Let’s look at some of the important lessons learned from the Kansas City Chiefs’ victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Divisional Round.
That’s quite the cloud hanging over a playoff win.
The Kansas City Chiefs were widely expected to beat the Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday in the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs, and while everyone at Arrowhead Stadium was pleased with the final results of a 27-20 win, the truth is that there’s a cloud of fear and uncertainty going forward knowing that star quarterback Patrick Mahomes is dealing with an injured ankle.
Of course, the Jaguars still couldn’t get the best of the Chiefs even with Mahomes out of the game entirely or hobbling between plays. In fact, they were down two scores for the majority of the game. However, things only get more difficult from here and Mahomes and company will face much greater tests going forward.
For now, however, it’s good to also bask in the rarified air of a postseason victory—something most teams would love to have. For the Chiefs, it was a chance to unearth some heartening lessons while also reminding themselves of some important truths. Here are a few.
Patrick Mahomes is the confidence factor
There was a drive in the third quarter, one that was largely forgettable for the Chiefs, that held a sequence that actually speaks to the greater story. The Chiefs’ offense was trying to take advantage of a stalled drive by the Jaguars but they were coming up short themselves.
After failing to convert a first down on a run by Isiah Pacheco, Andy Reid called for tight end Noah Gray to take a direct snap out of the shotgun to move the chains on third-and-short. When that didn’t work, with just inches to go, the Chiefs trotted out the special teams unit and Tommy Townsend did what done all season and booted the ball 60 yards.
For the entire season, and really the entirety of Patrick Mahomes’ NFL career, the Chiefs have held a swagger on offense knowing that anything is possible at any time. Third-and-long? No problem. Touchdown ruined by a penalty? Another score is on the way. Wanna double a star like Travis Kelce? We’ll just find another hot hand.
On Saturday, however, with their star quarterback limited by a high ankle sprain that had him questionable to return to the field in the first place, the offense held no such swagger. On third and short, a trick play was used and when that didn’t work, the Chiefs turned to their punter. Instead of leaning on their highly productive rookie back and a well-paid front line full of Pro Bowl maulers, the Chiefs politely handed the ball back to the Jaguars and told them to respond.
While the play calls or decisions themselves could and should be discussed, the bigger picture here is that Mahomes is the confidence factor for the Chiefs. No Mahomes, no swagger. With Mahomes, you’re always in it. That’s not to say there’s no talent or that they cannot win without him, but that feeling that the Chiefs are never really out of it (or not really in trouble) is out the window.
Mahomes is that big of a difference.