KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs are once again making their way to the Super Bowl, aiming to achieve the notable feat of winning three championships in a row, something unprecedented in the NFL. One of the key factors contributing to their success is their unwavering determination, reminiscent of legendary figures like John Wayne and Jeff Bridges — they embody true grit.
No matter the challenges they face — whether it be unfavorable odds, daunting deficits, or significant injuries — the Chiefs consistently find a way to succeed when it matters most. This was evident on Sunday night, as Patrick Mahomes led the team to a crucial field goal, while the defense staved off a late-game push from Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills, securing a 32-29 victory in the AFC Championship Game.
“I believe the players thrive in these moments,” stated Chiefs head coach Andy Reid on Monday. “Whenever the opportunity arises, they rise to the occasion, and as a coach, that’s something you truly appreciate. It’s rare to witness this. Each of these games has been a nail-biter, akin to the most recent one, and the players take tremendous pride in stepping up rather than faltering.”
The Chiefs have certainly faced their fair share of tight matchups, having set an NFL record by winning 17 consecutive one-possession games, dating back to a 20-14 loss against the Raiders on Christmas Day, 2023. Many of these victories required Mahomes and the team to mount second-half comebacks, similar to the game against Buffalo where they were down 22-21 before Mahomes scored a touchdown in the fourth quarter.
With this victory, Kansas City became the first team to win a conference title game after claiming consecutive Super Bowl championships. Their next challenge is against the Philadelphia Eagles on February 9 in New Orleans, a rematch of their first Super Bowl in this current championship run.
“This season, we had several games decided by one possession. We used those experiences to our advantage,” Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones remarked. “We are well-acquainted with these pressure situations. We maintain a sense of calm and trust in our strategy, pace, and playcalling.”
To further illustrate their resilience, one only needs to consider the 2019 postseason when the Chiefs were on their journey to secure their first Super Bowl win in 50 years. They trailed in the fourth quarter or overtime 11 times during the playoffs, managing to score seven touchdowns and four game-tying field goals in these critical moments.
“It requires a full team effort,” Mahomes said after the game. “We have found different ways to win, which allows us to trust each other completely. The coaches believe in us, and we have faith in their game plans. When you replicate this process often enough, it becomes second nature. Of course, winning by a larger margin would be preferable, but our success in close games throughout the regular season has readied us for challenges like today.”
Areas of improvement were noted as well. Following a near shutout against Houston in the divisional round, Chiefs wide receivers rebounded dramatically, tallying 12 receptions for 191 yards and a touchdown against the Bills, including a solid performance from first-round draft pick Xavier Worthy, who contributed six catches for 85 yards.
However, the Chiefs did not manage to force any turnovers against Buffalo, which may be crucial when they face the Eagles in the Super Bowl; generating turnovers could prove vital to their success.
In terms of player performances, Kareem Hunt appears to hold a stronger position than Isiah Pacheco following a commendable game where he rushed 17 times for 64 yards and a touchdown, predominantly during critical moments. Meanwhile, Chiefs safety Bryan Cook struggled with his coverage throughout the year, showing vulnerabilities again on Sunday.
Fortunately for the Chiefs, they are entering the two-week Super Bowl preparation period without any major injuries to report.
A significant highlight is that the Chiefs are set to participate in their fifth Super Bowl in seven years and seventh overall, placing them just behind the Patriots, who have appeared in 11, and tied with the Cowboys, Broncos, Steelers, and 49ers who have each been in eight.
As the next steps unfold, the Chiefs will work on establishing the bulk of their game plan this week before heading to New Orleans, where final adjustments will be made leading up to the monumental event. Kansas City is currently favored by 1.5 points according to BetMGM Sportsbook.
