Arrowhead Pride
At this point, what’s predictable and what’s surprising?
During the Patrick Mahomes era, the Kansas City Chiefs had never lost three in a row, so seeing the team drop to 0-2 after its 20-17 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles was jarring.
Yet the way the Chiefs lost felt like the same old story. The running game wasn’t effective. Mahomes did his best to play hero, but his receivers often let him down. Finally, an untimely (unlucky?) turnover ended up being the difference in the game.
So what should we think about this team? Is the sky falling because it lost two one-score games against good opponents? Or are the same old problems destined to doom this version of the Chiefs? Is the team simply waiting for its starting receivers to return healthy and unsuspended? Or are there deeper issues in the passing game?
After just two games, it isn’t the time to make big conclusions. But we can tell you which players stood out in Week 2.
Left tackle Josh Simmons: If there were any concerns about his health, his 18 mph chase-down after Mahomes was intercepted at the goal line should put them to rest. It was a tremendous hustle play that showed remarkable athleticism for his size. Add in a clean performance protecting Mahomes (reportedly zero pressures allowed), and the present — and future — look bright at left tackle.
Wide receiver Tyquan Thornton: His job is simple: get deep separation. He’s often a decoy, but when the opportunity presents itself, his big-play ability can shine. Justin Watson and Marquez Valdes-Scantling filled this role with sporadic results, but Thornton’s ceiling looks higher. Mahomes and Thornton still aren’t fully in sync — as evidenced by several missed deep shots — but when they connect, it’s beautiful. In the fourth quarter, Thornton’s 49-yard touchdown pulled the game back to within one score. If expectations are kept reasonable, Thornton is delivering what we’d hope.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes: Yes, there were plays left on the field — including those deep misses to Thornton — but Mahomes continues to do whatever it takes to keep his team in games. Once again, he led the team in rushing, with seven carries for 66 yards and a touchdown. His passing line wasn’t dazzling (16 for 29 for 187 yards, a touchdown and an interception), but make no mistake: he’s carrying this team. When he gets more help, they’ll win. For now, the margins are close only because of the MVP.
Safety Bryan Cook: No. 6 jumped off the screen against the Eagles. In his enforcer role, Cook delivered several punishing hits and broke up a pass. Though there’s still work to do, this young secondary is showing signs of coming together.
Cornerback Nohl Williams: Speaking of the secondary, the third-round rookie made his presence felt with two pass breakups that were potentially pivotal. He may be earning himself a bigger role.
Defensive lineman Omarr Norman-Lott: I can’t recall a more emphatic sack in...
