Raiders DC sounds petrified to face Chiefs offense with COVID restrictions

Is Paul Guenther trying to say something? 

Defeating the Kansas City Chiefs offense is a tall task for any franchise in the NFL. Then again, the Las Vegas Raiders might have the best chance to do so since they’re dethroned them once before this year.

However, with the recent COVID-19 concerns rapidly growing, it looks as if the Raiders could be playing shorthanded on defense entering Sunday’s showdown. With 10 of the 11 current starters now waiting results on the COVID-19/reserve list, Raiders defensive coordinator Paul Guenther said this would be a battle to prep for with limited players.

Then again, shouldn’t he be worried no matter if the team was healthy or not?

“I don’t know how we can beat these guys with a full lineup at practice, let alone three-fourths of your lineup not here all week,” Guenther said Thursday, according to ESPN’s Paul Gutierrez.

“What don’t they have? We’re playing the world champs. What don’t they have? They have a great quarterback, great receivers, great tight ends, line is physical. And they’re coming off a bye, so it’s a daunting task.”

Even healthy, the Chiefs might be the better team

Linebacker Corey Littleton and defensive end Clelin Ferrell both actually tested positive for the virus while the other names on the list are only there due to close contact. After quarantining five days and with negative, the other will be eligible to play Sunday night.

This won’t be the first time the Raiders have sent a unit home from practice due to COVID concerns. Earlier this season, all five starting offensive linemen were sent into quarantine after tackle Trent Brown tested positive in his long-awaited return. The good news for Las Vegas is the four starters returned in time to be dismantled by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offense.

Patrick Mahomes will be looking for vengeance while Kansas City recently cleared Mitchell Schwartz and Eric Fisher from the reserve list Thursday night. Throw in the multiple receiving weapons in Andy Reid’s offense, even healthy defenses would have trouble prepping for any given Sunday against the defending Super Bowl Champs.

Only time will tell if the Raiders will be lucky twice or struggling to put bodies on the field in time for Sunday night.