Heading into this AFC-NFC showdown, the Kansas City Chiefs had to play nearly perfect football against the Detroit Lions to secure a win. Though the defense struggled at times, they made the difference in the Chiefs’ 30-17 victory.
Honestly, I didn’t feel good about this game. The Detroit Lions and their ball-control offense can be unstoppable at times. However, once the Chiefs’ offense started scoring touchdowns, the Lions had to abandon their running game, which allowed the Chiefs’ defense to pressure Lions quarterback Jared Goff.
What was impressive about the Chiefs’ defensive game plan was their reliance on using three linebackers in most of their sets. Overall, Nick Bolton, Drue Tranquill, and especially Leo Chenal, who might have played his best game as a Chief.
On offense, Patrick Mahomes was nearly perfect. With four total touchdowns, one rushing and three passing, the Chiefs improved to a 3-3 record and will welcome wide receiver Rashee Rice back this week.
Mahomes demonstrated why he’s one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL. Although injuries weakened the Lions’ secondary, Detroit still boasts one of the best defensive lines in football. He was precise, decisive, and took what the Lions’ defense allowed.
The Chiefs quarterback completed 22 of 30 passes for 257 yards. In the process, he also became the fastest quarterback in NFL history to reach 300 touchdowns. Mahomes played at his best against the Lions. By distributing the ball to eight different receivers, the team’s top receiver, Travis Kelce, led with 78 yards receiving.
In my opinion, the underrated star was Hollywood Brown’s performance in the red zone. His first touchdown was a 10-yard flip pass from Mahomes that showcased his strength and speed, breaking through the Lions’ defense. In the fourth quarter, as the Lions reduced the Chiefs’ lead to three points, Hollywood ran a perfect crossing route that led to his second touchdown of the game.
On the ground, the Chiefs totaled 112 rushing yards. Isiah Pacheco led with 51 yards and made some key runs at critical moments. For the first time this season, he looked like the rookie back who took the league by storm three years ago.
This was a must-win for Kansas City, and after some shaky moments on defense, the box score shows the Lions managed just 98 yards rushing on the night. Goff was solid with two touchdowns, and at one point, he connected on 13 straight passes. However, with the running game sidelined, he found the footing tricky.
With this win, Kansas City is finally breathing a sigh of relief after its meltdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars last Monday. Their impressive victory over the Lions was truly remarkable.
The hero of the game, though, had to be left tackle Jaylon Moore, who became a proud dad earlier today and found out he was going to start for Josh Simmons. The rookie left tackle had to fly to San Diego to handle a personal matter.
Moore was outstanding, and the Chiefs’ offense fully utilized their playbook. Signing Moore as their swing tackle proved to be a wise decision.
Head Coach Andy Reid must be thrilled about his team’s bounce-back this week, especially after beating a team that had won four straight games and was averaging over 30 points per game. Plus, he’s able to add Rashee Rice to the offense, and now we’ll finally see Mahomes with all his weapons out on the field.
The Chiefs face the Las Vegas (Oakland) Raiders next Sunday at Arrowhead in the second of three consecutive home games. They can’t overlook their AFC West rival, but Kansas City should have plenty of confidence moving forward.
