Chiefs vs. Patriots: Key plays that determined the AFC Championship game
By Grant Tuttle
1st and 15, 8:43 3rd Quarter, 14-7 Patriots
After the Chiefs get the ball back after a quick score to start the second half, they need to catch up quick. After a false start penalty on Cam Erving, the Chiefs found themselves in a bad spot. For the Chiefs this season, this has not always been a tough conversion. In fact, they had a great shot to keep the ball moving and put points on the board. Unfortunately, Travis Kelce cannot hold on to the pass.
1st and 10, 1:57 4th Quarter 28-24 Chiefs
Here it is. The Chiefs only need to hold the Patriots out of the end zone to secure a victory. The Chiefs made a remarkable comeback on the backs of Sammy Watkins, Williams and Mahomes and, because of this Edelman circus that begins right here, it was all for naught.
If you think this play looks familiar, it is because the Patriots did this time and time again. The Chiefs were always out of position and unable to make a stop. So, as you can see, Tom Brady sends Edelman into motion to stack with another receiver. This makes it impossible to press him. As this happens, he gets a free release to the middle of the field, creating enough space for Brady to make the throw.
3rd and 10, 1:01 4th Quarter, 28-24 Chiefs
This is an all-time Chiefs moment that many will never forget. The moment that most of us thought that the Chiefs were Super Bowl bound. Dee Ford is clearly lined up offsides and the referee throws the flag immediately. Gronkowski just can’t handle the pass and Charvarius Ward had the biggest play of his life in his hands. Unfortunately, none of it mattered.
3rd and 5, 0:54 4th Quarter, 28-24 Chiefs
Immediately after the heartwrenching nature of their last drive, the Pats go right back to Gronkowski—this time on a fly route with Eric Berry in coverage. This is the play that set up the go-ahead run from Rex Burkhead. This is obvious. Berry cannot seem to keep pace with Gronkowki, who catches the pass right over the top of him.