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