Welp.
The Kansas City Chiefs really can lose in the strangest ways, can’t they? Up 14-0 in the first half, the team seemed to be in control of Monday night’s matchup — but then managed to stumble, bumble
and commit penalties. That allowed the Jacksonville Jaguars to do some stumbling and bumbling of their own — all the way to a 31-28 victory.
There were so many things to like about this game — including quarterback Patrick Mahomes making plays, the offensive line playing a very clean game and the linebackers and safeties playing well (and causing turnovers). But there were just as many things that were sloppy, dumb and maddening as Kansas City moved to 2-3 on the season.
Here are just a few of the Chiefs who stood out in Week 5’s “Monday Night Football.”
Winners
Cornerback Trent McDuffie: One could argue that nobody on the Chiefs was more consistently reliable. The All-Pro cornerback recorded three pass breakups and an interception against Jacksonville.
Wide receiver Tyquan Thornton: The magic hasn’t worn off yet. Thornton remains a key player in this offense — and he’s always open. His 34-yard catch was a fantastic adjustment to an underthrown ball while Mahomes was being hit. We may be in for a treat when Rashee Rice returns to the lineup — because Thornton doesn’t seem to be slowing down.
Running backs Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco: This was the best showing from Kansas City’s running backs so far this season. Hunt scored two touchdowns, while Pacheco ripped off his longest gain of the year. When the blocking is there — and when there’s a change-of-pace back in the mix — this tandem works.
Running back Brashard Smith: Smith is that guy. He’s growing each week as a returner, runner and receiver. The Chiefs’ offense can’t succeed without creating explosive plays, and Smith gives them that chance. Before being called back for yet another penalty, his 63-yard kickoff return was an absolute blur. He looks like a player who can get you 10 yards in a flash — and he did so three times on Sunday. Keep an eye on No. 24 as he continues to earn opportunities.
Josh Simmons and Kingsley Suamataia: Illness or not, Simmons was still dominant. Both tackles are improving each week, giving Mahomes continuity and comfort up front. A major question mark heading into the season, the left side of the line may already be a strength.
Losers
Special teams coach Dave Toub: The penalties were brutal. Two holding calls on Jack Cochrane and an illegal block on Nico Remigio. Then the killer: Harrison Butker’s out-of-bounds kickoff that set up Jacksonville’s game-winning drive. Chalk it up to a bad day or bad coaching. Either way, it was a bad look for Uncle Dave.
Linebacker Drue Tranquill: The Chiefs’ linebackers largely played well again, and Tranquill made some plays: a tackle for loss, a pass breakup that forced a punt and consistent activity around the ball — although it might have been a little too much activity. A couple of key plays could have been turnovers or stops if Tranquill hadn’t collided with a teammate. One came on what should have been an interception, when he knocked the ball out of Nick Bolton’s hands. The other was on the final touchdown, when he and Jerry Tillery ran into each other, allowing Trevor Lawrence to escape.
Cornerback Jaylen Watson: He was another player who looked solid on paper — with a sack and several good tackles — but his two penalties extended two Jaguars drives. Both ended in touchdowns. Watson had some bright moments in coverage, but the flags overshadowed his performance.
Defensive back Chamarri Conner: This one’s puzzling. Rookie Nohl Williams has been lights out this season — yet he played only three snaps against Jacksonville. Meanwhile, Conner played every defensive snap and was targeted repeatedly. It’s hard to fault him for being put in that position, but when the ball was in the air, he often had no idea where it was — and that proved costly. On the final drive alone, Conner was beaten deep by Brian Thomas Jr., flagged for pass interference that erased an interception, and later called for holding on Lawrence’s touchdown run.
Please Note: The labels “winners” and “losers” are not judgments of talent or character. They simply reflect single-game performance. No disrespect is intended.
