The Kansas City Chiefs know how to just find a way. After a 4th and 16 pass interference penalty gave the Chiefs life in the final minute, Kicker Harrison Butker split the uprights as the clock hit zeros to lift Kansas City to a 26-25 win over the Bengals. Patrick Mahomes threw for two touchdowns but also two interceptions as K.C. turned the ball over three times on the day. Cincinnati also had a costly turnover, a fumble that was returned 38 yards for a score by Chamarri Conner.
The back-to-back Super Bowl champions hosted the Bengals at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Week 2 of the NFL season. The Chiefs’ AFC rival was coming off an ugly loss to the New England Patriots in Week 1. Quarterback Joe Burrow looked much sharper in Week 2, but it ultimately wasn't enough to overcome an opportunistic Chiefs defense.
The game was a tight one from the start, with both teams trading field goals in the first quarter. The Bengals got on the board first with a 33-yard field goal from kicker Evan McPherson. The Chiefs responded with a chip shot field goal from kicker Harrison Butker to tie the game at 3-3.
The Bengals took the lead on a long field goal drive that ended with a 3-yard touchdown catch by wide receiver Andrei Iosivas. The Bengals also went for it on fourth down on the drive and converted a big gain from Mike Gesicki. The Chiefs’ defense bent but didn’t break.
Kansas City then responded with a 44-yard touchdown pass from Mahomes to rookie receiver Rashee Rice, tying the game at 10-10.
The Bengals took the lead again, this time with a 2-yard touchdown run by Iosivas. McPherson missed the extra point though, keeping the game at 13-10. The Bengals led 16-10 at the half after another field goal.
The second half saw both teams exchange punches. Cincinnati took a 22-17 lead in the third quarter after a 47-yard touchdown pass from Burrow to wide receiver Nasean Maine. But the Chiefs answered back on a touchdown run by backup tackle Wanya Morris.
The lead changed hands again when the Chiefs scored on a fumble recovery for a touchdown after a strip sack by Mike Danna and recovered by Chamarri Conner.
The Bengals responded once again with a field goal but then fumbled the lead with a critical turnover. Burrow fumbled the ball on a sack, and it was scooped up by Conner, who ran it 38 yards for a touchdown.
The Bengals had a chance to tie the game at the end of the fourth quarter, but a pass interference call gave the Chiefs the ball at the Bengals’ 11-yard line. Butker then came through with the game-winning field goal.
The game was a classic AFC showdown, and it was a testament to the Chiefs’ ability to win close games. The Chiefs will look to continue their winning ways in Week 3, and the Bengals will try to bounce back from their second straight loss.
Key Takeaways
The Chiefs’ defense was opportunistic.
Despite a tough loss, the Bengals and quarterback Joe Burrow played well. Burrow threw for 258 yards and two touchdowns, and he had a 23-of-36 completion mark. He targeted the tight ends frequently. Mike Gesicki led the team with 7 catches for 91 yards. But he fumbled away the game with a critical turnover. The Chiefs took advantage of these turnovers and turned them into points.
The Chiefs’ offense is still finding its rhythm.
The Chiefs’ offense has been struggling at times in the first two games, but Mahomes proved once again why he is one of the best quarterbacks in the league. He still made some big plays, and he was able to lead the Chiefs to victory.
The Bengals are still a tough team to beat.
Despite the loss, the Bengals are still a very good team. They are one of the top teams in the AFC, and they will be a tough matchup for any team.
What’s next?
The Chiefs will try to continue their winning ways as they face the New Orleans Saints in Week 3. The Bengals are looking to bounce back as they travel to face the Baltimore Ravens in Week 3.
This game was a thriller from beginning to end. Both teams played tough, and there were plenty of big plays on both sides of the ball. The Chiefs, however, were able to find a way to win in the end. This is a game that Bengals fans will remember for a long time.
The Kansas City Chiefs are 2-0 after another close win, and they are poised to make a run at the Super Bowl again this year. The Bengals will have to regroup if they want to make their own playoff run.
