What we learned about Kansas City Chiefs in 27-17 win vs. New England Patriots
Coming into Sunday, the Kansas City Chiefs had not lost three games in a row during Patrick Mahomes’ six years as a starter.
And they still haven’t — with Mahomes having plenty to do with that in KC’s 27-17 road victory over the New England Patriots on Sunday afternoon at Gillette Stadium.
The Chiefs, having lost four of six before Sunday, had the type of vintage Mahomes performance that fans have seen so often in recent years.
The QB was efficient. He completed deep passes. He improved those around him, even when they didn’t help him much.
And, by the end, Mahomes’ numbers didn’t truly reflect his effectiveness.
Mahomes completed 27 of 37 passes for 305 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Neither turnover was really his fault, however, with tight end Blake Bell having a pass taken from him and Kadarius Toney tossing a perfect throw over the middle into the hands of a nearby defender.
The Chiefs led 14-10 at the half while overcoming a couple of significant miscues.
Mahomes not only had the interception off Bell’s arms, but Harrison Butker missed a 41-yard missed field goal — his first unsuccessful kick of the season.
Outside those two snaps, however, the Chiefs put together an efficient half. Mahomes completed 13 of 15 passes before the break for 183 yards, and that included a pair of downfield throws to Noah Gray and Justin Watson.
Jerick McKinnon threw for a touchdown on a tricky red-zone play, then added an eight-yard TD reception just before half to give KC its four-point advantage.
The biggest play in the second half was from the Chiefs defense. Linebacker Willie Gay had an interception in the third quarter that set up a red-zone drive and helped KC take a two-touchdown lead.
KC (9-5) will host the Las Vegas Raiders at noon Central Time on Monday, Dec. 25.
This story was originally published December 17, 2023 at 3:04 PM.
