KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs’ season so far can be encapsulated by their tight gameplay during Monday night’s match against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Despite a few errors, several turnovers, and missed tackles on defense, they managed to secure a win when it mattered most, demonstrating the resilience that is characteristic of the defending champions.
In a moment of high tension, the Buccaneers opted to tie the game with a PAT after scoring a touchdown with just 27 seconds remaining. This decision gave the Chiefs another opportunity, and they capitalized by scoring a touchdown of their own in overtime to clinch the game with a final score of 30-24. With this victory, Kansas City has improved its record to an impressive 8-0, becoming only the sixth team in NFL history to achieve this feat while defending their Super Bowl title. Notably, they have done so with the narrowest average margin of victory at 7.0 points per game, just a touch lower than the previous record of 7.4 points set by the 2006 Colts, who also went on to win the Super Bowl.
“You can only give an offense like that so many chances,” stated Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield, emphasizing the importance of limiting opportunities for star players like Patrick Mahomes. Although Mahomes had displayed a more subdued performance over the early part of the season — throwing an interception in each of the first seven games — the recent addition of three-time All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins has changed the dynamic. Against Tampa Bay, Mahomes showcased his abilities by throwing for 291 yards and three touchdowns, with Hopkins catching two of the passes for scores. “Pat and I are just out there making plays,” said Hopkins after the game, highlighting the chemistry they formed quickly.
Mahomes exhibited the skill that has defined his career, orchestrating two lengthy fourth-quarter scoring drives to reclaim the lead, despite nursing a sore ankle. When the game went into overtime following the Bucs’ late touchdown, Mahomes completed all five of his attempts in the extra period, setting up Kareem Hunt for the game-winning touchdown plunge. In games decided by a touchdown or less, Mahomes now holds a remarkable record of 47-19, showcasing not only his skills but also the teamwork that has underpinned the Chiefs’ success. Their defense continues to shine as one of the league’s premier units, especially against the run, while Hunt’s presence has helped maintain a balanced offensive strategy. This balance is fueling their quest for a historic third consecutive Super Bowl title.
As the Chiefs’ passing attack gains momentum, the impact of Hopkins cannot be overstated. He recorded eight catches for 86 yards in just his second game with the team, drawing significant attention from defenders that allowed Travis Kelce to have a standout performance as well, with 14 receptions for 100 yards — his highest in a regular-season game.
On the flip side, the Chiefs continue to struggle when it comes to defending tight ends, as evident by Cade Otton of Tampa Bay, who wrapped up the game with eight receptions for 77 yards and one touchdown.
In terms of player performance, Chiefs cornerback Chris Roland-Wallace has stepped up following an injury to Jaylen Watson, who will be out for the remainder of the season. Meanwhile, the highly anticipated contributions from rookie Xavier Worthy have been lacking lately, failing to make a significant impact with only two carries resulting in negative yardage against the Buccaneers.
Injury reports indicate that Mahomes played through a tweaked ankle, while teammates including WR Mecole Hardman, DE George Karlaftis, and DE Turk Wharton dealt with minor injuries. However, the Chiefs are hopeful about getting Johnson back soon and are cautiously optimistic about the return of RB Isiah Pacheco this season after suffering a fractured fibula.
A key takeaway from Monday night’s performance is that the Chiefs scored 30 points for the first time since a previous victory over the Raiders in November 2023, showing a potential resurgence of their once-dominant offensive identity.
This coming Sunday, the Chiefs will host their division rivals, the Denver Broncos, at Arrowhead Stadium with a noon kickoff, marking another critical step as they continue their quest for excellence in the NFL.