The Kansas City Chiefs showcased their late-game heroics once again on Sunday, eking out a dramatic 30-27 victory over the Carolina Panthers.
The win marked the fifth time this season that the Chiefs have clinched a game on the final play.
The Panthers clawed their way back from an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter, tying the game at 27-27 after a furious rally.
But with just under a minute remaining, quarterback Patrick Mahomes took charge.
He completed two quick passes before breaking free on a 33-yard scramble, setting up the Chiefs in field goal range.
Mahomes then found Kareem Hunt for a 10-yard gain, positioning kicker Spencer Shrader to drill the game-winning field goal as time expired.
Despite the thrilling outcome, Mahomes admitted he’d prefer a more comfortable finish.
“You want to have some blowouts,’’ he said. “You want be a little calmer in the fourth quarter.
“I’ve always said it can be a good thing as you get to the playoffs and later in the season, just knowing that you’ve been in those moments before and knowing how to kind of attack it. But I would love to win a game [before] the very last play.’’
The Chiefs have proven their ability to thrive in pressure situations, with the past two Super Bowls ending on walk-off victories.
While they’ve continued to demonstrate their poise in tight games this season, Mahomes and the team are hoping for a less dramatic path forward.
We all know how tough, resilient and downright clutch Mahomes and the Chiefs are. After all, you don’t make the playoffs, let alone win back-to-back Super Bowls without checking these boxes.
However, at some point, when you keep playing with fire, you’re going to get burnt. And Mahomes knows this very well…
Regardless, head coach Andy Reid sure is happy that #15 is on his team.
“He has a great feel for the game,” Reid said. “He knows by the coverage where guys are and what they’re trying to do and accomplish with the coverage, and he can feel the front.”
Meanwhile, kicker Spencer Shrader – filling in for the injured Harrison Butker – had zero doubts that Mahomes was going to put him in position to win the game.
“I knew that I’d be getting an opportunity, so I just tried to stay calm, understanding that it was going to come at some point,” Shrader said. “Then, when it did come, I was ready.
“That comes from a belief in the team that they’re going to get you in that situation, and then you go out there and just knock it through.”
While he’s anxious to get Butker back healthy, Reid complimented Shrader for rising to the occasion against Carolina.
“That’s a whole lot of pressure for a new guy,” Reid said. “He’s in here replacing for us right now a future Hall of Famer. That’s not easy to do in these games.”
Now at an NFL-best 10-1, the Chiefs have a quick turnaround as they prepare to host the rival Las Vegas Raiders on Black Friday.
What are your thoughts on Kansas City’s struggles against the Panthers?
Did they overlook Bryce Young and company? … Are they just a little bored at this point?
More importantly, do you think the Chiefs will actually pull off the historic three-peat this season???
