Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Kwity Paye understands what comes with the climate of Sunday’s matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. Tension and rivalry come part and parcel with the AFC West matchup, and for Paye, he’s already seen firsthand how the game carries more weight than most on the schedule.
According to ESPN’s Ryan McFadden, Paye stated prior to game day that the fervidness surrounding Sunday’s showdown against the Chiefs has been evident throughout the week.
“You just feel the intensity,” Paye said. “We just hate the Chiefs. You can feel in the city, you can feel with the fans, and we just have to stay grounded.”
The Raiders enter the matchup a stronger team than what they were originally expected to be prior to the start of the year,
with an undefeated 3-0 record and an offense that has clicked. The defense has been one of the team’s biggest bright spots of the season so far, as it has consistently generated pressure and produced timely takeaways.
Paye has helped lead those efforts with two sacks and 11 quarterback hits on the year, providing a disruptive presence on the edge. Raiders rookie cornerback Hezekiah Masses has also made an immediate impact, emerging as a key playmaker in the secondary with a NFL-leading three interceptions and four passes defensed on the season. The defense has directly impacted wins, and will have its hands full dealing with the rejuvenated offense that the Chiefs have led with thus far this season.
Las Vegas faces a major challenge against Kansas City’s high-powered offense led by Patrick Mahomes and running back Kenneth Walker III, the latter of whom has opened the season strong, rushing for an NFL-leading 360 yards and two touchdowns. Mahomes has been equally dangerous, throwing for 812 yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions as Kansas City also enters the matchup with an unbeaten record.
This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: Raiders DE Kwity Paye on Chiefs matchup: ‘You just feel the intensity’
