KC Chiefs vs. Packers: Handing out game grades for Week 9

This Week 9 game was down to the wire, as the K.C. Chiefs pulled it out for a close win over the Green Bay Packers, 13-7. While the offense didn’t score as much as expected, they finished off the game after a 13-yard Tyreek Hill reception to end the game. Many defensive and special teams players played spectacularly, while the offense had its struggles; however, that doesn’t mean they all played terribly.

Here are your Chiefs’ player grades for Week 9:

The Best: L’Jarius Sneed, CB

Among the best of the defensive players this week, Sneed shined like a diamond. Along with having six total tackles, he also had two pass deflections (one in the end zone against Randall Cobb) and had a spectacular interception right over Davante Adams. It’s safe to say that he mossed him:

Sneed did everything he had to do to aid the Chiefs to a win. He was able to cover and jam up running backs when necessary and stop the Packers from scoring a fair share of times. He was the best player this week and has earned a lot of praise after his performance.

Grade: A

The Worst: Tyreek Hill, WR

Aside from his last catch, Hill played poorly this week, trending down after an excellent performance last week against the Giants. Hill only had four catches for 37 yards, averaging around nine yards per reception.

When comparing him to everyone else (especially to the amount targets he was given), he didn’t perform great at all. While some targets were overthrown, there was a decent amount of catchable balls that went incomplete. He also had one rush for negative-4 yards, which hurts his grade even more.

As with Travis Kelce in Week 8, I don’t think this will be a trend for him to follow the rest of the year. He will be able to bounce back and shine as he has been for the past year. Everyone has off games; it just happened to be Hill’s week given the way the Packers schemed to face him.

Grade: F

Right Below The Best: Tommy Townsend, Punter

He’s back in business! One of the stars of this empathic special teams’ performance was none other than Tommy Townsend. On six punts, he had 341 punt yards, averaging over 55 yards per punt! Five of the six punts went inside the 20-yard line, with his longest punt being 64 yards. He had a 63-yard punt as well.

Townsend was a star today, showing off his leg to viewers from all over. While the offense was stopped a lot, Townsend aided in the difficulty of driving down the field for the Packers’ offense. He’s easily earned an A this week.

Grade: A

Right Above The Worst: Daniel Sorensen, S

I have a serious question: does Sorensen have some dirt on someone in the Chiefs’ organization? Because there is no way he should still be used in coverage. Sorensen had one tackle and a QB hit this week, but that’s all the good that happened. He also allowed another TD reception to bring the Packers back into the game.

Watch how Sorensen was exposed entirely on this route, unable to keep up with Allen Lazard after Lazard got a few steps past him. He then fails to make the tackle, allowing Lazard to net himself a touchdown.

Sorensen has earned himself a spot on the bench after this game, and fans and analysts alike question why Sorensen is still on the field. Armani Watts can’t be any worse, right? I’d rather have him in than Sorensen ten times out of ten.

Grade: D-

Contributed Well: Travis Kelce, TE

Without a doubt, Travis Kelce was the best offensive player for the Chiefs. Kelce had five catches for 65 yards and a touchdown on eight targets, averaging 13.6 yards per catch. He led the Chiefs in receiving yards, as well as catching the only touchdown that was thrown/scored yesterday:

Kelce trended up this week and sparked in the second half after a clutch 22-yard reception in the fourth quarter and a sweet 13-yard catch to drive the Chiefs down the field. He got open when needed and utilized his strength to haul in catches where the defender was near. While he wasn’t among the best, he contributed well this week for a Chiefs’ win.

Grade: B+

Moderate, But Still Played His Part: Tyrann Mathieu, S

Mathieu continues to play at a great level this season, playing his part in a hard-fought Chiefs’ win. Mathieu had six tackles (second-most), along with the Chiefs’ only sack on the day. He was able to force a few pressures, too. While Mathieu allowed a few completions, he still played his part this week, with his longest allowed completion being ten yards to Davante Adams. He was able to plug up the runs, cover well, and when he was needed to force pressure, he was there to do so. He played well this week, and this trend should follow through the rest of the year.

Grade: B

Do you agree with my grades? Leave a comment down below to join the discussion. Thanks for reading, and have a great day!