Another week, another close Chiefs win. After a game-winning field goal from Harrison Butker, the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 26-25. The matchup between these two teams with a brewing rivalry was nothing short of exciting. Offensive miscues and defensive blunders happened throughout the game for both teams. If Ja'Marr Chase wants his thoughts about the Bengals to be true, he must ensure he steps it up for the team (especially improve on not getting penalties like that).
While the Chiefs prevailed in the game, it was another week where fans were left wondering about a call going Kansas City's way. In the fourth quarter, Bengals safety Daijahn Anthony was called for defensive pass interference after running through Rashee Rice's back. While many agreed with the call, there was an outrage on social media, believing only the Chiefs would get that call. Nevertheless, the call was made, and the Chiefs won the game.
Do MVP's Struggle Like This?
The season's first two games have certainly caused some controversy for Mahomes. Before the season started, it was heavily debated whether or not Mahomes could return to his MVP self. While it is still the start of the season, Mahomes' numbers are certainly not up to his caliber; currently, he has a QBR of 46.7 in two games and three interceptions. Strictly against the Bengals, Mahomes had a QBR of 30.6, along with two interceptions.
These numbers are concerning for a team whose defense is continuing to prevail again. While the defense got them to the Super Bowl last year, it will be hard for them to keep it up for an entire season.
Specifically, in the Bengals game, two interceptions are not something to marvel at. The Bengals' defense was not the strongest, and they committed several penalties that cost them the game. In the fourth quarter, the Chiefs had almost no offensive momentum and were only able to win the game due to a costly penalty.
Defense Again
Once again, the defense stole the show. The long and tired storyline from last season revolved around the offense putting the defense into a predicament and the defense pulling the team out of the hole. Sunday's game was no different, with Mahomes' three giveaways putting the defense in a hole early.
The defense turned a sparkling fourth quarter, inspired by Mahomes's second interception. Chris Jones blew up a screen pass, forcing Joe Burrow to throw an incompletion. Along with Mike Danna and Tershawn Watson, Jones forced Burrow to fumble the ball. Safety Chamarri Conner then scored a 38-yard defensive touchdown.
Most of the game saw the Bengals moving towards the red zone against the Chiefs' defense. However, they were able to defend when it mattered. Against Trent McDuffie, Chase barely had the chance to play. In big moments, the Chiefs' defense is always able to deliver.
What to do Without Brown
While the news of Marquise Brown's injury has plagued Chiefs camp for weeks now, the official diagnosis will shake the team for the entire season. In the preseason, Brown suffered a sternoclavicular injury, sidelining him for at least the first few games. While at first, many believed it would be able to heal on its own and allow him to choose rehab over surgery, that was hardly the case.
On Saturday, it was announced that Brown would be out the entire season after scheduling his surgery. When Brown was brought in on a one-year deal this offseason, he was supposed to be a part of the new-look offense for the Chiefs. However, the team will have to operate without him for the entirety of the season.
Going forward, the Chiefs can either choose to continue on with the same offense they have used the past two games, or they can try and trade for another playmaker. While the team has won both of their games this season, the offense has definitely been inconsistent, mostly due to Mahomes' inaccuracies. As long as Rashee Rice is able to play without suspension and Xavier Worthy is able to develop properly, the Chiefs should be okay without Brown.
The Pacheco News
During the game on Sunday, Isiah Pacheco injured his ankle. As the team was leaving the stadium, Pacheco was pictured in a walking boot with crutches. On Monday, it was announced that Pacheco will land on IR with a fractured fibula, and will be undergoing surgery.
This news comes as a huge blow for the Chiefs. Pacheco served as the team's primary running back, and gathered most of the rushing snaps. Usual backup Clyde Edwards-Helaire is currently on the Non Football Injury List, and cannot return to game action until at least the fifth game of the season. For right now, the Chiefs will have to operate with Carson Steele and Samaje Perine as their running backs.
Pacheco has been one of the shining stars on the offense, and his presence will most certainly be missed. In the first two games of the season, Pacheco had 34 carries for 135 yards. As the team continues after the injury, they will look for other running backs, both in and out of the organization, to fill the role that Pacheco fills. As of right now, Pacheco will be out at least six weeks.
Up Next: Atlanta Falcons
On Sunday, September 22, the Chiefs will travel to Atlanta to face the Falcons and quarterback Kirk Cousins at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. After two harder matchups, the Chiefs will get a better chance to showcase what their offense can do against a Falcons team that has the potential to start the season 0-2.
As long as Patrick Mahomes can put together a decent game, the team should have no trouble moving forward. The defense has proven in the first two games that it can stop any offensive showing.
Final Score: Chiefs 26, Bengals 25
Jones' Three Stars
1st Star - Harrison Butker
2-2 FG and 2-2 XP (game winning field goal)
2nd Star - Chamarri Conner
6 tackles, 1 sack, 1 TD
3rd Star - Rashee Rice
75 yards, 5 receptions, 1 TD
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