The Kansas City Chiefs beat the Atlanta Falcons by a 29-28 score, and Eric Berry all but won by himself in a hometown return for the ages.
You want to see a player stake his claim as the best in the business? Watch Eric Berry. Berry, who was playing in his home town of Atlanta for the first time in his pro career, intercepted two passes and brought them both back for scores in a wild 29-28 victory over the Falcons on Sunday afternoon.
To say Berry has been great this year would be the understatement of the century. Berry has scored three times and has four interceptions, showcasing why the Chiefs should make him the highest-paid safety of all-time this offseason.
Berry’s first theft came in the final minute of the second quarter, returning the ball 37 yards for a pick-six and a 20-13 Kansas City lead. However, it was his second that will live in Chiefs lore. After Atlanta took a 28-27 lead on a late touchdown, it was Berry getting the best of Matt Ryan for the second time, then running it back for a two-point conversion.
The play put Kansas City up 29-28, a lead it would not relinquish.
This is awesome.#ArmyBowl alum Eric Berry gives the ball to his mom after a pick-six. #ChiefsKingdom https://t.co/jxxzEBxC0r
— All-American Bowl (@AABonNBC) December 4, 2016
We can’t forget another play that completely changed the game as well. Leading 20-16 after the break, the Chiefs faced a 4th and 1 at their own 45-yard line. Instead of punting, head coach Andy Reid called for the fake, giving a direct snap to upback Albert Wilson. Wilson took off up the seam and raced to a 55-yard score, putting the Chiefs up 27-16 in the third quarter.
Of course, it wasn’t all Berry and Wilson (although it felt like it). Alex Smith was sublime on the afternoon, throwing for 21-of-25 for 270 yards and a touchdown. His top target was tight end Travis Kelce, who notched his third straight 100-yard game with eight catches and 140 yards.
Defensively, Justin Houston notched his fourth sack in two games while Derrick Johnson led the team in tackles with nine.
Now, the Chiefs are 9-3 and clinched a fourth consecutive winning season. On Thursday night, Kansas City will be playing for first place in the AFC West.