The Kansas City Chiefs bounced back from their disappointing defeat to the Las Vegas Raiders with a sound performance against the Buffalo Bills on Monday evening. Although Head Coach Andy Reid is known for being a pass-happy coach, tonight was his first game, in 22 seasons as head coach, in which his offense ran the ball 46 times.
After struggling to find his footing the previous four games, rookie running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire had his first break-out game since Week 1 against the Texans. Edwards-Helaire averaged over six yards-per-carry on 26 touches for 161 yards. The LSU product also scored a would-be touchdown, however, a holding called nullified the play and pushed the Chiefs back 10 yards late in the second quarter.
Kansas City scored again on the following play, but it was through the air to Travis Kelce for his second touchdown of the game.
Through the air, quarterback Patrick Mahomes completed 21-of-26 passes for 225 yards and 2 touchdowns in tonight’s game. Mahomes’ first score of the night set the Chiefs’ franchise record for the most consecutive games with a passing TD, which is currently 16 games and counting after tonight.
Mahomes also surpassed Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino by becoming the fastest player to throw for 90 touchdowns in his career. Yet, another incredible feat for the former Red Raider.
The Chiefs were able to generate 466 yards of total offense, despite a steady downpour that made playing conditions difficult for both offenses.
Tight end Travis Kelce had another huge night with five catches for 65 yards and two TDs. Wide receiver Demarcus Robinson was also highly involved in the passing game, with five receptions for 69 yards.
On the other sideline, Buffalo’s Josh Allen didn’t have the outing he would’ve liked, completing 14-of-27 passes for 122 yards, two touchdowns, and a pick.
Shortly after Kansas City’s first touchdown in the first quarter, Buffalo responded by utilizing their running game to go down the field in 13 plays. The Bills’ 51-yard drive was capped off by Josh Allen finding wide receiver Stefon Diggs for a four-yard touchdown to take a 10-7 lead.
Thus far, Diggs has proved to be an excellent addition in Buffalo’s offense and had another impressive game, finishing with six catches for 46 yards and a score.
In the second half, up 13-10, Kansas City converted three third-down attempts on a long 13-play, 81-yard drive to pull ahead by ten points. After failing to convert their fourth third-down of the drive, Kansas City opted to go for it on fourth and inches. On the Buffalo 13-yard line, Mahomes handed the ball off to running back Darrel Williams, who charged through the Bills defense for the 13-yard touchdown.
Following a 37-yard field goal by Harrison Butker, the Bills cut their deficit down to six points, as Josh Allen drove Buffalo’s offense 62 yards down the field in 6 plays to find Cole Beasley for the 8-yard touchdown.
The Chiefs were back to within nine points after another Harrison Butker-field goal extended Kansas City’s lead.
Time ticking down late in the fourth, the Bills had one last chance to come back from behind. On their own 23-yard line, Allen threw a prayer intended for Cole Beasley that was picked off by safety Daniel Sorensen to put the final dagger in the Bills’ comeback hopes and secured Kansas City’s 26-17 victory.
