KANSAS CITY, Mo. — In a commanding performance on Monday night, the Kansas City Chiefs showcased their offensive prowess in a 28-7 victory over the Washington Commanders. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce, despite a rocky start, delivered a stellar show, with Kelce achieving a season-best 99 receiving yards.
The game opened on a challenging note for Kelce, who saw his first target result in a 1-yard loss and the second being intercepted by linebacker Bobby Wagner after he failed to secure the catch. However, Kelce quickly bounced back, highlighting his importance in the Chiefs’ offense. His 10-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter not only extended the Chiefs’ lead to 14 points but also marked his 83rd career touchdown, tying him with former running back Priest Holmes for the most in franchise history.
Kelce’s performance was not the only highlight. Mahomes achieved a notable milestone as well, joining only two other quarterback-tight end duos in NFL history—Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski, as well as Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates—in recording 75 combined touchdowns in regular and playoff games.
Defensively, the Chiefs experienced a standout moment from Mike Danna, who intercepted a pass in the first quarter—his first career interception—and later recorded his first sack of the season. Danna’s contributions were crucial in stifling Washington’s offense.
Statistically, the Chiefs demonstrated their efficiency on fourth down, converting two key attempts against the Commanders. This season, with Mahomes at the helm, the Chiefs have a remarkable success rate of 87.5% on fourth downs, having converted 14 of 16 attempts.
The Commanders, now struggling at 3-5, faced numerous challenges throughout the game, including injuries to key players such as quarterback Jayden Daniels and left tackle Laremy Tunsil. Although they managed to keep pace with the Chiefs in the first half, they faltered in the second half, allowing Kansas City to capitalize on their missteps.
Quarterback Marcus Mariota’s performance was respectable, completing 21 of 30 passes for 213 yards and one touchdown, but he faced significant hurdles, including key drops and interceptions. The Commanders’ inability to establish a run game, finishing with just 60 rushing yards, compounded their troubles as they seek to regroup for their upcoming match against the Seattle Seahawks.
Looking ahead, the Chiefs are optimistic as they prepare for a crucial game against the Buffalo Bills, with the potential return of defensive starters bolstering their squad. Meanwhile, the Commanders must address their inconsistencies as they strive to revive their season.