The Kansas City Chiefs had another underwhelming game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night. While they shoot themselves in the foot many times, they also excel when the time comes. They were absolutely right and won 22-17 on the road.
But in the NFL, a win is a win. The Chiefs currently lead the AFC West over the Los Angeles Chargers.
This game was full of learning moments. Here are five things we learned.
1. Move, Wright! Leaders' worst enemy is themselves
I know it's an old saying, but the only team that can beat the Chiefs is themselves. Whether it's an interception to the forehead, a foul call on a passer, a third-down pass interference call that keeps an opponent alive, or a rookie receiver being stopped on a critical third-down pass route, those mental and physical mistakes. affected team performance. The NFL is a league built on equality. You can only go as far as sloppy football catches up with you. But if the bosses can figure things out, they could be dominant. After the game, head coach Andy Reid said the team still had a lot of work to do - and he was right. This isn't the best version of the Chiefs - it's entirely up to them if this improved version comes to fruition.
2. Mahomes needs to stop being nice and become "that guy"
There are two versions of quarterback Patrick Mahomes. One is a guy who hits the ball a little too loose, improvises too much, hits the ball around the yard with short or medium crosses - and does it all on the back foot. Most of the time he actually succeeds. But other times, throwing the ball all over the field leads to him throwing short-handed, catching the ball behind a receiver — or, like Sunday night, giving defenders time to throw the ball to them. . At other times, he was determined and determined to get the ball up the court. This version of the defender is a fierce competitor with a cannon on his arm. He is not afraid to hit the ball in small boxes. He was spot on - and the best ever. So far in 2024, we've seen more of the calm Mahomes than the unrelenting Jordan-like player known to lurk beneath the surface.
3.
This running group is like the cast of a movie
The Kansas City quarterback could be a football version of "Ocean's Eleven" or a sequel to "The Longest Yard." Each has a unique history and background.
Injured star: Isaiah Pacheco
Just when it looked like Pacheco would finally take the next step and become the leader of the league's most dangerous offense, he got hurt. He could only cheer from the sidelines.
Someone who solves some problems: Clyde Edward Heller
He is currently unable to get on the Reserve/NFI (Non-Football Injury) list and we hope he can come on and do his bit soon. Loser: Carson Steele
He wasn't supposed to get to this point - it was due to his blue collar style of play. While he may never be a superstar, he does a lot of things right — and shows up when his number is called. Traveller: Samaje Perine
He's been around the block so many times that the neighborhood dogs know him. He's a smart veteran with a little bit left in the tank. Although he is no longer the same player, he still has something to offer.
Someone who wants things done: Kareem Hunt
His past mistakes have cost him three Super Bowl rings, but he's back and wants to end things right. When all these characters are put together, you get something interesting. Even if it's not the best thing you've seen on TV, it's easy to watch.
4. The Chiefs run defense is legit
Kansas City's run defense is having another big day, and opposing quarterbacks are hoping they can call the shots. Atlanta's Bijan Robinson is arguably one of the best ball carriers the Chiefs have faced all year. They limited him to 31 yards on 16 carries.
It was the third straight game in Kansas City that an opposing team was held to less than 50 yards for the first time. Nick Bolton was the running back for this game. He overcame a back injury to post his second win of the short season. Other players who have improved include homegrown players like Teshaun Walton and Mike Danner.
5. The Chiefs need a third pass option
Rashee Rice is an elite wide receiver. Travis Kelce gets a double team every game. Teams rely on Hollywood Brown to beat defenders and get open. But he's now injured and has no exact timetable for his return, and in the meantime, the Chiefs are pushing the ball to Rice, who ranks seventh in receiving yards. While Rice has performed well thus far, the team needs another receiver to step up and take over Brown's role.
