Trent Green made the most of his opportunities and helped to ease the controversy in Kansas City. Green, making his first start since suffering a concussion in Week 1, only attempted 16 passes.
The decision by Herm Edwards to start Green was questioned because of the job backup Damon Huard did in his appearances. Huard won five of the eight games he started and put the Chiefs in position to compete for the AFC West championship. Also making Edwards’ decision dicey was the fact that Green only received clearance for contact on Tuesday prior to the game. How soon we forget the past. Green is a two-time Pro Bowler that has quarterbacked the league’s best offense. He did so again Sunday, this time, not with his arm, but with his mind and leadership.
Larry Johnson, celebrating his 27th birthday, helped keep the pressure off Green rushing for 154 yards and two touchdowns on 31 carries.
The Chiefs game plan looked bleak in the first half as they fell behind 13-7 going into the break. But a lackluster Chiefs defense stiffened up in the second half and shutout an embarrassing Raiders offense.
Kansas City still trailed 13-10 when they started their final drive with 4:53 to play. Green connected on 3-of-5 passes in the final drive that was capped by a one-yard touchdown run by Johnson leaving Oakland 1:32 to score.
The Raiders made it interesting on their final possession. Aaron Brooks found Ronald Curry down the middle of the field for a 39-yard completion to the Chiefs 8 with 32 seconds to play. However, safety and Oakland native, Jarrad Page stepped in front of Brooks’ next pass and intercepted it in the end zone.
Kansas City does not have much time to celebrate the victory. They are right back on the field for Thanksgiving against the Broncos.