KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The primary time Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes threw the ball to tight finish Travis Kelce in opposition to the Washington Commanders on Monday night time, the play resulted in a 1-yard loss. However on the following play, Mahomes put the ball in Kelce’s arms. The lone subject for the Chiefs was that the ball did not stick with Kelce, as an alternative bouncing within the air and intercepted by linebacker Bobby Wagner.
From that second on, Kelce put collectively a classic efficiency, one which powered the Chiefs to a 28-7 victory. Kelce led the Chiefs with six receptions on eight targets for 99 yards for his finest recreation of the season.
Kelce’s 10-yard landing late within the third quarter — which gave the Chiefs a 14-point lead — was additionally historic, as his 83rd profession rating tied former working again Priest Holmes for essentially the most complete touchdowns in Chiefs franchise historical past
The most important spotlight for Kansas Metropolis was when Kelce wasn’t Mahomes first, second or third passing choice on a play-action snap early within the third quarter. Kelce leaked out after blocking for a wide-open 38-yard acquire wherein the tight finish rumbled into the crimson zone.
Collectively, Mahomes and Kelce are simply the third quarterback-tight finish duo in NFL historical past to document 75 touchdowns, together with the playoffs, becoming a member of Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski (105) and Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates (90).
Listed here are crucial issues to know from Monday night time for each groups:
Most shocking efficiency: Defensive finish Mike Danna has struggled for a lot of this season, however the five-year veteran had an evening to recollect. Danna ended the Commanders’ opening drive with an interception, the primary of his profession after quarterback Marcus Mariota’s cross bounced off the shoulder of receiver Deebo Samuel.
And simply earlier than the tip of the third quarter, Danna collected his first sack of the season, a 10-yard loss on third down that pushed the Commanders out of area objective vary.
Stat to know: Monday’s recreation was one other instance of the Chiefs proving to be the NFL’s finest offense on fourth down. Twice in opposition to the Commanders, the Chiefs transformed on fourth down, the latter occurring at a pivotal level early within the third quarter. On fourth-and-goal from the 2-yard line, Mahomes scrambled to increase the play earlier than discovering working again Kareem Hunt ultimately zone for a landing. With Mahomes on the sector this season, the Chiefs have transformed on 14-of-16 makes an attempt on fourth down (87.5%), the very best success price of groups who’ve had 10 or extra makes an attempt.
Development to look at: The Chiefs ought to have all of their projected defensive starters accessible for Sunday’s recreation in opposition to the Payments, and the group of linemen round cross rusher Chris Jones — defensive ends George Karlaftis, Charles Omenihu and Danna — are performing higher than they did originally of the season. — Nate Taylor
Subsequent recreation: at Buffalo Payments (4:25 p.m. ET, Sunday)
The Commanders did what they may to beat the Chiefs. They moved the ball, no less than within the first half, pressured turnovers and had been aggressive on fourth down.
It did not work.
Washington fell to 3-5 after Monday’s loss to Kansas Metropolis. A workforce that gained 12 video games final season is already combating for its playoff life. Washington has upcoming residence video games in opposition to the Seattle Seahawks (5-2) and Detroit Lions (5-2).
Accidents have performed a key position within the Commanders’ early stumbles. They performed for a 3rd recreation this season with out quarterback Jayden Daniels, this trip due to a hamstring harm. In addition they misplaced left deal with Laremy Tunsil to a hamstring harm within the first half.
However Washington’s protection, which intercepted quarterback Patrick Mahomes twice within the first half, saved giving up huge performs — usually due to one participant not adhering to his duty. It led to positive aspects of 27, 31, 38 and 24 yards. It has been a seasonlong subject and reveals no indicators of abating.
After Washington outgained Kansas Metropolis 195-156 within the first half, it completed with solely 260 for the sport. The Chiefs took over within the second half resulting in extra distress and questions for Washington.
What to make of the QB efficiency: It is onerous to place all blame for this one on Marcus Mariota, who accomplished 21-of-30 passes for 213 yards and one landing. He performed with poise and saved his eyes downfield, permitting him to make performs on the transfer. However key drops, two interceptions and an incapability to make performs on fourth down harm.
Turning level: The primary drive of the second half for every workforce was the distinction. After Kansas Metropolis scored on its first possession for a 14-7 lead, Washington responded with returner Jaylin Lane muffing the kickoff and having to start out from its personal 2-yard line. Lane then dropped a cross on third right down to kill the drive — and the Chiefs rolled.
Largest gap within the recreation plan: The run recreation continues to battle. Of Washington’s 60 yards speeding, Mariota led with 28. Rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt completed with solely 25 yards on 9 carries. Washington must revive the run recreation in a rush. — John Keim
Subsequent recreation: vs. Seattle Seahawks (8:20 p.m. ET, Sunday)
