Chiefs beat Niners. Three takeaways.
- Lewis Green
- Oct 22, 2024
- 5 min read
The Kansas City Chiefs powered their way to a 6-0 start on Sunday night, for the first time in Patrick Mahomes' career. It was another classic Chiefs win—ugly on offense, gritty on defense. The offense sputtered, but the defense held firm, keeping the game under control. It wasn’t pretty, but 6-0 sure is.
Takeaway One: The Chiefs defence is LEGIT
Let’s be honest, the Kansas City Chiefs’ defense—yes, defense—has quietly been the team’s backbone since the start of last season. Since the infamous "Kadarious Toney Game" against the Lions, where drops turned into memes, the "Chiefsfense" has been locking teams down, allowing just 17 points per game across 27 contests. And it’s not like they’ve been padding stats against cupcakes—eight of those games were against heavyweights like the 49ers, Bengals, Bills, and Ravens. What’s more, in those 27 matchups, not once have they given up 30 points.
And here’s the kicker: despite sporting a brutal -14 turnover differential over the last 24 regular-season games, this defense hasn’t flinched. Instead, they’ve been the stars of the show, especially this season, where the offense has, let’s say, flirted with mediocrity. It’s that ironclad defense that has kept them undefeated, covering for a sputtering offense more times than anyone expected.
And let’s not forget, this defensive dominance has already helped bring home two Lombardi trophies in the last two years. If they manage to three-peat on the back of this inspired unit, we’ll need to start talking about this unit’s place among the all-time greats. These Chiefs might just be rewriting the legacy book—not with Mahomes’ magic, but with a defense that refuses to break.
Steve Spagnuolo hasn't always been Kansas City's favorite. For years, Chiefs fans grumbled that the defense was the problem child, forcing Mahomes and the offense to pull miracles just to stay afloat—cue the 13-second game against Buffalo. But since the start of 2023? Oh, how the tables have turned. The Chiefs' defense has flipped the script, going from a liability to saviors at Arrowhead. Spags, alongside Dave Merritt and Joe Cullen, deserves a standing ovation for orchestrating this defensive masterpiece.
Names like Trent McDuffie, Chris Jones, Nick Bolton, and George Karlaftis are no longer just part of the roster—they’re etching themselves into Chiefs' lore. These guys are anchoring a dynasty on the back of pure, unrelenting defensive dominance. I think it’s time to give them a nickname worthy of their legendary status.
My suggestion? "Mahomeland Security." Protecting the kingdom, one stop at a time.
Takeaway Two: Chiefs must sign a wide out.
If the Chiefs weren’t already limping along, particularly at wide receiver, they sure are now. Rashee Rice and Hollywood Brown potentially sidelined for the year wasn’t bad enough—add JuJu Smith-Schuster to the list after hobbling out of Sunday’s game with a hamstring issue that first flared up in practice last week. JuJu’s already been ruled out for this Sunday’s Week 7 clash against the Raiders, meaning this hammy might be more than just a mild concern.
So now, who’s left catching passes? Xavier Worthy, a rookie still getting his feet wet. Justin Watson, a fourth or fifth option at best. Mecole Hardman, the gadget guy who’s nice for a jet sweep or two. And Skyy Moore, a player I won’t waste breath on—he’s just not built for this level, but I can’t blame him for that.
Given this predicament, the Chiefs need to make a move. And no, I’m not talking about calling up Nikko Remigio, Justyn Ross, or Montrell Washington from the practice squad. I’m talking about a proven commodity, something like the Bills’ savvy trade for Amari Cooper or the Jets landing Davante Adams. The Chiefs don’t need a top-10 guy like Adams, nor should they empty the draft capital bank for him. Cooper would've been a dream before heading to Buffalo, but that ship's sailed.
My eyes are on someone like Carolina’s Deonte Johnston—28 years old, proven, and a guy who can beat man coverage. Not only would he bolster the Chiefs' receiver room, but he’s someone they could even sign long-term without breaking the bank.
To stand pat (excuse the pun) through the trade deadline would be sheer negligence. The offense is sputtering, and Mahomes can’t be expected to pull magic out of a hat with no help. In this historic pursuit of an unprecedented three-peat, KC can’t afford to sit on their hands. I’m not asking for something reckless like shipping two firsts to the Jets for Garrett Wilson and paying him $30 million a year. Just make a smart, affordable move—bring in a reliable weapon who can contribute now, before it's too late.
Takeaway Three: Mahomes is a winner.
Just when you think you’ve seen it all from Patrick Mahomes, he reminds you why counting him out is a fool’s errand. Statistically and physically, Mahomes has been having a rough start this season—his performance on Sunday against the 49ers was no exception. Bailing from clean pockets, missing throws, and turning the ball over—none of this is unfamiliar territory through the first six weeks. And as Sunday unfolded with two picks and a missed deep ball to Xavier Worthy, I was starting to wonder if these mistakes would finally catch up to KC.
But here’s the thing with Mahomes: the more you think you’ve got him on the ropes, the more dangerous he becomes. With the Chiefs clinging to a 14-12 lead late in the third quarter, second and seven from the Niners' 40-yard line, the magic started. Mahomes scrambled left, right into the arms of All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner. But #15 moved with dazzling brilliance, stepping around Warner as he hit the deck. Mahomes then found a crease, turning upfield with Kareem Hunt blocking two defenders in front of him.
With nowhere to go, Mahomes pump-faked, hesitated, and sent a 49ers linebacker flying out of bounds grabbing at air. Then, with two defensive linemen giving chase, he outran them too. He sprinted 33 yards, the longest run of his career, before being shoved out at the 4-yard line by a stunned 49ers secondary.
Fast forward to fourth-and-goal on the same drive. After more red zone struggles, Mahomes took the snap in shotgun. His eyes darted to Travis Kelce—held up and smothered. Instead, Patrick stepped up, rushing toward the end zone, with only one obstacle between him and pay dirt: Malik Mustapha, one of the hardest hitters in the league. My heart sank. I braced for impact, certain that Mahomes was about to get lit up. But, in typical Mahomes fashion, he didn’t blink. Lowering his shoulder, he delivered the blow instead, sending Mustapha crashing to the ground as he crossed the goal line, scoring the most critical touchdown of the game.
The point is simple: no matter how off #15 seems, no matter how many mistakes, Mahomes can beat you however and whenever he chooses. Never, ever, ever count him out when the game’s on the line. He is a winner, the greatest I have ever seen.
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