The Kansas City Chiefs fell 20-17 to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, in a Super Bowl rematch that has a playoff-like feel from the get-go. Neither offense ever seemed to find its rhythm, but both defenses laid down bone-crushing hits throughout the game.
The Chiefs were in a dogfight all day long. Every time the Chiefs appeared to find an offensive spark, the Eagles’ defense would quickly adjust or make a play, shutting it down. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes completed 16 of 29 passes for 187 yards. While it was not his most efficient outing, it should have been enough to secure a win against an Eagles team that only gained 216 yards total.
The Chiefs’ rushing attack was dismal for the second straight week. KC running backs combined for just 55 yards, while Mahomes led the team on the ground with 66 yards.
Despite several costly mistakes, the game was right there for the taking. Chief’s kicker, Harrison Butker, who has struggled through the first two games, missed a crucial field goal early on from 58 yards out that would have given the Chiefs an early lead. The miss allowed the Eagles’ pass rushers to tee off on Mahomes throughout the game, as Kansas City played from behind and needed larger plays to move the ball more efficiently and put points on the board.
Chief’s Tight End, Travis Kelce, was involved in a pivotal play early in the fourth quarter. Patrick Mahomes threw a bullet to the perfect spot, and Kelce was unable to secure the catch as the ball ricocheted off his hands and and was intercepted by a waiting defender who returned the interception to midfield. This was arguably the most backbreaking play of the game. After the Chiefs’ defense forced a third-and-10, Jalen Hurts completed a 28-yard pass while being hit. A few plays later, Philadelphia converted a fourth down with a “tush push” (A play where the quarterback is shoved in the back by 3 running backs and every player fall forward gaining 1-3 yards almost every time.) This play extended the lead to 10.
The Chiefs gave fans a little hope with a late 49-yard deep shot to Wide Receiver, Tyquan Thornton, cutting the lead to three points just over two minutes left in the game. This was one of the few explosive plays of the night for KC’s offense. However, it ended up being too little too late as the Eagles converted a first down with 2 tush pushes in a row.
This marks the first time that Patrick Mahomes has started 0-2 in his Chiefs career. Still, there is no reason to panic just yet. Kansas City has faced two likely playoff contenders with top-tier quarterbacks to begin the season. Reinforcements are also on the way, as wide receiver Xavier Worthy is expected to return within the next two weeks, and Rashee Rice will be back from suspension after Week 6.
The Chiefs look to rebound on Sunday Night Football in MetLife Stadium against the 0-2 New York Giants.
