In the first half, the Kansas City Chiefs did not play their best football of the season. With two Patrick Mahomes interceptions, the Washington Commanders played with more energy. However, in the second half, with the score tied, the Chiefs mounted three straight touchdown drives to secure the win.
Let’s be honest, the last time the Kansas City Chiefs played on Monday Night, they lost a close game to the Jacksonville Jaguars. As the Commanders and Chiefs went into halftime tied at 7-7, it was clear Kansas City didn’t play its best football in the first half. But after halftime, Patrick Mahomes dominated the Commanders’ defense with three touchdown passes.
In defeating Washington 28-7, the Chiefs avoided a letdown as they prepare to face the Buffalo Bills on a short week. For the third straight week, the Chiefs’ offense ran the ball by committee, gaining 148 yards, led by Isiah Pacheco with 58. Kareem Hunt, however, was the star of the game with a rushing and passing touchdown. He doesn’t have the speed anymore, but he works so well in tight spaces that he finds ways to make the small plays that lead to points.
Tight End Travis Kelce led the Chiefs in receiving yards with 99, and with his touchdown against the Commanders, tied Priest Holmes for the most touchdowns in team history with 83.
The Commanders used a lot of zone defense against Mahomes, and after struggling in the first half, Mahomes finally found the weak spot and got the offense moving, just like they did a week ago against the Raiders.
Defensively, the Chiefs had two interceptions and two sacks of the Commanders’ quarterback, Marcus Mariota. He actually played a great first half, but once the Chiefs took the lead, their defense increased the pressure, and Mariota didn’t do much in the second half.
The Chiefs had some nervous moments during the game, but ultimately secured the win. They need to address some issues on the offensive line. After starting the last three games in place of left tackle Josh Simmons, backup Jaylon Moore struggled in the first half.
Though on a positive note, Mike Caliendo played well in place of All-Pro Guard Trey Smith, who should be ready to play Sunday at Buffalo. In the second half, they adjusted their pass blocking, and Mahomes had more time to maneuver inside and outside the pocket.
Considering how the Chiefs played against the Raiders and started slow against the Commanders, they did what they couldn’t do earlier this season when they started 0-2 and left a couple of wins on the field.
Hopefully, they can continue the winning format with an upcoming schedule that includes road games at Buffalo and Denver, and a home game versus the Colts before a Thanksgiving matchup in Dallas against the Cowboys. At the end of this stretch, they’ll learn a lot about their chances of getting to their fourth consecutive Super Bowl.
For now, they escaped the Commander’s upset attempt, handled their business, and turned a close first half into a blowout victory in the second half. With the win, the Chiefs are now in the playoff bracket as the seventh seed.
On Sunday, they face the Bills in what could be the most crucial regular-season game for both teams. Buffalo has lost two of its last three games, and Kansas City has won three straight games by double digits, all at Arrowhead.
