Kansas City Chiefs (1) – Jacksonville Jaguars (4): 27-20
Logical winners of brave Jaguars but too limited to follow the score, the Chiefs reach the AFC final for the fifth consecutive time. However, concern is in order for Kansas City which saw Patrick Mahomes hit in the ankle in the first quarter.
The key moment: The injury of Patrick Mahomes
At the end of the first quarter, and while the two teams are still tied (7-7), Patrick Mahomes suffers a nasty gesture from Arden Key, who falls with all his weight on the ankle of the Chiefs quarterback .
Still on the adrenaline rush, Mahomes finished possession, then was directed into the stadium aisles for examinations. Veteran Chad Henne finishes the half as the fans hold their breath.
In the second half, Mahomes came back with his ankle bandaged, and the media reported that the quarterback was suffering from a severe sprain. On several occasions, we note unusual inaccuracies on simple passes. Mahomes also loses his mobility and has to confine himself to his pocket. If the Chiefs get away with the win, Mahomes’ ankle development will have to be watched for next week’s AFC Final.
The movie of the game
Under a fine rain and a cool temperature (2°C) at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City draws the first, from its first possession. Beaten by Gerald Everett last week, the Jaguars have the greatest difficulty defending on the Tight End. And it falls rather badly because KC has a rather gifted one in the person of Travis Kelce (14 receptions, 98 yards, 2 TD), who scores on this first drive.
Jacksonville responds directly through Christian Kirk (7 receptions, 52 yards, 1 TD), well served by a Trevor Lawrence (24/39, 217 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) determined not to repeat his first mi -time of Wild Cards (4 interceptions).
After the injury to Mahomes (22/30, 195 yards, 2 TD), Chad Henne also leads the Chiefs’ attack to a touchdown, always from the inevitable Kelce, well helped by very inspired calls from the side of ‘Andy Reid, including great runs from Isiah Pacheco (12 runs, 95 yards). 17-10 at halftime in favor of KC.
Upon returning from the locker room, we therefore witness the return of the big favorite to the MVP trophy, clearly diminished: the first two series end in punts. Visitors do not benefit, especially because Lawrence is constantly under pressure from the defensive line of Missouri (2 sacks, 7 quarterbacks hits).
The locals were quick to push forward: a field goal, then a touchdown from Valdes-Scantling, and the Chiefs found themselves leading 27-17 with barely seven minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. .
The Jaguars throw their last forces into battle, with a drive initiated by a superb return kick from Jamal Agnew, which passes a few centimeters from a touchdown on return. The same Jamal Agnew who, a few moments later, committed the first ball loss of the game with a fumble 9 short yards from the in-goal.
This turnover definitively buries the hopes of the Jaguars, who double the bet on their next possession with another turnover (interception for Lawrence). KC runs the clock, returns the ball one last time, and can exult. Final score 27-20.
The MVP: Travis Kelce
He is Mahomes’ most trusted lieutenant, and once again Kelce has held his own. Regardless of the systems, regardless of the formations, Kelce always manages to stand out. Even when Chad Henne took over, it was still Kelce who was KC’s safe bet. An invaluable player.
Precious in the end zone, Jason’s brother (who will play a few hours later) scored his number 13 and 14 touchdowns in the play-offs, a mark that places him third in history, behind legends Jerry Rice (22 TDs) and Rob Gronkowski (15 TDs).
The flop: Arden Key
It’s hard to blame the valiant Jaguars team for playing to their strengths and losing against stronger than themselves.
What we could come to regret, on the other hand, is that Mahomes is not 100% for a continuation of the play-offs which promises to be epic, because of Arden Key’s knee firmly pressed on the ankle. of the 2018 MVP.
A gesture which did not cause any penalty, while we saw the penalty handkerchiefs bloom for his brutality on quarterback much more questionable throughout the season.
The stat: 5
Fifth consecutive AFC final for the Chiefs, who are approaching the Patriots’ record (8). Patrick Mahomes is still only 27, and Andy Reid is still masterful in his coaching. The young quarterback has never played a play-off game, outside of the Super Bowl, outside of Arrowhead.
Tom Brady and Bill Belichick have created an offbeat barometer, but the Chiefs’ performance is absolutely monumental, especially in an AFC that’s more competitive than ever.
The following
Whether it’s against Josh Allen or Joe Burrow, the final will be a remake of the 2021 play-offs for Kansas City, with the desire for revenge for one of the two teams. Mahomes’ condition will be one to watch over the next week.
On the side of Jacksonville, what a contrast. 2021 ended with a poor record of 3 wins and 14 losses and the nightmare named Urban Meyer. In less than a year, Doug Pederson changed the culture of the franchise.
Mocked for their expensive offseason signings, the Jaguars are now rubbing their hands with the signings of Christian Kirk or Evan Engram. The workforce still needs to be expanded on both sides of the ball (offensive line, linebackers, defensive backs), but Jacksonville has a good foundation for the future, and already has experience in the play-offs. The future could be bright for the Jags.
