Chiefs survive OT, Mahomes injury scare to beat Bucs

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas Metropolis Chiefs have discovered their approach to 8-0 this season by successful in some inconceivable methods. Maybe none of them extra unlikely than their 30-24 extra time win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on “Monday Night time Soccer” at Arrowhead Stadium.

The Chiefs trailed by seven factors within the fourth quarter however rallied with two landing passes by Patrick Mahomes, who injured his ankle whereas throwing the primary one. He returned for the following offensive possession to guide a 15-play drive that consumed greater than eight minutes. Baker Mayfield led the Bucs on a landing drive to tie the rating within the remaining minute of regulation, pushing the sport to extra time, the place the Chiefs scored a landing on the primary possession for an computerized win.

DeAndre Hopkins was massive for the Chiefs after their latest commerce for the vast receiver with the Tennessee Titans. In his second recreation with Kansas Metropolis, Hopkins caught eight passes for 86 yards and scored two touchdowns.

Listed below are crucial issues to know from Monday evening for each groups:

QB breakdown: Mahomes received his first completion of 20 or extra air yards since Week 4 on a 35-yard cross to Hopkins within the first half. However that was Mahomes’ solely completion of greater than 20 air yards. He was additionally sacked 4 occasions.

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Hopkins follows up nice catch in site visitors along with his 1st Chiefs TD

DeAndre Hopkins hauls in an incredible catch in double protection, and some performs later, he will get his first landing as a Chief.

Most shocking efficiency: Kareem Hunt was having a troublesome recreation with 16 dashing yards on seven carries within the first half. However he rushed seven occasions for 47 yards on Kansas Metropolis’s tying landing drive to make it 17-17 with 14:14 left. He completed with 27 carries for 106 yards, together with the successful rating.

Describe the sport in two phrases: Gritty win. The Chiefs and their struggling offense appeared to be in bother trailing by seven factors within the fourth quarter. However they cobbled collectively two landing drives, one with a hobbled Mahomes after the ankle damage to take a 24-17 lead earlier than capping off a win in OT. — Adam Teicher

Subsequent recreation: vs. Broncos (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Regardless of being with out their high three vast receivers in Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan, the Bucs virtually knocked off the NFL’s solely undefeated group, however as a substitute, they’ve now dropped three straight. Huge receiver Ryan Miller caught a 1-yard landing cross from Mayfield to tie the rating 24-24. However their protection could not maintain on, with a 10-play extra time drive capped off by Hunt’s 2-yard landing.

The Bucs dropped under .500 for the primary time season. They’ve yet another recreation subsequent week internet hosting the San Francisco 49ers earlier than their Week 11 bye, after which Evans is anticipated to return. From there, their schedule will get significantly simpler, as only one remaining opponent has a successful document (the Los Angeles Chargers), suggesting they might make one other late-season playoff push.

QB breakdown: Mayfield accomplished 23-of-31 passes for 200 yards and two touchdowns. The 11-yard landing to tight finish Cade Otton got here within the nook of the top zone with security Justin Reid in protection. Like final week, Mayfield relied closely on Otton and working backs Bucky Irving and Rachaad White within the display recreation.

Largest gap within the recreation plan: All 4 of the Chiefs’ touchdowns got here on third down, with two pitting Hopkins in opposition to Josh Hayes, getting his first profession NFL begin after Tyrek Funderburk struggled final week. The Bucs did not have another choices, with Jamel Dean on injured reserve due to a hamstring damage, however this was a troublesome task. Hayes did, nevertheless, recuperate a Tykee Smith compelled fumble on Travis Kelce.

Eye-popping stat: Regardless of two sacks apiece from defensive tackles Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey, the Bucs took a passive method to pressuring Mahomes — simply as they did in Tremendous Bowl LV. They blitzed on simply 13% of Mahomes’ dropbacks by means of the primary three quarters, the second-lowest share in Bowles’ time with the Bucs. Bowles’ 11% blitz price in Tremendous Bowl LV is the bottom of his tenure calling the protection. — Jenna Laine

Subsequent recreation: vs. 49ers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)