Winners, losers as Chiefs stump Commanders 28-7 on Monday Night Football
Beating the Kansas City Chiefs without Jayden Daniels was always going to be a tough task. Doing so at Arrowhead Stadium, probably not happening.
Kansas City routed the Washington Commanders 28-7 on Monday Night Football to close out Week 8.
Patrick Mahomes and Co. didn’t start well, as the star QB and Marcus Mariota exchanged some awkward interceptions that weren’t necessarily their fault.
Washington managed to keep it close in the first half despite some turnovers on downs, but eventually couldn’t keep up with Kansas City in the second.
The result moved Kansas City to 5-3 as it narrows the gap on the AFC West-leading Denver Broncos, while the Commanders are now 3-5 following last season’s NFC Championship appearance. They’ll host the Seattle Seahawks and Detroit Lions in their next two games.
Let’s analyze the game further with winners and losers:
WINNER: Chiefs’ running game
The Chiefs didn’t have a standout rusher, but saw five players combine for 148 yards on 30 carries and a score. Washington, for comparison’s sake, had just 60 on 20 attempts as “Bill” Croskey-Merritt struggled again, going for 25 yards on nine carries.
Isiah Pacheco led the way with 58 yards on 12 carries, while Kareem Hunt added a rushing touchdown to go with a receiving score. Complimentary football rarely fails.
LOSER: Marcus Mariota, Commanders
Mariota didn’t stand much of a chance entering this game, but didn’t start too bad statistically. However, he often looked erratic and uncomposed, which eventually cost him.
He ended the game completing 21 of 30 passes for 213 yards, one touchdown and two picks, one of which came in the dying seconds on a forced throw.
The vet did make some clutch completions to Terry McLaurin, but that’s about it.
WINNER: Travis Kelce, Chiefs
Kelce continues to age like fine wine. The veteran tight end hauled in his 100th career touchdown, including postseason games.
He led all receivers with 99 receiving yards, going for a long of 38 when he snuck in behind Washington’s defense. He brought in six catches on eight targets, working well with Rashee Rice, who went for nine catches, 93 yards and a touchdown.
LOSER: Deebo Samuel, Commanders
On the other side, Samuel continues to be hit or miss in Washington. He started well, but things haven’t been so smooth sailing lately. That could also be said for most of the team and coaching staff.
But Samuel had just three catches on six targets for 11 yards, being unable to churn upfield on short throws. He was also at fault for Mariota’s first pick, which halted an excellent opening drive that methodically opened up Kansas City’s defense.
Daniels may not be around, but it’s an unacceptable level from the WR2.
WINNER: Turning things around
Kansas City started the season 0-2. Not many teams recover from that. But not many teams have Mahomes and Andy Reid. The Chiefs are now 5-3 and still remain true contenders for the Super Bowl despite a hangover-esque start.
Turning things around helps ahead of a brutal stretch of games. Kansas City has the following up next: at Buffalo, at Denver, vs. Indianapolis, at Dallas, vs. Houston, vs. LA Chargers.
Kansas City needs to take it one game at a time, but its record will give the team a buffer in this run if things go south.
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Winners, losers as Chiefs stump Commanders 28-7 on Monday Night Football
