KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Throughout the season, the Kansas City Chiefs have dealt with significant offensive setbacks, beginning with Marquise Brown’s injury in the first preseason game and later compounded by Rashee Rice’s season-ending injury at the end of September. Nevertheless, the team is nearing full strength, and this was evident in their recent performance.
In his debut for the regular season after undergoing shoulder surgery, Brown made a substantial impact from the get-go. On the Chiefs’ opening offensive possession against the Houston Texans, the team was in a fourth-and-2 situation at the Texans’ 30-yard line. Brown managed to get open across the field for a key 13-yard catch, refreshing the offensive drive and eventually setting up a touchdown for Kansas City. In total, Brown recorded five receptions for 45 yards during the Chiefs’ 27-19 victory, a win that brought the team closer to securing the top seed in the AFC playoffs.
“I thought he did a great job,” commented Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes regarding Brown’s performance. “I missed him here and there on a couple of throws, but he was getting open and winning against man coverage, which was a big deal for us.” As the Chiefs (14-1) gear up for a Christmas Day match against the Steelers, their receiving corps appears more formidable than ever. The combination of Brown, along with first-round draft pick Xavier Worthy—who caught seven passes for 65 yards and a touchdown—provides the necessary speed to challenge man-to-man defenses. Simultaneously, three-time All-Pro DeAndre Hopkins and four-time All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce lend their experience and ability to exploit zones.
This development enhances the Chiefs’ offensive potency, making it arguably the most lethal it has been all season. “Kansas City made the plays. That’s why they’re among the elite in the NFL,” remarked Texans coach DeMeco Ryans. “They found ways to win, especially in critical situations, and they excelled on third downs.”
Efficiency was key for the Chiefs as they converted 7 of 13 third-down attempts and found success in the red zone, going 3 for 5 and 2 for 2 in goal-to-go scenarios—reminiscent of the efficiency that has characterized their previous Super Bowl triumphs. Worthy expressed confidence in the team’s potential, stating, “I feel like we’re a tough team to beat. We just have to keep building on this.”
In addition to the offense, the Chiefs’ defense has turned its performance around recently, creating eight turnovers over the last two games, including two interceptions against Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud. “They talked about breaking the seal last week,” shared cornerback Trent McDuffie, who had been without an interception previously but has now made a pivotal play in back-to-back games. “I’m seeing the results of being in the right place at the right time.”
However, the Chiefs faced challenges as they struggled to pressure Stroud, managing only two sacks this game, a notable drop from their five sacks against Cleveland the previous week. One of the two sacks came during a cornerback blitz in the final moments, crucially forcing Houston to punt and allowing the Chiefs to run out the remaining clock.
In their ongoing adjustments, the Chiefs again positioned All-Pro left guard Joe Thuney as tackle for the second consecutive week in efforts to bolster protection for Mahomes. Thuney held his own against a strong Houston pass rush, which was particularly vital due to right tackle Jawaan Taylor sustaining a knee injury during the game.
On the downside, running back Isiah Pacheco struggled with just 26 yards on nine carries and was unable to convert two critical short-yardage situations in the second half, leading to a turnover. In contrast, Kareem Hunt showcased more versatility and explosiveness, totaling 55 yards on 11 carries and adding two receptions for 24 yards.
In terms of injuries, the Chiefs lost defensive tackle Chris Jones (calf strain) and right tackle Jawaan Taylor (knee strain) before the game concluded. Linebacker Jack Cochrane will also miss the remainder of the season due to a fractured ankle.
Noteworthy, the Chiefs matched their franchise record for regular-season wins, achieving 14 victories, which had last occurred during the 2020 season. They now have two more chances to set a new record with upcoming games against Pittsburgh and Denver.
Next, the Chiefs anticipate a showdown with the Steelers this Christmas Day.