The surging Las Vegas Raiders faced a stiff test that would serve as a measuring stick in Week 4. They ultimately fell 30-27 to their AFC West rival Kansas City Chiefs. It was another positive performance overall that highlighted growth, but the Raiders' run defense was largely to blame for the hard-fought defeat.
Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker rushed for 177 yards and two touchdowns via 22 carries. He averaged a haunting 8.0 yards per attempt. Prior to Sunday, the Raiders defense hadn't allowed an opponent to rush for 100 yards.
Both of Walker's rushing touchdowns occurred in the fourth quarter, sealing victory for the Chiefs. Following a 55-yard catch by Chiefs receiver Tyquan Thornton, Walker capped the possession with a five-yard touchdown run.
On the ensuing kickoff, Raiders returner Dareke Young fumbled it away at the 22-yard-line. The following play was another Walker TD run to increase the Chiefs' lead to 30-19 with just over three minutes remaining.
Walker has been downright dominant this season and the Raiders were his latest victim. It was an uncharacteristic performance by Rob Leonard's ground defense, which has otherwise been stout this year. The Raiders' defensive line will look to bounce back against the New England Patriots' struggling rushing attack in Week 5.
This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: Raiders run defense let's them down in tough Week 4 loss to Chiefs
