Chiefs vs Jaguars recap: K.C. defense puts up heroic effort in Week 2 victory

The Kansas City Chiefs took to the road for the first time this season, and their opponent was a familiar one in the Jacksonville Jaguars, a team they had the good fortune of playing twice just a year ago (and defeating both times). This time, the expected offensive fireworks failed to materialize, but the game was a close contest nonetheless as the defensive units for both teams came well-prepared and ready to play in Week 2.

In the end, the Chiefs were able to get the best of the Jaguars on the road despite giving Trevor Lawrence and company every opportunity to take the lead. Let's take a look at our instant recap and pull out the most important or memorable elements of the game.

What We'll Likely Remember

For the Chiefs, this day was particularly memorable for the way the defense carried the team for the second consecutive week. For most of the Patrick Mahomes era, the offense has shouldered the load for a defense that, at times, was below average.

For all of the offensive miscues and special teams errors, the Chiefs were always keeping it close or even clinging to a slim lead because the defense had put up such an incredible performance. It came to a head in the fourth quarter when the Jags had the ball on the 1-yard line thanks to a pass interference call and yet came away with only a field goal due to the Chiefs' strong defensive stand.

Over the last couple of drafts, the Chiefs have done a tremendous job rebuilding all levels of the defense, especially on the second and third levels, where the team is deeper than they've been in a very, very long time. If recent first-round picks like Felix Anudike-Uzomah and George Karlaftis develop as hoped, this defense could be just as special as the offense.

What We'll Want to Forget

Take your pick of several things. The muffed punt by Richie James. The exorbitant amount of penalties (especially from Jawaan Taylor). The interception by Mahomes (and other close calls). The fumbles, recovered or not. It was a sloppy day by the offense and special teams, which is why the team was so fortunate that the defense picked such an afternoon to step up. Going forward, this Chiefs team is going to want to either burn all of the game tape here or dive deep to figure out why this team is playing such undisciplined football.

Three Key Stats

1. The Chiefs defense didn't allow the Jags to convert a single time despite making three trips to the red zone.
2. Kadarius Toney caught five of five targets just one week after committing three devastating drops in a one-point loss to Detroit.
3. The Chiefs committed 12 penalties for 94 yards on the day and Jawaan Taylor had five. This is a young team with a lot to clean up in practice.

Highlight of the Game

The defense overall deserves to have their fair share of highlights here, but instead we're going to go with one of the few offensive bright spots on the day: the first ever touchdown catch for second-year receiver Skyy Moore.

The Deciding Point

Trevor Lawrence tried his best to force a touchdown connection with Calvin Ridley late in the fourth quarter from 12 yards out but he failed to do so on three of four downs. L'Jarius Sneed did a strong job on him all day, but he really came up big in the fourth quarter. In the end, the Jags needed 8 points to tie and they came away with zero. That allowed the Chiefs to milk the clock by running the ball and end the g

Chiefs vs Jaguars final score

The Chiefs and Jags failed to put up the offensive production as expected, but the defense got it done for a 17-9 win.

What's next for the Chiefs?

The Chiefs will return home from Jacksonville to practice for the week before hosting the Chicago Bears in Week 3 in what is, on paper, the greatest mismatch on the team's regular season schedule on Sunday, September 24. Speaking of mismatches, the Jags get to stay home and play the Houston Texans next Sunday.