Five things that stood out about the Chiefs’ narrow win over the Panthers

Five things that stood out about the Chiefs’ narrow win over the Panthers

CAROLINA The easiest game on the schedule — on paper, anyway — grew a bit difficult. OK, really difficult. The Chiefs turned a trip to Charlotte into relief rather than blowout, using Spencer Shrader’s 31-yard field goal for a 30-27 victory. They didn’t exactly coast. Well, the offense did.

Patrick Mahomes produced points on six different drives. His arm. Then his legs. A 32-yard scramble set up the game-winning field goal as time expired. Kansas City Chiefs tight end Noah Gray (83) celebrates with quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Bob Donnan Imagn Images They’re 10-1, still with the fate of the No. 1 seed in their possession, but it’s apparent that while the Chiefs’ ceiling is high, their floor too is low. Here are five observations from immediately after the game: 1.

THE OPENER The autopsy on the Chiefs’ first loss in more than 300 days revealed some scars — pass rush, pass protection, the No. 2 cornerback, I could go on — but the roots were planted early. Take Us With You Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand.