Chiefs

SportsBeat KC podcast: Congrats, Chiefs, on making the playoffs. But problems remain...

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) runs for a touchdown against the Houston Texans during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) runs for a touchdown against the Houston Texans during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) AP

The Chiefs outgained the Houston Texans 502 yards to 219, held an overwhelming advantage in first downs (33-18) and controlled the ball for 10 minutes longer than their hosts. Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes completed 20 straight passes in Sunday’s game at NRG Stadium.

So why did the Chiefs need overtime to record a 30-24 victory over a team that dropped to 1-12-1 this season? Let’s count the ways: Two fumbles, 10 penalties and a missed field goal and extra point, for starters.

The Chiefs bumbled enough to keep the game close. But in the end they found a way to get it done. A big play by the defense, forcing and recovering a fumble, and Jerick McKinnon’s 26-yard touchdown run in overtime made the difference.

On today’s SportsBeat KC podcast, we cover it all with columnist Vahe Gregorian and beat writer Herbie Teope. This wasn’t a championship performance from the Chiefs, but it was good enough to clinch their seventh straight AFC West title.

And in the end, that’s the most important takeaway for a team that nearly gave it away twice.

Story link:

Five things that stood out about the Chiefs’ eked-out win in overtime at Houston Texans

Blair Kerkhoff
The Kansas City Star
Blair Kerkhoff has covered sports for The Kansas City Star since 1989. He was elected to the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2023.
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