The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the New York Giants 22-9 on Sunday night.
After back-to-back losses to start the season, the Kansas City Chiefs got their first win of the campaign at MetLife Stadium.
But this win was a far cry from the dominant victories of the past five or six years.
Despite emerging victorious, there were still a number of problems as well as some positives to take from this game.
Problems
First half
The Chiefs played arguably their worst half of offense of recent memory.
The attack stalled on multiple drives with Patrick Mahomes’ usually telepathic connection to Travis Kelce disjointed.
Mahomes did produce a magical throw while scrambling to find wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster for a 27-yard gain but penalties and ill discipline cost the Chiefs.
A pivotal moment came when Mahomes, under pressure, threw a backwards pass intended for running back Isiah Pacheco. Giants linebacker Bobby Ekereke recovered the resulting fumble looking for the end zone.
Mahomes heroically wrestled the ball away from Ekereke to recover the ball, saving a go-ahead Giants touchdown.
Harrison Butker
The Chiefs’ perennial kicker, Harrison Butker, continued his shaky start to the season. Butker missed a 40-yard field goal as well as an extra point in the second half, with another field goal doinking in off the left upright.
The usually ultra-reliable kicker has now missed four kicks in the first three games: two extra points and two field goals.
Butker needs to get right quickly because the Chiefs need him desperately.
Offensive penalties
The lack of rhythm on offense was largely down to penalties on the offensive line. They had eight penalties for 85 yards, and also allowed two sacks.
Right tackle Jawaan Taylor had yet another penalty, taking his total to seven through the first three weeks, and a quite astonishing 50 since he joined Kansas City.
The Chiefs need to bench Taylor and see what they have in Jaylon Moore because surely he cannot be any worse.
Positives
Defense
Having lit the world on fire last week, the Giants offense and Russell Wilson were stifled by Steve Spagnuolo’s defensive gameplan.
Dominant defense was the hallmark of this win for the Chiefs.
The pass rush finally contributed, with sacks from edge rusher George Karlaftis and perennial All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones.
The secondary recorded their first turnovers of the season with interceptions from cornerbacks Jaylen Watson and Chris Rolland-Wallace.
Russell Wilson was under consistent pressure and the Chiefs held the Giants to 1-of-10 on third downs. Superstar wideout Malik Nabers was also blanketed, recording only two catches for 13 yards after logging 167 yards and two touchdowns a week ago.
Tyquan Thorton
Tyquan Thorton continues to be the difference maker for the Chiefs on offense. The former Patriots castaway has already built a great connection with Mahomes, and they linked up again on a beautiful touchdown in the third quarter.
Despite being unable to haul in an incredible attempt in the fourth quarter, Mahomes went back to him again.
Thornton contorted his body to make an amazing catch, setting the Chiefs up at their opposition’s one-yard line, from where Kareem Hunt bulldozed his way in for the game-sealing touchdown. Thornton ened up with five receptions for 71 yards and a score.
The Chiefs still have work to do on offense if they want to make another championship run.
However, their dominant defense and Mahomes’ growing connection with Thornton give them enough firepower to stay competitive until the rest of their offensive stars return to full form.
