Kareem Hunt, Breeland Speaks come up big for Chiefs in Week 6

The Kansas City Chiefs fell to the New England Patriots as the defense was not able to get things going, ultimately costing the Chiefs a 40-43 loss.

Welcome to the Week 6 edition of the Kansas City Chiefs weekly player awards, where we will be focusing on which players are on the rise, the top performers of the week, and the biggest disappointments on both offense and defense.

The Chiefs put up in a valiant effort in a loss to the New England Patriots filled with a mix of emotions, stress, and intensity. Although they suffered from a rather slow start, Chiefs second-year quarterback Patrick Mahomes led the Chiefs to an impressive comeback attempt in the second half. The defense cost the team a win, struggling in all aspects. However, there were even some decent defensive performances throughout the game.

Player on the Rise: Offense

Most of the playmakers were huge factors in the game, with some of the second and third stringers seeing only a little action on offense. However, wide receiver Chris Conley made some interesting plays, but some of them you won’t see on the box score.

Although he only had one reception, it was a very tough catch that impressed me, and others I’m sure. Conley is one of my favorite players, and while bias may be a small factor here when judging his performance, his ability to come up in clutch situations when he’s utilized is something that I hope the Chiefs see and use more often.

• 1 reception, 19 receiving yards

RUNNER-UP: Travis Kelce (5 receptions, 61 receiving yards)

Player on the Rise: Defense

Extremely frustrating defensive performance. That’s pretty much all I can chalk the defense up to. There were some young players that made plays and performed well, however. Although he made a costly decision on one play, outside linebacker Breeland Speaks showed some positives in what turned out to be an overall rather negative game for the Chiefs defense.

Speaks went to sack opposing quarterback Tom Brady on a goal play but had let up before taking him down as he had assumed he had already gotten rid of the ball. Despite this, though, it would have made for an impressive play if he came up with the sack. He shows promise, and with injuries plaguing the Chiefs, he’s bound to get some more snaps as the year continues.

• 6 total tackles (2 solos, 4 assisted)
• 1 sack

RUNNER-UP: Derrick Nnadi (1 solo tackle, 3 assisted)