Chiefs report card: Defensive failures & offense didn’t do enough to beat Dallas
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Mahomes threw 4 TD passes but Chiefs' loss drops team to 6-6 and wounds playoff chances.
- Pass defense collapsed on third down and deep plays, allowing Prescott 320 passing yards.
- Run defense and ball control failed: Dallas rushed 137 yards; KC punted 4 straight times.
The Chiefs fell to the Dallas Cowboys 31-28 on Thursday, failing to ride the momentum of last week’s stirring overtime triumph over the Indianapolis Colts.
Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who grew up in Texas, threw four touchdown passes in his first game as a Chiefs starter inside AT&T Stadium. But it wasn’t enough as the Chiefs fell to 6-6 and further damaged their playoff hopes.
Here’s more about the Thanksgiving Day Week 13 NFL game, including our weekly report card:
KC STAR OF THE GAME
For the second straight game, wide receiver Rashee Rice gets the nod. He followed his 141-yard effort last weekend with 92 yards and two touchdowns in this Thanksgiving Day game.
Next: By playing on Thursday, the Chiefs have a mini-bye, and will face the Houston Texans on Sunday, Dec. 7 at 7:20 p.m. The game will be on NBC (Channel 41 in Kansas City).
REPORT CARD
Passing offense: B
The Chiefs couldn’t have started better. Their second snap produced a 27-yard touchdown to Rice, and the Chiefs capped the second drive with a remarkably precise 2-yard dart to Travis Kelce on fourth-and-2.
But two more possessions were undone by Josh Simmons’ holding penalties as the Cowboys soared ahead for a three-point halftime lead.
Mahomes’ second touchdown to Rice also came on fourth down, this one from the 3, and Rice twisted his body to make the leaping grab.
By the fourth quarter, the Chiefs were down starting tackles Jawaan Taylor (elbow) and Simmons (wrist) and Jaylon Moore and Wanya Morris finished the game in their place. The Chiefs were already missing guard Trey Smith (ankle).
Rushing offense: C
Isiah Pacheco returned and the Chiefs looked to ease him back into action while riding Kareem Hunt.
Hunt was effective early on, but the Chiefs fell behind and went away from the run. Hunt finished with 58 yards and Pacheco had 16 yards on three carries.
Mahomes’ scrambles again were successful and sometimes necessary against a Cowboys pass rush that picked up after the first two series. The killer for the Chiefs: four straight possessions that ended in punts in the second and third quarters.
Passing defense: F
The game opened with one of the best defensive plays of the season. Pressure on a blitz by Jalen Hicks forced a bad throw by Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. The ball dropped into the arms of cornerback Jaylen Watson.
The Chiefs had their first takeaway in four games, and turned it into a touchdown.
But after that, Prescott and the Dallas passing game had their way, especially on third down. A dagger in the fourth quarter: CeeDee Lamb got behind the defense and hauled in a 51-yard reception to spark a Cowboys scoring drive that pushed the lead to two scores.
The Chiefs blew a golden opportunity in the fourth quarter when Trent McDuffie forced a fumble by George Pickens after a reception. KaVontae Turpin beat the Chiefs to the ball on the recovery.
Prescott finished with 320 passing yards.
Rushing defense: D
Malik Davis’ 43-yard touchdown run up the middle gave the Cowboys their first lead. Run defense had been a strength all season but not on this day. Dallas rushed for 137 yards.
Special teams: B
Thursday’s effort was a good comeback game for the Chiefs’ special teams after a few mostly off-weeks.
First, they committed no penalties on returns. Then they got a good kickoff return from Brashard Smith. Punter Matt Araiza put four punts inside the 20, and Kevin Knowles was clutch in downing two of them, including one at the Dallas 1-yard line in the fourth quarter.
This story was originally published November 27, 2025 at 7:08 PM.