The Chiefs remained undefeated at 8-0 after their 30-24 overtime victory against the Buccaneers on Monday night.
Here are five key points from the Week 9 game.
Keep an eye on Patrick Mahomes’ ankle
Mahomes’ ankle injury is something to watch. The superstar quarterback had a scare in the fourth quarter, aggravating an injury from Week 8 against the Raiders.
Mahomes landed awkwardly on his left foot before throwing a seven-yard touchdown pass to running back Samaje Perine.
Despite the injury scare, Mahomes didn’t miss any plays and seemed comfortable moving around. But whenever the best player in football gets hurt, it’s bound to cause concern. Given his importance to the Chiefs’ Super Bowl hopes, it’s understandable.
DeAndre Hopkins fits perfectly
Hopkins quickly clicked with Mahomes. In just his second game with the Chiefs, the three-time All-Pro receiver had eight catches, 86 yards, and two touchdowns.
His standout catch came on a third-and-8 play in the second quarter, where he grabbed a 35-yard pass amidst multiple Buccaneers defenders. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, it had a 12.3 percent completion probability, making it one of the most unlikely receptions this season.
Hopkins finished the drive with his first touchdown as a Chief, followed by a memorable celebration inspired by the movie “Remember The Titans.”
Tight end Travis Kelce had a career-high 14 receptions in the regular season, showing that Hopkins’ addition benefits more than just Mahomes.
Buccaneers will be a tough NFC opponent
Despite missing their top wide receivers, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay showed resilience in the overtime loss.
At 4-5 and sitting 11th in the NFC, the Bucs are still in the playoff race. Their climb up the conference standings could begin in Week 10 against the 49ers (4-4).
Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen attracting head-coaching interest
In his first season with Tampa, Coen has impressed as the offensive coordinator.
Despite the challenges against the Chiefs, Coen put the Buccaneers in a position to succeed. Quarterback Baker Mayfield had a solid game, and the offense averaged five yards per carry.
After seeing former offensive coordinator Dave Canales move on to a head-coaching job with the Panthers, Coen could be on a similar path.
Always go for two late against the Chiefs
A poor decision by head coach Todd Bowles might have cost the Bucs the victory in regulation.
After scoring a late touchdown to cut Kansas City’s lead to 24-23 with 27 seconds remaining, Bowles opted not to go for two and play for overtime instead.
Against certain teams, that strategy might work. But against the best quarterback in football? Probably not.
Bowles’ decision to play for overtime left the outcome to chance and may have prevented Tampa Bay from getting the win.
