The Chiefs lose its first game of the season and fall to 9-1 after an impressive quarterback duel
The Kansas City Chiefs dropped its first game of the season and there are now no undefeated teams left in the NFL. Here are three takeaways from the Chiefs’ Week 11 loss.
Quarterback duel
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes yet again faced off against Bills’ quarterback Josh Allen, with both players doing everything they could for their teams. Both quarterbacks had some impressive throws throughout the night, however, Allen came out with the win thanks to his arm and legs. Allen threw for 262 yards on a 68% completion percentage for a touchdown and an interception. Allen also ran 12 times for 55 yards and a touchdown, putting the game out of reach. Mahomes had a slightly better completion percentage at 70%, but for fewer yards. Mahomes threw for 196 yards and three touchdowns, with one interception on his first pass of the game and one on his last.
Lack of a run game
Both teams struggled to sustain a consistent run game throughout this contest, as running back Kareem Hunt recorded 60 yards on 14 rushes for the Chiefs. Buffalo didn’t fare much better, as the Bill’s leading running back James Cook ran for just 20 yards on nine carries, picking up two touchdowns in the process. Over a quarter of Buffalo’s 104 total rushing yards came from a 26-yard scamper into the endzone from Allen that moved Buffalo’s lead to a two-score advantage.
Other keys to the game
Both offenses spread the ball out to many different receivers, with 11 Kansas City receivers and nine Buffalo receivers tallying a catch. However, the Bills’ receivers were much more top-heavy, as three receivers had 55 or more yards while only one Kansas City receiver broke 30 yards. This receiver was rookie Xavier Worthy, who finished with four catches for 61 yards and a touchdown.
A real gap in the receiving game was seen in the low production from tight end Travis Kelce. Kelce had just two catches for eight yards, forcing Mahomes to look in other directions. Mahomes was also constantly pressured, as the Bills hit Mahomes six times and sacked him twice. His first interception was a direct result of immense pressure in the pocket.
Next Week
The Chiefs will attempt to rebound against the Carolina Panthers at noon on Sunday, Nov. 24 in Charlotte, N.C.
Edited by Michael Stamps | mstamps@themaneater.com
Copyedited by Stella Thrift and Natalie Kientzy | nkientzy@themaneater.com
Edited by Annie Goodykoontz | agoodykoontz@themaneater.com