quarterback completed 9 of 11 throws for 62 yards in the first quarter, putting him on track to throw for 248 yards, but he fell short by going 0 of 10 on his final pass attempts.
If you’re wondering how the Raiders won despite completing zero passes in the final three quarters, it’s because of their defense. The unit exploded in the second quarter, scoring two touchdowns in seven seconds.
Bilal Nichols scored on a fumble return. Following Nichols’ touchdown, Patrick Mahomes threw an interception, which Jack Jones recovered 33 yards for a touchdown. Although the Raiders’ passing game broke apart after the first quarter, Zamir White had a great game, rushing for 145 yards on just 22 carries. O’Connell concluded the day by completing 9 of 21 throws for 62 yards.
So how uncommon is what the Raiders did?
The Bengals defeated the Broncos 31-21 in 2000 without completing a throw beyond the first quarter. Cincinnati quarterbacks Akili Smith and Scott Mitchell combined for 2 of 14 for 34 yards in that contest. Despite those dismal numbers, the Bengals won owing to one of the most spectacular rushing performances in NFL history. Corey Dillon carried for 278 yards, breaking the single-game rushing record at the time.
Dillon’s total remains the fourth-highest for a single game. There have only been two games this century in which a team won without completing a single pass over the final three quarters, and you now have the complete list.