Chargers keep pace with Chiefs in competitive AFC West

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs are coming off their first loss of the season, handed to them by the New England Patriots after a thrilling Sunday night game. The Chiefs lost 43-40 on a last second field goal from New England.

Down 24-9 at halftime, it looked like the Chiefs were going to be blown out of the water. Patrick Mahomes had thrown two interceptions and left a number of plays on the field. But, Mahomes came out at halftime and made some huge plays. He finished the game 23 of 36 for 352 yards and four touchdowns.

Three of those touchdowns were thrown to Tyreek Hill, one was thrown to Kareem Hunt. Hill put up huge numbers with 142 yards – his longest being a 75 yard touchdown catch that left too much time on the clock at the end of the game. Tom Brady then led the Patriots on a drive that took the remainder of the time off the clock.

While the Chiefs may have had their first loss of the season, there is reason to hope. First, the Chiefs were playing without Justin Houston, Eric Berry, Eric Murray, and Tanoh Kpassagnon. The safeties playing were the very lowest on the depth chart, and they still put up a fight. Jordan Lucas almost recorded his second career interception. In theory, all those guys are coming back and will only help to improve the defense.

Second, the offense truly struggled in the first half. Mahomes played what could arguably be his worst half of football, and they still came back. That tells you this team has grit. Finally, it is really tough to walk into Foxborough and win. The Chiefs almost did it again, and they still remain in the drivers seat of the number one seed in the AFC. I don’t like moral victories, but this might be the closest to one that I have seen.

Mitch Morse left the game in the second quarter, being evaluated for a concussion, and he did not return. However, Andrew Wylie stepped in and looked serviceable alongside Jordan Devey, who slid over to center. Since then, the Chiefs have signed Jeff Allen for some additional depth on the offensive line. Morse remains out of practice with a concussion.

The Chiefs head back into prime time for their second straight Sunday Night Football game. (I woke up last Sunday morning with the theme song playing in my head. Thanks to Carrie Underwood for not letting me sleep in). The Cincinnati Bengals head to Arrowhead in Week 7, a hot team coming off a heartbreaking loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

This game should be a great one. The lights, Mahomes in primetime at Arrowhead, I’m ready for it. Is it Sunday night yet? Game time is 7:20 p.m. and you know I’ll be there! As always, thanks for reading and check back next week as we recap Week 7 and look ahead to Week 8!