As the Kansas City Chiefs returned to San Francisco, they brought all of the drama with them. This matchup was a battle between who could perform better in the red zone, which both teams have struggled with so far this season. Both quarterbacks struggled, and the defenses on both sides were the deciding factors.
While both quarterbacks struggled, it was clear that 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy had a less-than-ideal game. By the end of the game, Purdy had three interceptions and failed to score almost every time the Chiefs were in the red zone. Patrick Mahomes finished with two interceptions but also had the last laugh, with the Chiefs winning the game.
Mahomes Madness
While it seemed likely that Mahomes would be able to break out of the slump this season and get back to his MVP numbers, the first seven weeks of the season have proved that statistically, he hasn't gotten there yet. While his execution is still one of the best in the league, the Chiefs should be lucky they're still undefeated with his production.
Throughout six games, Mahomes has had more interceptions than touchdowns. He has gone two games in a row without a passing touchdown and is beginning to rely on his legs more than in previous seasons.
In the game against the 49ers, he had his lowest completion percentage of the season, a very low 59.3%. In comparison, Aaron Rodgers had a slightly higher completion percentage in the New York Jets' embarrassing loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. This can leave many fans wondering if Mahomes was on a team other than the Chiefs right now and if his record would be much worse.
In Demand Defense
Once again, the defense stepped up when it was needed. The defense held the 49ers to only 58 rushing yards and has allowed the fewest rushing yards in the entire league so far this season. Purdy was unsuccessful in almost every attempt in the red zone and also had an abysmal completion percentage on third down.
As expected, the defense only struggled against George Kittle in this game, allowing him 92 yards. The defense against tight ends is one of the only complaints fans can have about this unit this year.
The defensive rookies have been the perfect compliment this season and have been improving with every play. Chris Roland-Wallace was brought into the game for Jaylen Watson and immediately made an impact. Safety Jaden Hicks came away from the game with an interception and has also been an impactful rookie this season.
It Takes Everyone
In a season like this, everyone on the team is valuable. With injuries piling up, this is only going to become truer. In the wake of Marquise Brown's injury, Rashee Rice stepped up. In the wake of Rice's injury, Juju Smith-Schuster stepped up. Now, receivers, whom many thought would be backups, also have to stand up.
On offense, rookie Xavier Worthy continues to prove why he is so important for the team. While Travis Kelce is struggling but starting to become his former self again, tight-end Noah Gray is bringing in the catches. Kareem Hunt has been a very reliable running-back after the injury to Isiah Pacheco, and accounted for two touchdowns in this game.
On the defense, undrafted rookie cornerback Roland-Wallace made an important catch in the game. After Watson went down with an ankle injury, he stepped up and caught an interception that stopped San Francisco in the third quarter. Hicks, another rookie, also had an interception off of Purdy in the end zone.
How Long Can This Last?
It's no secret that at this point in the season, the Chiefs are running with what they have and somehow winning games. With mounting injuries and players not even projected to be on the roster serving as starters, it's easy to wonder if this is all sustainable.
Smith-Schuster's injury late in the week proved costly in this game. He entered the game for a few plays and then was out for the rest of the game. The Chiefs had to rely on rushing attempts to score. Against stronger defenses, relying too heavily on the run game will be difficult.
Heading into the game against the Raiders, Smith-Schuster will be unavailable, only adding to the chaos in the wide receiver's room. With an already struggling offense, traveling to Las Vegas with the "backup" receivers is not ideal. It does not seem like the Chiefs will trade for another receiver, but it might be a good thing for them to look into.
Up Next: Las Vegas Raiders
The Chiefs will head to Las Vegas for their first game this season against the Raiders. This is yet another 3:25 p.m. CT game for the Chiefs. The Raiders are coming off of three straight losses, and might be looking for redemption against the Chiefs.
This will be the first time the Chiefs are facing the Raiders since the loss on Christmas day. That also happened to be the last time the Chiefs lost a game. As long as the Chiefs keep their confidence, they should be able to improve to 7-0.
Final Score: Chiefs 28, 49ers 18
Jones' Three Stars
1st Star - Kareem Hunt
22 carries, 78 yards, 2 TDs
2nd Star - Mecole Hardman
55 Yard Punt Return, 1 TD
3rd Star - Chris Roland-Wallace
1 INT
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