On Football examines the key narratives in the NFL as the league progresses. For more in-depth analysis, visit the On Football section.
The outcomes of games reveal plenty about a team’s performance throughout the season. As legendary coach Bill Parcells famously stated, “You are what your record says you are.” This statement rings true for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Detroit Lions, both of whom are on positive trajectories, unlike the struggling New York Jets and the inconsistent Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The two-time reigning Super Bowl champions, the Chiefs, continued their winning streak by improving to 9-0 after a nail-biting 16-14 victory against the Denver Broncos. The game required a crucial blocked field goal at the last moment to remain undefeated, exemplifying what championship teams do best—they step up when the game is on the line. Linebacker Leo Chenal, often referred to by teammates as “John Cena,” played a vital role by barreling through to deny Wil Lutz’s 35-yard attempt as time expired. This block allowed Kansas City to extend their remarkable 15-game winning streak, which goes back to last season.
“It was a great effort from the team, and I was able to get through,” said Chenal. “We’ve been aiming for moments like this, and it came through in a significant way.” Chenal had a similar impactful play during last season’s Super Bowl, blocking an extra point early in the fourth quarter that became crucial for the team’s eventual 25-22 overtime win against the San Francisco 49ers.
“His strength is immense,” quarterback Patrick Mahomes remarked about Chenal. “He possesses the power of a defensive lineman while playing the linebacker position. Nobody wants to be in the gym with him. We affectionately call him John Cena because he gives it everything, and he showcases his prowess both on defense and occasionally on offense.”
Kansas City continues to discover ways to emerge victorious. Sometimes it’s a moment of Mahomes’ brilliance, while other times, it’s a key defensive stop or a clutch kick by Harrison Butker. They have received a couple of favorable breaks along the way, including a nullified touchdown catch earlier in the season and a pivotal pass interference call in the closing moments of a victory against Cincinnati.
Next week, they face a significant challenge as they head to Buffalo to take on the 8-2 Bills, who are looking to settle the score after a playoff defeat at home to the Chiefs last January. “In this league, it’s about taking it week by week,” Mahomes said. “I’m dedicated to improving myself as the season progresses. We anticipate a fierce challenge from Buffalo, who have been in excellent form for some time. We know what’s at stake when playing in such an environment.”
Meanwhile, the Lions displayed remarkable resilience in their matchup against the Texans in Houston, overcoming a shaky first half to secure a thrilling 26-23 victory with a last-second 52-yard field goal by Jake Bates. This win boosted Detroit’s record to an impressive 8-1, placing them at the top of the NFC standings after a strong performance on Sunday Night Football.
Contrastingly, the Jets experienced a complete downturn. Looking to build on a previous win against Houston, they faced a merciless defeat against Arizona, culminating in a disheartening 31-6 loss. Throughout the game, the Jets demonstrated a lack of preparedness and vigor, with the defense unable to contain Kyler Murray, while the offense struggled throughout, leading to another disappointing outcome for fans who had high hopes for the season.
“Our performance today was a reflection of deeper issues,” said interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich, who has now tallied a record of 1-4 since stepping in for Robert Saleh. “I need to reflect on my preparation for the team. I felt the energy was fine, but clearly, we weren’t sharp in our fundamentals and technique, which are essential in determining wins or losses.”
The Buccaneers find themselves in a troubling position with a 4-6 record. Quarterback Baker Mayfield and the team fight hard but frequently fall short. They had a significant opportunity against San Francisco, facing a first down with less than a minute left in a 20-17 game. However, the Buccaneers opted for a field goal instead of pursuing a touchdown and ultimately allowed the 49ers to score in the dying moments, resulting in a 30-23 loss.
Despite having notable victories, including being the only team to defeat the Lions, and having close encounters against several strong teams, the Buccaneers find themselves unable to transform those near-misses into wins. The performance and outcomes matter most in the NFL, making it clear that losing tightly contested games simply isn’t sufficient for success in this results-driven league.