This past weekend, I was back home for a high school reunion (s/o Plattsburg High School). It felt great to reconnect with old friends and share stories of stuff we almost forgot ever happened. Then — just as gratifying — we all saw the Kansas City Chiefs have a little reunion with themselves, collecting a 23-20 overtime victory over the Indianapolis Colts.
It took a while, but the Chiefs have finally remembered their championship mentality. During Sunday’s matchup, quarterback Patrick Mahomes willed
them to a thrilling come-from-behind victory over an AFC contender. They overcame mistakes, made huge plays, got defensive stops and even ran the ball — something we had almost forgotten Kansas City even knew how to do!
Here are a few who stood out as the good guys got reacquainted with the feeling of winning a close game.
Winners
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes: Welcome back to the quarterback we’ve grown to know and love — the Original Over-My-Dead-Body Man: Patrick Lavon Mahomes II. The announcers realized he was coming back when he started picking up first downs on the ground and firing passes into the chests of receivers: he wasn’t going to allow this one to slip away! Losing close games this season might be a reversion to the mean — but hopefully in Mahomes, we are seeing a reversion to the MVP that will persist into the postseason. Mahomes threw for 352 yards, had a bad interception and was sacked four times. But make no mistake: he made this victory happen.
Running back Kareem Hunt: For what feels like the first time since Larry Johnson was here, the Chiefs ran the ball 40 times. Hunt used that volume to rip off 140 total yards (26 receiving) and a touchdown, looking like the same guy who sparked previous Chiefs victories by refusing to get tackled on first contact. He fought through pain, a fumble, multiple defenders (and a backup offensive lineman) to keep the game close, run the clock and — most importantly — move the chains.
Offensive weapon Brashard Smith: Remember offensive weapons? The Chiefs seemed to always have a little guy who could get to the edge on an end-around — or catch a swing pass and make a big play out of it. It feels like the team forgot how to use a guy like Smith, but it looks like they’ve put the old pages back into the playbook binders. Smith’s 40 yards were key in sparking Sunday’s offense.
Wide receiver Rashee Rice: The Chiefs hadn’t had a 100-yard receiver or running back all season. Rice (along with Hunt) brought the production back. The wideout turned 12 targets into 8 catches for 141 yards. With about 4 minutes left, the Chiefs were backed up near their own goal line and needed a play. Rice answered the call with a terrific 47-yard catch-and-run that gave us hope Kansas City was coming back to win — just like they used to do.
Defenders Bryan Cook, Drue Tranquill, Chamarri Conner, Jaden Hicks and Leo Chenal: Every big game in this dynasty has featured some defensive role players stepping up to get the ball back to Mahomes and the offense. These guys were among those who were flying around in the second half with passes defended, tackles-for-loss and big hits that kept the momentum from swinging back toward Indianapolis. While each has limitations, they each also have a role as an enforcer and complementary playmaker. Kansas City will need all 53 guys to make another run — and Sunday was a reminder that many role players will be part of that winning formula.
Defensive linemen Chris Jones and George Karlaftis: They haven’t peaked yet, but there were signs of life from Sack Nation. Jones and Karlaftis each had two quarterback hits, along with pressure that helped hold Daniel Jones and the top-ranked Colts offense to under 200 yards passing. Jones was also instrumental in getting the crowd fired up — and it was a factor!
Losers
Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire: It wasn’t just his lack of production (seven touches for 17 yards), but also the team’s action after the game — signing running back Dameon Pierce — that made it a less-than-ideal day for the running back.
Whoever was supposed to be blocking Germaine Pratt: We typically keep this piece focused on specific members of the Chiefs who made a difference. But on Sunday, Indianapolis fielded an (apparently) unblockable player. Pratt had 20 tackles (two for loss) and a pass defended. He was everywhere, blowing up plays and wrecking drives. Other analysts will figure out who should have been blocking him — and they will have an uncomfortable film room meeting with the coaching staff.
Defensive lineman Mike Pennel: I’m sure the veteran tackle was part of several plays where the Colts’ running game was bottled up. But he also left some opportunities on the field — and was observed making futile efforts to chase down ball carriers. I think we’re all glad he’s back with the Chiefs — but on Sunday, it felt like he was past his prime.
NFL referees: Since we went outside the Chiefs’ circle on Pratt, let’s talk about the officiating. Once again, there were some terrible calls (and missed calls) in this game. As always, there were probably some going both directions. But there were a number of critical calls against Kansas City that could have stopped momentum. Thankfully, the home team overcame them — but the NFL really should do something about the quality of its officiating.
Please note: the labels “winners” and “losers” are not judgments of talent or character. They simply reflect single game performance. No disrespect is intended.
