Identical to the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs’ first two video games of the season, their 22-17 victory over the Atlanta Falcons was a troublesome matchup towards a gifted crew that ended up being nearer than we would have imagined. On every event, Kansas Metropolis appeared to go away some factors on the sector that might have expanded its margin of victory — however late in every sport, the protection discovered a approach to shut down their opponent.
Listed below are just a few standouts from Sunday night time’s contest, because the Chiefs received to 3-0 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Winners
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Linebacker Nick Bolton: All of his early-season struggles have been forgotten when the Chiefs’ MIKE linebacker ended Atlanta’s comeback hopes with an unforgettable fourth-down deal with for loss. Bolton regarded like his previous self once more, amassing eight complete tackles — three of them behind the road of scrimmage.
Operating again Carson Steele: The largest story round 1 Arrowhead Drive throughout this previous week was shedding Isiah Pacheco to damage — and the way the crew would fill the void. Steele stepped up, outgaining each of the Falcons’ well-regarded backs mixed. Steele registered 74 complete yards, demonstrating nice ball safety and the flexibility to transform short-yardage conditions. He’s earned an extended look — even when extra assist is on the market on the place.
Broad receiver Rashee Rice: Since we anticipated this season would characteristic extra deep passing, we thought it could possibly be a great one for the previous SMU wideout; extra alternatives could be opened for beneath routes. However by means of three video games, Rice is exceeding all expectations. He leads NFL receivers in receptions and yards after catch — and ranks second in receiving yards. Throughout Sunday’s first quarter, he had a diving catch to maneuver the chains — and that was simply considered one of seven first downs he transformed. He’d end with 12 catches on 14 targets for 110 yards and a landing. These are numbers we’d count on from a No. 1 extensive receiver.
Punter Matt Araiza: His three punts averaged 48 yards, which was advantageous. However the unbelievable catch he made on a excessive snap turned a late-game catastrophe right into a field-flipping play. He’s profiting from his second likelihood within the league.
Linebacker Leo Chenal: You received’t see a lot within the field rating — however on Kansas Metropolis’s game-sealing play, you possibly can’t miss the previous Wisconsin Badger. The Chiefs’ line of defense —that includes Chenal towards a double crew — blew up the center of the Falcons’ offensive line, dooming the play even earlier than Bolton knifed into the backfield. Chenal is getting snaps at a number of positions (together with fullback) and has confirmed to be a powerful, disruptive (and much-improved participant) in almost each one.
Broad receiver Juju Smith-Schuster: Kansas Metropolis didn’t carry him again to place up enormous numbers — however within the final couple of weeks, he’s proven us precisely what he’s right here to do: all of the soiled work required of a Chiefs extensive receiver (like blocking downfield) to assist his crew win. On Sunday, Smith-Schuster was rewarded with a 13-yard landing reception.
Left deal with Wanya Morris: It seems just like the second-year participant will get extra alternatives to begin. He was stable towards the Falcons’ gifted protection. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes wasn’t sacked — and the crew might run the ball successfully. Better of all, Morris received all of it accomplished with out being penalized. We’ll see deeper evaluation of Morris’ play, however he regarded good because the starter.
Losers
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Security Justin Reid: Kansas Metropolis’s high security drew a troublesome project this week. Going through (and chasing) Atlanta tight finish Kyle Pitts isn’t straightforward; his measurement and velocity make him a matchup nightmare for any security or linebacker. Pitts left Reid within the mud on the sport’s longest play: a 50-yard catch within the first quarter. To this point this season, opposing backs and tight ends have feasted towards the Chiefs’ passing protection. We should always notice, nevertheless, that outdoors of the large play, the unit held Pitts and working again Bijan Robinson simply three receptions and 30 yards on six targets.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes: After the sport, Kansas Metropolis’s star quarterback spoke overtly about how he must play higher — and we noticed some large misses on Sunday night time. On a few of them, the Chiefs needed to accept a subject objective as a substitute of placing the sport out of attain. Mahomes additionally had an end-zone interception when he tried to pressure a contact cross to tight finish Noah Grey. For the second straight week, Mahomes helped lead his crew to victory — but in addition struggled in late drives that might have sealed the sport. Maybe we’re choosing nits — there’s not one other participant within the league we’d moderately have — and the crew is profitable video games even when he’s not at his finest. We simply need him to be at his finest.
Broad receiver Xavier Worthy: The primary-round decide was driving excessive after two large performs for touchdowns throughout Week 1. However since then, Worthy has had 4 catches for 34 yards on eight targets — and hasn’t fairly been capable of break away on designed runs. There have been a few cases the place he won’t have been in the precise spot on his routes, creating unhealthy outcomes. Struggles like these are fairly regular for rookies — however particularly when Kansas Metropolis is lacking considered one of its high receivers, we’d prefer to see Worthy doing extra together with his alternatives.
