What we learned from Kansas City Chiefs’ last-second 26-25 win vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Add “fourth-and-16” to Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ highlight-reel list of magical fourth-quarter comebacks.
With KC facing fourth-and-long late in the game trailing by two, Mahomes rolled left to extend the play before tossing a deep throw to receiver Rashee Rice; that pass drew an interference penalty on Cincinnati’s Daijahn Anthony, who went over Rice’s back too early.
The 29-yard markoff preceded Harrison Butker ending things, as the KC kicker put through a 51-yard field goal on the game’s final play in the Chiefs’ 26-25 home victory over their rivals on Sunday.
KC improved to 2-0 but also faces significant questions looking ahead.
That starts at left tackle, where rookie Kingsley Suamataia was beaten so often that he was benched for the game’s final quarter.
That move didn’t go well either, as backup Wanya Morris was flagged for illegal hands in the face on KC’s final drive, setting up the fourth-and-long play that Mahomes saved.
The Bengals took a 16-10 lead into half after a mistake-filled first 30 minutes for the Chiefs.
Early on, KC drove the ball effectively while taking advantage of a beleaguered Cincinnati defensive line that also lost D-tackle BJ Hill to a hamstring injury.
The Chiefs’ efficiency, however, didn’t result in many points. KC stalled at the 1-yard line on its first possession, with coach Andy Reid electing for a chip-shot field goal.
Mahomes also tossed an interception to Akeem Davis-Gaither, and later, rookie fullback Carson Steele fumbled on an inside run that the Bengals’ Germaine Pratt recovered.
Meanwhile, Cincinnati thrived offensively by repeatedly throwing to tight ends while targeting KC’s linebackers.
Tight ends Drew Sample, Mike Gesicki and Erick All Jr. combined for nine catches and 113 yards in the first half, with the Chiefs defenders repeatedly not able to close ground quickly enough over the middle of the field.
Rice had the Chiefs’ first-half touchdown, catching a 44-yard sideline dart from Mahomes. According to Next Gen Stats, it was Mahomes’ first touchdown pass that went 40-plus yards in the air since the 2021 season.
The Chiefs play on the road against the Atlanta Falcons at 7:20 p.m. Central on Sunday, Sept. 22.
This story was originally published September 15, 2024 at 6:38 PM.
