The Kansas City Chiefs pulled off another nail-biter, defeating the Carolina Panthers 30-27 Sunday afternoon. The Chiefs’ new kicker Spencer Shrader with his big moment yet as a Chiefs, came through on the 31-yard field goal that sealed Kansas City’s victory as time expired, pushing Kansas City to a 10-1 record on the season.
Despite struggles all day on defense, the Chiefs offense were the ones for a change that carried much of the load in the game. Led by Patrick Mahomes late-game heroics, which included a key 32-yard pass that set up the game-winning field goal. Kansas City had relative ease getting whatever they wanted on that side of the ball. However, the same thing can be said for Carolina, whose late-game flurry kept the pressure on, but Kansas City proved once again that when it’s crunch time, they, more times than not, will come through and find a way to win.
Kansas City Chiefs Take Control Early
The game started with a bang for Kansas City as running back Samaje Perine opened with a 56-yard kickoff return to set up the opening drive. Mahomes connected with Noah Gray on a 35-yard touchdown pass, giving the Chiefs a 7-0 lead just 1:25 into the game. That first-quarter touchdown drive was also the first of the season for Mahomes and this Chiefs offense.
Then, on the Panthers’ first offense series of the game, they were able to move the ball down the field against the Chiefs’ defense but stalled out in the red zone and had to settle for a 30-yard field goal, which was good, and they got on the board 7-3 with 9:24 left in the first quarter.
The Kansas City Chiefs offense slowed down a bit on the next series but managed another score late in the opening quarter. After some impressive red-zone coverage from Carolina, Shrader nailed a 25-yard field goal, extending the lead to 10-3. The Panthers ended the quarter threatening, but the Chiefs’ defense held firm at their 13-yard line.
The second quarter began with Carolina being unable to get into the endzone once again and having to settle for another goal opportunity after their eight-play drive stalled. Kansas City responded on the very next drive by getting back on track and went down the field on a 14-play, 92-yard touchdown drive, capped by another Gray reception. Gray now had back-to-back games with at least two touchdowns, which puts him at four touchdowns on the season, a career-high. At halftime, the Chiefs led 20-9, controlling the clock and the momentum.
Carolina Panthers Close the Gap
Carolina came out firing in the third quarter on their first series of the half, going on a 15-play, 70-yard drive to score their first touchdown of the day. Bryce Young found wide receiver David Moore on a 1-yard pass, narrowing Kansas City’s lead to 20-16 with 6:26 remaining in the third quarter.
Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs responded in signature fashion. A 10-play, 75-yard drive culminated in a 3-yard touchdown pass to DeAndre Hopkins, pushing the score to 27-16. Patrick Mahomes recorded his second straight game with at least three passing touchdowns, and the Chiefs offense continues to stay in rhythm.
The Chiefs’ defense, on the other hand, a defense known for its bend but don’t break mentality began to show cracks, allowing consistent big gains by the Panthers. Despite the struggles, the Chiefs managed to entered the fourth quarter with an 11-point advantage.
Late Drama and a Walk-Off Win
Then Carolina struck early in the fourth quarter, converting a 33-yard field goal to make it a one-score game at 27-19. Then the Kansas Chiefs punted for the first time of the day, but their defense stepped up and forced a quick three-and-out, giving Mahomes a chance to ice the game. However, penalties and poor execution forced another punt on the offense, setting the stage for the Panthers to tie the game and force overtime.
With just over three minutes remaining, the Panthers capitalized on a short field and drove right down it in five plays to score a touchdown. The two-point attempt was also successful, and the game was tied up at 27-27 with 1:46 left on the clock in the fourth quarter.
Then Patrick Mahomes did what he’s done for years since he’s been with the Chiefs. Mahomes put on his cape, and came through in the clutch, leading the Chiefs into field goal range with a 32-yard run, setting up Shrader for the game-winning field goal try. The rookie kicker delivered, hitting the game-winning 31-yard field goal as time expired.
Final Thoughts
Although the Kansas City’s Chiefs have shown improvement offensively, scoring 30 points for just the second time this season. Their defense has become a point of concern. This is now the second consecutive game, where they give up at least 27 points to an opponent.
Yet, a win is a win because no matter the opponent there are no gimmes in the NFL, and the Chiefs found a way to get back into the win column. Up next, they will host divisional rivals Las Vegas Raiders back on Black Friday, as they look to clean up some things on both sides of the ball and move ever closer to locking up the division and No. 1 seed in the AFC.
