Offense (Bryan Stewart)
For Chiefs fans, Saturday’s game was a little different from what we’re used to seeing this year: the defense carried most of the weight while the offense did just enough to secure another win. important.
Patrick Mahomes put on another clean performance that was more than enough to maintain his lead in the NFL MVP race. Mahomes finished with 224 passing yards, three total touchdowns and no turnovers. Tight end Travis Kelce was Kansas City’s only receiving target to go over 32 yards, finishing with 113 total.
The rushing offense was top to bottom – but much better in the first half than in the second. Isiah Pacheco recorded 58 rushing yards on 14 carries.
For the live viewer, it was clear Kansas City was struggling with dropped passes throughout the game. The brutally cold weather surely played a part, but regardless of the circumstances, it’s still disheartening to see the stall offense play out in this way. Wide receiver Justin Watson had two key drops that would have resulted in first-down conversions – this after he had a brutal pass against the Houston Texans A week ago.
As the Chiefs’ offense works to smooth things over on their way to the playoffs, it would be nice to involve receivers like Skyy Moore, Mecole Hardman and Kadarius Tony more. These players have more speed and agility than any other offensive weapon on the team. Hardman’s return from injury is set to take place next week – and he’s sure to provide a nice boost.
The offense can take solace in knowing they have the likely league MVP in the lead – but it was great to see the defense take control of the game.
Offensive Player of the Game: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes
Well, who else? Mahomes did what it took to win the game: on a day when Kansas City’s defense ruled the tempo, he gave Seattle no opportunity to create turnovers. Mahomes also sealed the game with a rushing touchdown, making it 24-3 late in the fourth quarter.
Defense (Caleb James)
After two straight weeks in which the defense was nicked by two of the league’s weakest offenses, the Chiefs’ defense needed to step up in the worst possible way. They responded with an off performance against Seattle, holding the Seahawks to just 10 points.
With a dominant performance on third down, Kansas City limited Seattle’s offense to just two conversions in 14 attempts — and just three fourth conversions in six attempts. This ability to get off the field prevented the Seahawks from getting an offensive rhythm early in the game; Their first four drives resulted in three punts and a turnover on downs. A goal-line position just before halftime held the Seahawks to a field goal. The defense allowed just one touchdown — a fourth-quarter score as the Chiefs led 24-3.
The battle was won up front. While Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker would find himself with 107 rushing yards, he didn’t start until the Chiefs had a two-possession lead in the second half. First-round draft picks of rookies George Karlaftitis and Trent McDuffie led the way on defense: Karlaftis with a third-down slap and a first-half sack, and McDuffie with five total tackles and a sticky coverage all afternoon. Juan Thornhill recorded an interception in the end zone and Chris Jones closed the game with his 12th sack of the season.
Defensive Player of the Game: Defensive End George Karlaftis
Two Karlaftis third down plays set the stage for the Chiefs to take an early lead. First, he recorded his seventh at-bat of the season, leading all defensive linemen in the NFL. On his third sack, he did a good job rounding the edge and closing in on Geno Smith before he could get rid of the ball. The sack put him at 4.5 for the season, which ranks him third among rookies. Kansas City’s defensive line led the way in Week 17 — and Karlaftis served as the catalyst that set it in motion.
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