KANSAS CITY, Mo. — In a thrilling match last week, the Kansas City Chiefs clinched a victory through a 51-yard field goal by kicker Harrison Butker as time expired, following a win that was also determined by a close play involving toe-dragging. The Chiefs faced off against the Cincinnati Bengals, trailing by two points with 2:35 left on the clock, when they regained possession of the ball.
Despite struggling throughout the game with only 138 passing yards and two interceptions at that point, quarterback Patrick Mahomes demonstrated his signature ability to perform under pressure. The game unfolded in a tense atmosphere at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, and although the officials played a role in the outcome, Mahomes’ resilience led to a 26-25 triumph.
Kansas City started the season strong, improving to 2-0 with victories over the Ravens and Bengals. A pivotal moment occurred when Mahomes connected with Rashee Rice on fourth-and-16 after an earlier fourth-and-6 conversion was nullified by a penalty against a backup lineman. This led to a defensive pass interference call, allowing Butker to step up and secure the win with his second field goal of the matchup.
During the week, Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt made headlines with unflattering remarks about Chiefs rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy, downplaying his contributions to the team’s offense. This did not go unnoticed, as Mahomes responded by throwing a stunning 44-yard touchdown pass to Rice, tying the game early in the second quarter.
The touchdown was significant for both players: it marked Rice’s longest reception in his career and ended Mahomes’ streak without a 40-plus yard touchdown since the previous season. Taylor-Britt later redeemed himself with a spectacular one-handed interception of Mahomes in the fourth quarter.
Notably, the Chiefs tapped into their short-yardage running game effectively with rookie fullback Carson Steele, who converted key plays to help maintain possession and advance toward the end zone.
Remarkably, Mahomes also threw a touchdown to Wanya Morris, a tackle-eligible tight end, in a creative play that fooled the Bengals’ defense. The touchdown celebration included a fun dance from Morris, reminiscent of 90s R&B vibes.
On defense, the Chiefs struggled early yet again, allowing points on their opponents’ opening drives in both home games this season, a stark contrast to their previous performance last year.
In terms of injuries, running back Isiah Pacheco limped off the field during the crucial final drive but managed 90 rushing yards and 21 receiving yards throughout the game. After the match, coach Andy Reid provided limited updates on Pacheco’s condition.
In a lighter note, pop star Taylor Swift was once again spotted at the game, serving as a good luck charm for the Chiefs. Kansas City is 12-3 when she attends games in person, and with her concert schedule easing, she might continue to support the Chiefs in their upcoming matches this season.