The NFL has figured out the Kansas City offense. So, how are they 13-1? The answer is simple. The Chief’s defense is simply the best defense in the NFL. They show cased their prowess this afternoon in Cleveland.
The Chiefs were forced to punt after three insufficient plays to start the game. However, Kansas City’s punt team bailed the Chiefs out forcing a fumble, giving the Chiefs excellent field position. Three plays later the Chiefs were up seven to nothing.
The Chiefs offense was only able to sustain one field length drive for a touchdown. Late in the second half, Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes put together an 87-yard drive for a touchdown. The rest of the half the Chiefs punted four times and missed a 29-yard field goal.
The Chiefs only second half touchdown was kickstarted by a Nick Bolton interception. Four plays later, Xavier Worthy takes the pitch and runs and end round for 21 yards and a touchdown.
The Browns consistently pressured Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs kicked Joe Thuney out to left tackle today due to injuries. Myles Garrett gave Thuney all he could handle as he chased Mahomes all over the field. Mahomes miraculously avoided multiple sacks. However, he consistently suffered hits at the hands of multiple Brown’s defensive linemen.
With roughly five minutes left in the game, the training staff wrapped up Mahomes ankle and he was shut down for the day. His last play of the game occurred when he was hit by three defensive linemen at once upon his release of the throw. He was helped off the field by his teammates and the training staff. Patrick Mahomes was visibly battered today.
The Chiefs defensive unit was the true star of the game. They notched four interceptions, two forced fumble recoveries and five sacks. George Karlaftis led the sack party with two followed by Charles Omenihu and Tershawn Warthon who each grabbed a sack. The remaining sack was shared by Drue Tranquill and Nick Bolton. Interceptions were snatched by Nick Bolton, Trent McDuffie, Brandon Cook, Jaden Hicks and Joshua Williams.
The Kansas City defense is full of hunters looking to force turnovers and give their struggling offense as many chances to succeed as possible. The Chiefs offense only managed to score twice off six turnovers. Unfortunately, that is not playoff football. The Chief’s defense is playing at a playoff level, yet the offense fails to rise to the occasion. They are doing just enough to win. Playoff football requires teams to take advantage of every opportunity, or you will go home.
Despite the Chiefs defensive performance, the Browns had a chance to win. Late in the third quarter, Jerome Ford ripped off 62-yard rush for a touchdown. In fact, every-time Ford touched the ball in the second half it was usually for big yards. The other Browns star was Jerry Jeudy whose career has exploded in Cleveland. Today he eclipsed 1000 yards for the first time in his career. Jeudy was targeted fourteen times and caught eleven receptions for 108 yards. In fact, it seemed like whenever Jameis Winston targeted someone other than Jeudy, he threw an interception. Every time Coach Stefanski found an offensive rhythm, Winston threw a pick. Credit the Chiefs for being opportunistic with their sticky coverage.
Today was game one of a three game stretch to be played in 11 days. First place is still up for grabs in the AFC. The next three games are tough. Next week the Chiefs welcome a tough Texans team followed by a Christmas day trip to a resurgent Steeler squad. They end the regular season with a Bronco’s team who has a chip on their shoulder still fighting for a wildcard spot.
We have all seen Patrick Mahomes rise to the occasion when the chips are down. Mahomes has played thru brutal knee injuries in the past. However, he is only one player. His offensive line must get healthy and play better if the Chiefs hope to three-peat to the Super Bowl this year.
