Shortly after Head Coach Andy Reid addressed the media regarding his team’s 27-19 victory over the Houston Texans, he went to study film on the Pittsburgh Steelers. I bet he’s still at Arrowhead scheming his next game plan. After the Kansas City Chiefs victory on Saturday, I suspect he feels the best is yet to come.
At no point during the Kansas City Chiefs AFC Showdown against the Houston Texans did I feel the boys in red would not win on Saturday. Yes, the Chiefs were down at one point, 10-7, and held a slim 17-16 lead in the third quarter, but as par for the 2024 season, the Chiefs won another one-score game, their 16th in a row.
That NFL record is significant, but it’s also meaningful because, against the Texans, the Chiefs played their best game of the season. Sure, the defense started a bit slow, and the offense had some missed opportunities, but despite that, they lead the NFL with a 14-1 record. They found their footing as a collective on Saturday, and that should turn plenty of heads in the NFL.
You could feel this would be the Chiefs day after Patrick Mahomes scored on a 15-yard touchdown run in the first quarter with a bum ankle. Add that to the highly successful debut of wide receiver Hollywood Brown, the remarkable catching ability of DeAndre Hopkins, and the playmaking abilities of rookie Xavier Worthy, this offense found itself.
Running back Kareem Hunt continues to be the workhorse, and his short yardage prowess likely has earned him more playing time than Isiah Pacheco, who has struggled since his return from injury.
The much-maligned offensive line was solid. Joe Thuney should remain at left tackle, Mike Caliendo at left guard, and DJ Humphries at right tackle when he returns to health. He should replace the injured Jawaan Taylor. Wanya Morris did a solid job replacing Taylor in the fourth quarter, but I’d keep Thuney at left tackle and move DJ to the right spot.
Defensively the emergence of Jaden Hicks in the back end of the defense is a welcome surprise. Bryan Cook has struggled much of the year, but it’s noticeable with Hicks on the field; Justin Reid can be more free-lance safety, and I think Saturday, he played one of his best games as a Chief.
Cornerback Trent McDuffie had another interception, his second in two weeks. Still, Christian Roland-Wallace filled in admirably for Chamarri Connor, who could return to the defense Wednesday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Also, on the radar, Steven Nelson could make his 2024 debut against his old team.
Chris Jones, who left the game in the fourth quarter with a strained calf, received an all-clear from the MRI he took after the game. He will probably sit out the next two games to prepare for the playoffs. Remember, he’s also dealing with a knee issue.
Rounding out this victory, I was impressed with Nikko Remigio and his ability to handle kick-offs and punts. He amassed 138 return yards on six attempts during the game. That’s not something I expected from the second-year man.
Overall, if you wake up Sunday morning and await the NFL action today, you must wonder what the Buffalo Bills are thinking this morning. Don’t get me wrong, they are a good team, but they don’t have the defense that the Chiefs beat on Saturday, and with all their weapons on offense back for Mahomes, Josh Allen and his band of playmakers might be meeting their equal in the postseason.
As things stand, the Chiefs need to win against the Steelers or the Denver Broncos in the 2024 finale, or the Bills need to drop one of their last three games. They host the hapless New England Patriots later today, but the Chiefs are already in the film room working on the Steelers.
Head Coach Andy Reid won’t get any votes for coach of the year in the NFL. Still, his mastery this season, though sometimes confusing for the average fan, has done a remarkable job balancing injuries and inconsistent play. He believes the team is one tick away from becoming dominant on offense.
On Saturday, he was right because his offense played a top-five defense and had their way with them when the game was on the line. If this version of the Chiefs team shows up Wednesday and into the postseason, the Kansas City Chiefs will be the team to beat in the AFC – especially if they play at Arrowhead!
