As fans of the Kansas City Chiefs, we could not have asked for a better season opener.
The biggest offseason questions were answered in the affirmative as Patrick Mahomes returned to the field to hand the ball off and watch the running game rack up yardage. There were incredible moments from rookies on both sides of the ball, and the Chiefs outclassed the most recent AFC West Champions.
Here are a few who stood out as the Chiefs rolled to a 31-10 win on “Monday Night Football.”
Winners
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes:
Exactly nine months after having multiple ligaments repaired, the MVP took the field against one of the NFL’s best defenses, and opened the scoring with a rushing touchdown (after his first one got called back for a penalty). His 184-yard, three-total-touchdown performance was plenty on this day, as he shook off any rust and got the ball in the hands of his new playmaker.
Running back Kenneth Walker III: What a Chiefs debut it was for Walker, the prize of the team’s offseason process. It was the best performance from a KC running back since Jamaal Charles’ prime. Kenneth racked up 191 total yards and two touchdowns, while averaging over 7 yards per carry. It was a scene Chiefs fans, and Patrick Mahomes, have been missing— not just a competent running game, but an explosive one that can carry this offense.
Cornerback Nohl Williams: We only got a brief look at the new CB tandem in Kansas City, as Nohl Williams sacked Bo Nix before Mansoor Delane picked him off. Unfortunately, Delane left with a shoulder injury— but Nohl was dominant all night. The future is bright in the Chiefs secondary.
The defensive front seven: The numbers speak for themselves: 61 rushing yards allowed, 131 passing yards, 10 points allowed, 2 of 12 on third down, two turnovers, four sacks. It feels appropriate to recognize the entire front. Peter Woods knocked down a pass, Felix Anudike-Uzomah had a sack, R Mason Thomas had a sack, Chris Jones recovered a fumble, and Nick Bolton knocked down a pass that could have been ruled a fumble. The new-look rotation was fierce on Monday night.
Tight end Travis Kelce: It’s looking like another banner year in the life of Kelce. He married one of the most famous and wealthy women in the world in the offseason. While she was in the suite with Tom Cruise, Travis rattled off a 59-yard catch-and-run, setting up a field goal. He led the Chiefs in receiving as if he’s not 35 years old.
Running back Emmett Johnson: It’s easy to see why the Chiefs are so high on the new #10 in the backfield. Emmett racked up 68 total yards on his first 10 NFL touches, breaking tackles and refusing to give up on any play.
Left tackle Kahlil Benson: How does an undrafted tryout player end up starting week one protecting the blind side of Patrick Mahomes? Andy Reid and his staff had faith in the kid—but not so much that they left him without help. Overall, it was a pretty clean game, especially given that Benson never played left tackle in college.
Losers
Center Creed Humphrey: The best center in the NFL had two bad snaps on opening night. Luckily neither ended in a turnover, but it’s not something you love to see.
Wide receiver Cyrus Allen: It was a quiet Chiefs debut for the offseason standout. Allen didn’t record a single catch this week. He’ll look to get on track in week two, assuming he’s active on game day.
Wide receiver Xavier Worthy: His six targets resulted in three catches for 18 yards. On one of those plays, it appeared Worthy ran the wrong route, resulting in an ugly interception. The Chiefs will need a lot more from the speedster this season, or the passing game will continue to struggle.
Note: Applying the labels “losers” is not intended to be a judgment on the talent or character of any of these individuals. It’s just a simple way to grade their performance in a single game. No disrespect is intended.
