The Kansas City Chiefs are back in the win column with a victory over the Washington Football Team.
This was an important win as the Chiefs couldn't afford to fall too far behind.
It was a 31-13 victory for Kansas City, which shut out Washington in the second half.
The defense played better, which was vital for the defending AFC champions to win the game. Patrick Mahomes and his teammates still have a lot of work to do as the season moves forward. With that said, here are three takeaways from their bounce-back win over Washington after early struggles.
3. Chiefs offense is still elite
The Chiefs offense has been elite over the past few seasons but has struggled with turnovers this season. While Patrick Mahomes threw two interceptions and Mecole Hardman fumbled, the Chiefs offense was still able to put points on the board.
Mahomes cleaned up his play in the second half throwing two touchdowns after his interceptions in the first half (ESPN Stats). As the Chiefs move forward, they need to focus on limiting the turnovers. For now, the Chiefs should look at the positives of this game.
They had their elite targets Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce go off. Hill had nine receptions for 76 yards and a touchdown, while Kelce had eight receptions for 99 yards (ESPN Stats). If the offenses can keep up this production and limit the turnovers, the Chiefs offense will be hard to stop.
2. Kansas City defense is improving
Although K.C.'s turnovers have been a problem, the defense has been the biggest issue. Against Washington, the Chiefs were able to hold them to 13 points and forced two turnovers. This was a drastic improvement from the 38 points they allowed last week to the Bills.
The Chiefs still have some work to do defensively as they were unable to get a sack this week. A positive to take from the defense is they limited the kings of the AFC to 182 passing yards (ESPN Stats). Star safety Tyrann Mathieu knows his team has to play better to get back to the Super Bowl.
In a postgame interview, Mathieu said, “Obviously we can be a championship defense. We've been to the championship the last two years. After a while, you have to play a certain way, and when it comes to third-and-long, you have to get off the football field,” (ESPN).
Look for the Chiefs' defense to continue improving as they try to make another Super Bowl run.
1. Chiefs are still a contender
While the Chiefs have started the season off with a 3-3 record, they still have one of the best rosters in the NFL. Mahomes has made it to the AFC Championship Game in every season he has started, and two straight Super Bowls.
With lethal talent on offense behind one of the best coaches in the league in Andy Reid, the Chiefs can still contend for a Super Bowl.
The Chiefs need to focus on limiting turnovers and continuing to improve the defense, but they can still compete with any team. Although they have the talent, it will be a challenging journey for the AFC champs to get back to the Super Bowl.
The favorite in the AFC is the Buffalo Bills, who have already beaten Kansas City. It will be tough to get through the Bills; they have an elite offense and defense.
Look for the Chiefs to make another deep playoff run, but have a hard time getting back to the Super Bowl.
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