The Indianapolis Colts have caused more heart attacks for Kansas City Chiefs fans than Burnt Ends and Cheesy Corn combined. It probably shouldn’t have been this close, but Indy’s game plan featured a lot of running back Jonathan Taylor and quick passes from quarterback Daniel Jones to neutralize the Chiefs’ pass rush. It’s not a formula every team can execute, but the Colts were a couple of wild plays away from walking out of Arrowhead with a victory.
Instead, quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs
pulled out their eighth straight overtime victory with the most familiar playmakers and one that we’ve already grown to love.
Here are a few who stood out on Sunday night.
6 Winners
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes: Statistically, he was great— 382 yards, 3 touchdowns, and no turnovers. But it was the confidence, the deep ball, and the drive-extending run in overtime that were the most encouraging. The knee looks solid, the offense is putting drives together, and the MVP now has a big-play run game to lean on.
Running back Kenneth Walker III: Two games into his Chiefs career, Walker has put up over 175 total yards both times. But, like Mahomes’s performance, Walker’s was about more than the numbers. When the Chiefs needed to move the ball in the fourth quarter and overtime, they went to Walker over and over again. K9 delivered.
Cornerback Nohl Williams: The Chiefs were down a young corner, with Mansoor Delane watching from the sidelines after missing most of Week 1. Lucky for us, Nohl Williams is becoming a star. He broke up a pass and made a tackle in the backfield this week, along with his consistently blanket-like coverage. But the most impressive play almost ended the game. A hustling Williams flew in to force a fumble, and the game was a fraction of a second from being over. The ruling of down by contact kept the Colts alive for the moment, but that doesn’t take anything away from the hustle and punch play of #20.
Cornerback Kristian Fulton: Speaking of cornerbacks, Fulton got the start on Sunday night and promptly stole the ball from Keenan Allen. Sure, there were some costly pass interference flags against him—but they could have gone either way. Fulton’s play has been a positive surprise this season, proving the Chiefs right for keeping him around while the previous starters moved to LA.
Tight end Travis Kelce: Age is only a number, right? Kelce turned back the clock with nine catches, 101 yards, and a touchdown against the Colts. He became the NFL’s all-time leader in YAC (yards after catch), and showed that he’s still the man when the Chiefs need a big catch. The Mahomes/Kelce combination is back, Taylor Swift suite celebrations never stopped, and it feels like the dynasty could continue.
Wide receiver Tyquan Thornton: The 45-yard catch downfield was incredible, but it was only Thornton’s second-best play of his 4-catch, 86-receiving-yard night. On third-and-long in overtime, Mahomes delivered a strike to Thornton—but it wasn’t an easy play. Tyquan had to go up and attack the football while taking a hit, and complete the catch to move the chains to keep the drive alive. It was a big-time play for a receiver who clearly has the quarterback’s trust.
3 Losers
Defensive back L’Jarius Sneed: The Colts seemed to have a plan of attack that targeted L’Jarius Sneed. He gave up a few catches early, then was beaten deep on the aforementioned overtime play that nearly decided the game. His physicality and knowledge are assets for this defense, but Sneed may come with some limitations in his return.
Tight end Noah Gray: Through two games, Gray has 5 yards on one catch. Meanwhile, Travis Kelce continues to be the team’s leading receiver in his age 35 season. The Chiefs paid Gray to be a serious number two tight end, if not a Kelce successor. He’s looked like just a guy ever since.
Receiver/returner Nikko Remigio: The transition may have started this week— Brashard Smith and Emmett Johnson handled all of the kick returns. Both running backs show a level of explosion and ability to make people miss that Remigio seems to lack. We’ll see if Dave Toub decides to keep going with the safer option (Remigio) or if the Chiefs choose to roll with returners who have a better chance of delivering a big play.
Note: Applying the labels “losers” is NOT a judgment on the talent or character of any of these individuals. It’s just a simple way to grade their job performance in a single game. No disrespect is intended.
