NFL
Breaking: 5 winners and 4 losers from the Chiefs’ overtime win over the Buccaneers… See More
Which Kansas City players caught our attention during the Week 9 victory over Tampa Bay?
Your Kansas City Chiefs are still undefeated. Once again, it was closer than it should have been, as Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield drove his offense down the field with under two minutes left and tied the game. But after being carried by the defense over the past few weeks, the Chiefs offense stepped up with their new (… or old) quartet of skill players leading the way.
Here are a few who stood out to us on Monday night:
Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins: Mahomes has never thrown to a receiver like “Nuk.” This offense has been missing his ability to make contested catches for years. Just watch the third-and-8 throw and catch that Hopkins pulled in through the hands of two defenders. The chemistry between DeAndre Hopkins and Mahomes is way ahead of schedule, which should terrify the entire NFL. Head coach Andy Reid told everyone that Hopkins would have a more significant role this week. The result was eight catches on nine targets for 86 yards and two touchdowns.
Running back Kareem Hunt: The Chiefs’ offense is once again fueled by the tough running of Kareem Hunt. Still playing like it’s 2018, Hunt had 28 touches for 117 total yards and the game-winning walk-off touchdown in overtime. It’s incredible what he’s accomplishing in relief of Isiah Pacheco — now, what will happen when the Chiefs have both?
Tight end Travis Kelce: When the 2024 season began, who would have guessed that 35-year-old Travis Kelce would put up a career-best 14 catches on 16 targets in the rain? Mahomes found Kelce early and often, as he led all receivers on Monday night with 100 yards. Sure, Kelce fumbled, but who will remember that after the win? When the game was on the line, it was all Kelce and Hunt and both delivered.
EDGE George Karlaftis: For the third straight week, Karlaftis played with the fury that we’ve come to expect. Another sack, batted pass, a tackle for loss and plenty of pressures from Karlaftis — he was a critical part of containing the Bucs’ offense. It’s safe to say his season is back on track after a slow start, and he’s got help — this pass rush will be fun down the stretch.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes: The best player in the league built upon last week’s performance with a clean, productive, winning effort against the Bucs. The box score watchers won’t have an interception to hold against Mahomes this week, as he put up 291 yards and three touchdowns. He’s playing confidently and finally has a receiver that makes every single catch. The Bucs should never have let him get a drive in overtime, just like the league should never have let Mahomes get Hopkins.
Wide receiver Xavier Worthy: It was a tough night for the speedy rookie. First, there was the deep catch that almost was. Worthy made a nice grab and nearly scored — but couldn’t get his feet inbounds. Then, as the Chiefs tried to get him some opportunities on the ground, Worthy managed to lose 10 yards.
Linebacker Nick Bolton: It wasn’t a banner day for the Chiefs star linebacker. Bolton had only one solo tackle and was jogging behind Palmer as he went for 19 yards to set up the game-tying score at the end of regulation.
Cornerbacks Christian Rolland-Wallace and Joshua Williams: It looks like the Chiefs still need to add a cornerback