Funviralpark Offense (Brian Stewart)
For Chiefs fans, Saturday’s game was a little different than they’re used to this year. Defense took up most of the weight, and offense was enough to secure the next big win.
Patrick Mahomes put in more than enough clean performances to keep him on top of the NFL’s MVP race. Mahomes finished with 224 passing yards, 3 total touchdowns and no turnovers. Tight end Travis Kelce was Kansas City’s only receiving target with 32 or more yards, finishing with 113 total yards.
The rushing offense had its ups and downs, but it fared much better in the first half than it did in the second half. Isaiah Pacheco had a solid 58 rushing yards on 14 carries.
It was clear to the live viewers that Kansas City was struggling with dropping passes during the game. The blistering cold certainly played a role, but it’s still disheartening to see an offense stalled in such a fashion regardless of the circumstances. After a brutal drop pass against the Texans, he made two key drops that led to first-down conversions.
The Chiefs’ offense is trying to keep things smooth going into the playoffs, so it would be nice to get more receivers like Skye Moore, Mekor Hardman, and Kadarius Toney involved. It has more speed and agility than any other offensive weapon. Hardman’s return from injury is likely next week, and he will certainly provide a nice boost.
The offense can take solace in knowing they’re leading the way with likely MVPs of the league, but it’s nice to see the defense take over the game.
Offensive 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 controlled the tempo, he didn’t give Seattle any chance to produce a turnover. Mahomes also sealed the game with a touchdown that highlighted his reel rushing and made the score he made 24-3 late in the fourth quarter.
Defense (Caleb James)
After two straight weeks of defenses being wrecked by two of the league’s least effective offenses, the Chiefs’ defense needed to strengthen in the worst possible way. They responded with a light-out performance against Seattle, holding the Seahawks to just 10 points.
Kansas City showed dominance on third down, holding the Seattle offense to just two conversions on 14 attempts and three conversions on fourth down on six attempts. This ability to come off the field prevented the Seahawks from gaining an offensive rhythm early in the game. Their first four drives ended with three punts and one turnover. A goal line stand just before the half held the Seahawks to a field goal. The defense allowed only one touchdown, which he did. This was the 4th quarter scoring as the Chiefs led him 24-3.
The battle was won before. The Seahawks ran back Kenneth Walker for an eventual 107-yard rush, but he didn’t fare until the Chiefs had a two-possession lead in the second half. Rookie first-round draft picks George Karraftis and Trent McDuffie led the way on defense. Juan Thornhill scored his interception in the end of his zone and Chris his Jones recorded his 12th sack of the season to close out the match.
Defensive Player in the Game: Defensive End George Karraftis
Two clutch third-down plays from Karlaftis set the Chiefs up for an early lead. First, he recorded his pass batting for the seventh time this season, and this leads all his NFL defensive linemen. On the third down sack, he did a good job getting around the edge and closing in on Geno Smith before removing the ball. With sacks, he has a 4.5 this season, which ranks him third among rookies. Kansas City’s defensive line took the lead in Week 17, with Karrafutis being the catalyst.
