Three numbers that mattered in Kansas City Chiefs’ 44-21 win vs. Arizona Cardinals
Here are three numbers that helped determine the result of the Kansas City Chiefs’ 44-21 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at State Farm Stadium.
6 for 6
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said earlier this offseason he hoped the addition of bigger targets would “open up the offense even more. I think you’ve seen some of that, especially in the red zone.”
Through one game, that seems to have followed through.
The Chiefs — utilizing coach Andy Reid’s creative playbook while also taking advantage of taller players like tight end Jody Fortson — finished the game 6 for 6 on touchdowns with its red-zone trips.
That impressive execution kept Arizona from keeping it a game in the second half.
360, 35
Mahomes continued his run of being ridiculous in season openers — while also continuing a trend from the end of last year where he was lethal without a large number of explosive plays.
On Sunday, Mahomes completed 30 of 39 passes for 360 yards. That production, it should be noted, came without the Chiefs completing a pass of more than 35 yards.
It’s hard to beat the Chiefs any week, but almost impossible when Mahomes is reading the defense and sidestepping tacklers to make weird-angle throws like he did against Arizona.
8
When the game was in doubt the first three quarters, the Chiefs defense looked fast while avoiding major mistakes.
Arizona’s offense mostly foundered because of that. The Cardinals had just eight first downs in the first three quarters, as the Chiefs built a 37-7 lead.
KC’s inexperienced secondary didn’t get burned deep. Safety Juan Thornhill had a couple pass breakups, and the Chiefs’ tackling was sound.
Because of that, Arizona had just one touchdown on its first seven non-kneel possessions; on four of those drives, the Cardinals failed to get a first down.
This story was originally published September 11, 2022 at 6:32 PM.
