The Indianapolis Colts came into Kansas City with upset on their minds, and they nearly did just that. However, Patrick Mahomes showed everyone this isn’t just a running team as he guided the Chiefs on two scoring drives in overtime to beat the Colts 33-30.
I can’t remember the last time a team had two possessions in overtime and needed to score both times to win a football game. That’s exactly what happened as the Kansas City Chiefs had the ball twice in overtime, and that was the magic sauce as they survived a valiant effort by the Colts.
Give Indy credit for giving the Chiefs’ defense fits. Quarterback Daniel Jones ran the ball-control offense efficiently, including an eight-minute drive late in the fourth quarter that tied the game at 27. He nearly won the game in overtime after the Colts retained possession on a 48-yard bomb to Lequon Treadwell that initially was ruled a catch and a fumble that would have ended the game for Kansas City.
However, after review, the play was overturned, and the Colts had new life in overtime. But they couldn’t get into the end zone and had to settle for a tie.
Jones didn’t do it all himself. His offensive line was stellar, plowing the road for running back Jonathan Taylor, who ran for 92 yards and added 40 yards receiving. He was brilliant, scoring two touchdowns on the ground.
However, the Chiefs had their own superstar running back. For the second consecutive week, Kenneth Walker led the team with 117 rushing yards and 61 receiving yards, including a 22-yard run and catch that set up the game-winning field goal in overtime by Butker, who had four on the night, including two in overtime.
Mahomes was 32 of 47 for 382 yards passing and a trio of touchdowns, one each to Travis Kelce, Xavier Worthy, and Jaylen Royals.
After leaning on the running game in the season opener, Mahomes proved he still has the arm to deliver the goods. He made some incredible throws, including a pair of clutch deep passes to Tyquan Thornton on critical third-down conversions.
Travis Kelce turned back the clock again with a touchdown and 101 yards receiving. He sliced up the Colts defense, which had no answer for him all night. Each of his nine receptions came in key situations, and it’s clear he’s still one of the best tight ends in the NFL.
At times, I didn’t like the Chiefs’ defensive approach, but in hindsight, the way the Colts’ offensive line was protecting Jones meant that even when KC sent the kitchen sink, he found an outlet and made big plays.
Kansas City had a hard time getting pressure on Daniels, who carved them up in the fourth quarter, and nearly did the same in overtime. Still, the Chiefs need to expand their pass rush and the speed in which they attack opposing quarterbacks – especially when they blitz.
Still, this battle between the Colts and Chiefs had a postseason flair, but Mahomes, who is now 8-0 in overtime in the regular season, was the difference. Kansas City is now 2-0 heading into their first road game next Sunday in Miami against the Dolphins.
For the fans, this game had everything, but it’s clear Mahomes is comfortable with the limitations of his knee brace, the aftermath of nine months of rehab, and two AFC wins that the league better take notice – he’s back.
On the flip side, the Colts were incredible in this game, and it took Mahomes spreading the ball to eight different receivers to guide the offense to 523 total yards. The addition of Walker has proven significant, and with four of the next five games on the road, the Mahomes-Walker-Kelce trio will need to lead the way.
Tonight reminded everyone that the Chiefs are focused, disciplined, and experienced enough to win games like this.
