Chris Jones deserves to the paid and other lessons learned in Week 9

Several players are capable of clutch performances

A loss to the Vikings may have seemed inevitable, but the Chiefs needed this victory.

A loss here would jeopardize the Chiefs’ position in the standings, shortening the lead for the AFC West and lengthening the battle for the first or second seed in the AFC playoffs. With Patrick Mahomes out, other players across the team were going to have to step up and get that necessary win.

Step up they did.

Offensively, Tyreek Hill caught 6 passes for 140 yards and 1 TD, Travis Kelce got 7 passes for 62, which was nearly identical to Sammy Watkins who got 7 for 63. Damien Williams got 12 carries for 125 yards and 1 TD and aveaged 10.4 yards per carry. Harrison Butker went off for 4 FGs, one from 54 and one for the win.

Situationally, Hill and Kelce single-handedly moved the Chiefs into field goal range in the closing minutes. Butker was clutch, especially considering the wind and pressure.

Defensively, Derrick Nnadi, Mike Pennel, and Khalen Saunders put their big bodies in Cook’s way, grabbing 2 tackles for loss, 12 tackles, and one batted pass, all while chasing Cousins’ out of his comfort zone. Charvarius Ward and Rashad Fenton kept the receivers in check, limiting yards after catch with great tackling even if the ball was able to get to the receiver.

Situationally, Daniel Sorenson put up a huge stuff on Smith for a loss. Saunders laid pressure on Kirk Cousins to force him out of the pocket, where he uncomfortably threw an incompletion.

If the Chiefs’ players can continue to play lights out even after Mahomes returns, this team is Miami bound. With an offense that is humming without Mahomes, and a defense that is finally above average, who in the league can stop the Chiefs?