Kansas City Chiefs (2-0) – Cincinnati Bengals (0-2): 26-25
It was a close call again. Like last week, the Chiefs had to wait until the very last second to validate their victory. After Isaiah Likely's toe went out, it was a 51-yard field goal by Harrison Butker that gave the victory to Andy Reid's men.
As is often the case in Chiefs vs. Bengals clashes, the suspense was high. Cincinnati led by a narrow margin throughout the first half. The second saw five lead changes. After a completely missed encounter against the Patriots, the Bengals showed a more conquering face, but the result was the same. For the third consecutive season, Burrow's gang started with two defeats.
Mahomes below his standards
If the game was so close, it's also because Patrick Mahomes (18/25, 151 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT) was far from the level we've come to expect from him. Author of two interceptions, he seemed to have difficulty finding his receivers, notably Travis Kelce (1 rec, 5 yards), who was totally invisible. Fortunately for him, he was able to count on Isiah Pacheco (19 carries, 90 yards) and his defense to get the job done.
For his part, Joe Burrow (23/36, 258 yards, 2 TD) was much sharper than last week. Still without Tee Higgins, he relied heavily on his tight ends, notably Mike Gesicki (7 rec, 91 yards). Young receiver Andrei Iosivas (2 rec, 7 yards, 2 TD) scored both of his team's touchdowns.
Defenses in the spotlight
If there is one thing to remember from this game, it is mainly the defenses. This Chiefs-Bengals was far from the offensive orgy expected. The match of defensive coordinators Steve Spagnuolo-Lou Anarumo kept all its promises.
For the Kansas City squad, one name stands out: Chamarri Conner. The nickelback literally saved his team twice. First, by taking advantage of a Joe Burrow fumble to recover the ball and take it directly into the end zonegiving the Chiefs the lead again after Mahomes' second interception. Then, by sacking the Bengals' quarterback on third down, forcing Cincinnati to punt and give the ball to Kansas City with 2:35 on the clock.
The Bengals' defense was also there. Patrick Mahomes' games with two interceptions are not every day. Linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither had the first, and Cam Taylor-Britt the second, in a spectacular way. Taylor-Britt also assumed his pre-match statement, by intercepting the ball on Xavier Worthy. The young receiver was also not very visible in this match.
Penalties galore
Trey Hendrickson also put the Chiefs in a lot of trouble. With two sacks, he literally tormented rookie Kingsley Suamataia, who was even replaced at the end of the game by Wanya Morris (author of a touchdown reception). In addition to his two sacks, he caused several penalties from the rookie tackle, which made the Chiefs fall back a lot.
Penalties were a recurring theme of the game, especially in the second half. 12 in total, 8 for the Bengals and 4 for the Chiefs. Two Bengals penalties greatly changed the face of the game. The first was called on Ja'Marr Chase, who got angry at the referees while he was waiting for a penalty on Trent McDuffie on a reception. Instead of having to play a 3rd and 7, Cincinnati had to try a 3rd and 22, and settle for a field goal.
The second was for rookie cornerback Daijahn Anthony. Already sanctioned earlier, he had then canceled an interception of Patrick Mahomes by DJ Turner, but without impact, the quarterback being intercepted again three plays later. But the second did much more damage. On a 4th and 16 with 48 seconds left, Mahomes targets Rashee Rice, marked by Anthony. The pass is incomplete, but the referees signal a defensive pass interference. A decision that will make people talk, but which allowed the Chiefs to get closer, and Harrison Butker to pass the winning kick.
