WR DeAndre Hopkins sees a significant workload in his KC debut

The Kansas City Chiefs increased to 7-0 after a 27-20 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, remaining the NFL’s only undefeated team. Who stood out in the victory of the Central Committee and what players did the team rely on to win?

As always, a closer look at the number of snaps in the game they provide clues about who the coaching staff trusts, how the team is evolving and where the Chiefs might go next. Here are three things that came out of KC’s Las Vegas session.

The biggest workload question that came up in Week 8 was: number of snaps that newly acquired wing DeAndre Hopkins could expect in his Chiefs debut just days after arriving in Kansas City. After playing 23 of the Chiefs’ 72 offensive snaps (32%), Hopkins started his Chiefs career on a positive note.

Hopkins turned those snaps into three targets for two catches and 29 yards, although it was open more often. WITH Quarterback Patrick Mahomes takes the blame for the duo’s only missed call on Sundaythe sky seems to be the limit for Hopkins.

While veteran Justin Watson (76%) and rookie Xavier Worthy (53%) led in snaps, Hopkins was third, ahead of Mecole Hardman (29%) and Montrell Washington (7%).

Meanwhile, Worthy’s numbers (53%, 38 of 72) are below average for the season because he has only seen the field on less than 60% of snaps this season (Week 3, 50%). It was a difficult game at times for the rookie, despite a late touchdown that doubled his score. I don’t see Worthy’s decline as a legitimate red flag, it’s just something to keep an eye on as the Chiefs establish their top skill position groups and Worthy continues to gain momentum in the NFL.

Speaking of the Chiefs’ efforts to find the best position grouping: the four tight ends saw plenty of work on Sunday, led by Travis Kelce (57 of 72 snaps, 79%) and Noah Gray (52 of 72, 72%). in the lead. Kelce turned the job into his most productive performance of the year, with a season-high 12 targets, 10 catches, 90 yards and one touchdown. It was a proper return to form for Kelce that was criticized more than his actual play warranted.

Gray’s box score wasn’t stellar, but it should be included in any discussion of the Chiefs’ most reliable weapon. Two of his three receptions resulted in first downs, and I can’t remember a time in recent history when Gray lost a pass or appeared to be out of position when Patrick Mahomes was targeting. After consistently playing 52% of the snaps in the first game of his NFL careerGray’s increased workload is a welcome sight.

The unfortunate news comes at the bottom of the tight end depth chart as Jody Fortson left the game and was later taken to the locker room after suffering an injury while trying to recover a Raiders onside kick with two minutes left in the game. According to Nate Taylor from Athlete, Fortson left the locker room on crutches. After the match Head coach Andy Reid said Fortson suffered a right knee injury and that the team will assess the damage. If Fortson’s injury is as serious as it appears, rookie Jared Wiley will have to shoulder a heavier workload in his rookie season. Fortson played 19 offensive snaps and Wiley 17 against the Raiders.

After No. 2 guard Jaylen Watson was injured in Week 7Chiefs collar depth was immediately examined under a microscope. Watson played excellent football while KC’s other corners struggled to challenge him due to his work in training camp or pre-season action. Nazeeh Johnson started the game for Nevada but was knocked out with a concussion in the first half. Johnson logged 18 snaps before leaving the game, leaving Joshua Williams (39 of 58 defensive snaps, 67%) next. Right behind him was Chris Rolland-Wallace who played 31 snaps (53%). Keith Taylor, who joined the active roster from KC’s practice squad after Watson was placed on injured reserve, played on special teams and didn’t take a snap on defense.

Meanwhile, Trent McDuffie once again took 100% of his shots as one of the best in the league.

Read more: Week 8 Winners and Losers Kansas City Chiefs Victory over Las Vegas Raiders