4 takeaways from Chiefs’ AFC divisional spherical win vs. Jaguars
The story of this recreation begins and ends with the ankle damage sustained by Patrick Mahomes within the first half, which might have large implications on the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs’ playoff hopes shifting ahead.
Although they had been outmatched by Kansas Metropolis from the beginning, the Jacksonville Jaguars fought arduous on this recreation, and definitely gave the Chiefs a run for his or her cash. With simply extra one recreation standing between Kansas Metropolis and a shot at one other Tremendous Bowl ring, Mahomes might want to lick his wounds within the coming days to win an important recreation subsequent week.
Listed here are 4 key takeaways from the Chiefs’ Divisional Spherical win over the Jaguars:
Travis Kelce was the offense’s brightest star after Mahomes’ damage
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Kelce introduced in 14 receptions on 17 targets on this matchup, ending the sport simply two yards shy of triple digits in yardage and with a landing to indicate for his effort. He offered a dependable outlet for Chad Henne within the backup’s restricted motion, and although he and Mahomes seemed a bit out of sync within the second half, he nonetheless managed to make a huge effect on the sport’s final result.
If Mahomes is unable to play at full energy subsequent weekend, look ahead to Kelce to play a large function within the Chiefs’ recreation plan as they appear to finest their subsequent opponent.
Derrick Nnadi’s third-quarter sack could be the play of the weekend
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Nnadi has been a stable contributor on the Chiefs’ protection for a while now however isn’t precisely recognized for making eye-popping performs as a cross rusher. That modified in opposition to the Jaguars, as his sack of Trevor Lawrence within the third quarter may show to be essentially the most thrilling spotlight play of the weekend.
Take a look at the play right here, and see how shortly Nnadi received into the pocket to degree Lawrence:
With extra performs like this in opposition to their opponent within the AFC Championship recreation, Nnadi might make a reputation for himself as one of many key presences on the Chiefs’ line of defense.
Isiah Pacheco led the best way for Kansas Metropolis on the bottom
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With out the flexibility to work his improvisational magic, Mahomes turned to rookie working again Isiah Pacheco to get the offense rolling on the bottom. It labored to exceptional impact and helped Kansas Metropolis hold the Jaguars off the sector whereas giving the Chiefs’ protection time to regroup.
In a recreation that got here all the way down to only a one-score lead on the remaining whistle, Pacheco’s wonderful efficiency made all of the distinction. If Mahomes has the good thing about one other profession day from Pacheco subsequent week, the Chiefs might discover themselves within the Tremendous Bowl.
Late interception proves that Chiefs protection can shine in large moments
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Kansas Metropolis’s protection has had a tough time in opposition to sure opponents this season however appears to have saved their finest soccer for the tip of the yr. Trevor Lawrence’s second-half effort in opposition to the Los Angeles Chargers final week was effectively documented, and for the Chiefs to have held him to only 20 complete factors and beneath 225 yards passing appears like one thing of a miracle.
Rookie cornerbacks Jaylen Watson and Trent McDuffie helped hold Kansas Metropolis’s secondary a step forward of the Jaguars’ receiving corps, and Frank Clark managed to get into the motion within the cross rush with a sack. When the Chiefs’ protection performs like they did in opposition to Jacksonville, they’re practically unbeatable.