Coming off an unpleasant loss in Jacksonville, the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs wanted this one. They recorded a cushty 30-17 win over the Detroit Lions — among the finest groups within the league — and bought again to 0.500 on the season.
The offense regarded competent and surgical — and this week, they’ll get one in every of their greatest gamers again. The protection held Detroit to beneath 100 yards dashing and 200 yards passing. They bought massive stops to finish drives and prevented pricey errors.
It’s not simple to seek out fault with the Chiefs’ efficiency on this recreation, so I hope you’ll forgive a lopsided recap.
Listed below are only a few Kansas Metropolis gamers who stood out.
Huge receivers Hollywood Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster: Mixed, these two caught all seven targets for 102 yards and two scores. Neither is prone to be the workforce’s No. 1 receiver any time quickly — in truth, with Rashee Rice returning subsequent week, their alternatives might shrink — however on this night time, they made massive performs. Brown had a 20-yard catch and Smith-Schuster grabbed a 30-yarder. Each served as environment friendly, dependable targets for quarterback Patrick Mahomes — particularly when he was improvising.
Defensive sort out Chris Jones: His statistics weren’t gaudy, however don’t be fooled: Jones continues to be altering video games. Whether or not he reaches the quarterback or not, his stress and chaos have been evident on practically each massive defensive cease. Jones has that uncommon capacity to beat an inside lineman cleanly and pressure a hurried throw that ends a drive.
Left sort out Jaylon Moore: Earlier than analyzing superior stats and coaches’ movie, it seems like Moore’s debut went very effectively. He confirmed energy in run blocking, mobility getting downfield and pushing elite cross rushers broad across the pocket. It might need been among the finest days of his life. Early on Sunday morning, he welcomed his third little one earlier than incomes his first Kansas Metropolis begin. It was encouraging to see the Chiefs’ offensive line depth shine when Josh Simmons — its unbelievable rookie starter — needed to miss the sport.
Tight finish Travis Kelce: The sharp cuts? The power? The dependable palms? There was the participant we’ve grown accustomed to seeing! He caught six of seven targets for 78 yards and practically scored earlier than touchdown awkwardly close to the objective line. With wideout Rashee Rice returning this week, it’ll be fascinating to see how the targets shake out — nevertheless it’s reassuring to know that when the workforce wants him, Kelce can nonetheless be the man.
Security Bryan Cook dinner and defensive again Chamarri Conner: These two have been tackling machines towards the Lions — an enormous cause Detroit was held to only 17 factors. They mixed for 21 tackles — a lot of them close to the road of scrimmage. The Lions went simply 5-for-11 on third down and 0-for-2 on fourth down. Cook dinner and Conner’s aggressive tackling and shutting velocity have been key elements in getting the Chiefs’ protection off the sphere.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes: No person has been higher this season. You may see the consolation and confidence he’s constructed behind this offensive line — and the rapport he’s developed along with his veteran receivers. When he scrambles, they know the place to go — and good issues normally occur. Mahomes hit eight completely different receivers on Sunday night time — together with all three operating backs. He accomplished greater than 73% of his passes and totaled 257 yards by way of the air. It wasn’t flashy, nevertheless it was environment friendly and assured. In different phrases: it was precisely what the Chiefs wanted.
Head coach Andy Reid: All of the discuss concerning the Chiefs’ struggles this season — the sloppy play, the shortage of changes — might need been a bit untimely. Reid has his workforce rounding into type. The Chiefs regarded dominant towards one of many league’s prime groups, executing on each side of the ball. Kansas Metropolis went for it on fourth down thrice and transformed twice. And far to everybody’s delight, the Chiefs dedicated zero penalties. (Okay, technically there was one declined offsides name on Chris Jones — however nonetheless!) It was a strong recreation plan that was executed cleanly. Reid deserves loads of credit score.
Kicker Harrison Butker: One other week, one other missed kick. This one was ugly: a additional level pulled broad left. The Lions might have gotten a hand on it — however both means, it’s not good to see the well-paid kicker sitting at 78% on area targets and 82% on additional factors.
Please Be aware: The labels “winners” and “losers” aren’t judgments of expertise or character. They merely mirror single-game efficiency. No disrespect is meant.
