Kansas City Chiefs: 3 Key Takeaways from the Green Bay Packers Win
By Lucas Murphy
The Kansas City Chiefs welcomed the Green Bay Packers into Arrowhead Stadium at GEHA field. The Packers would be without their star MVP Aaron Rogers due to Covid-19. An important game for the Chiefs who were looking to build some momentum after defeating the New York Giants on Monday Night Football.
The stage was set on a beautiful afternoon in Kansas City. The Chiefs Kingdom showed up ready to cheer on their football team. The Chiefs came out victorious 13-7 and improved to 5-4. This was also the 500th victory in franchise history. The Packers would fall to 7-2 on the season. As discussed 3 keys would assist with a Chiefs victory , and those had a factor in this win.
Chiefs’ Defense Played Very Well?
The Kansas City Chiefs’ defense came ready to play football. This side has been under heavy scrutiny for not applying pressure to opposing quarterbacks. In the article 3 ways, the Kansas City Chiefs can rescue the 2021 season defense was a must. Through 8 weeks in the NFL, the defense has been one of the worst statistically. That would change against a first-time starter Jordan Love.
One important detail from the Week 9 matchup was the Packers were only able to convert 2 of their 12 3rd downs. The Packers were only able to rush for 122 total yards between Aaron Jones, AJ Dillion, and Jordan Love. Davante Adams was contained for 6 receptions for 42 yards. The defense managed to sack Jordan Love for 11 yards. L’Jarius Sneed also intercepted Jordan Love.
The hope is that the defense continues showing improvement and with recently acquired defensive end Melvin Ingram, this team can apply pressure. Chris Jones was playing defensive tackle. As fans, we witnessed Chris Jones disrupt the interior of the offensive line like we have been used to. Frank Clark has strung together a few games where he has been healthy and aggravating the opposing quarterback. If the defense continues to come around it could signify something scary for the opposing teams.
The Chiefs Offense Is Still Sputtering?
Yes, the Kansas City Chiefs offense is still sputtering. Patrick Mahomes would attempt 37 passes completing 20 for 166 yards and one touchdown. The running game faired well against a solid Green Bay Packers defense. The once-feared offense seems to be misfiring at times. Tyreek Hill was targeted 11 times and only hauled in 4 receptions for 37 yards. Travis Kelce was targeted 8 times and caught 5 of those with a touchdown. At times Kelce’s body language demonstrated some miscommunication and some frustration.
Another mystery is why wide receiver Josh Gordon is not seeing targets. So far with the Kansas City Chiefs Gordon has been thrown to 4 times catching 1 for 11 yards. He was brought in to boost the receiver group but has yet to make even the slightest impact. For an offense that is sliding many would believe this could help with the resurgence.
One noticeable improvement is the offense did not turn the football over. This stopped what had become a trend each week. In all honesty, it was a glaring concern. This offense can flip a switch and become the high-powered unstoppable freight train the NFL has been used to for the last few years.
Do Chiefs Special Teams Win the Battle?
The Kansas City Chiefs specials teams were a major highlight in the matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Tommy Townsend would put six times pinning the Packers within the 20-yard line on 5 of those punts. Jordan Love would be forced to drive the length of the field. Field goal kicker Harrison Butker was a perfect 2-for-2 nailing a long 55-yard field goal. On the opposite end Packers kicker, Mason Crosby missed a field goal while also having one blocked. The Packers would also have a mishap on special teams when Amari Rodgers would fumble the ball. In return giving the Chiefs a scoring opportunity.
In the end, the Kansas City Chiefs come out with a victory. This victory could have playoff implications as the AFC is wide open. This team continues to take it week by week and prepare for their opponent accordingly. This coming week they will play the Las Vegas Raiders on a big AFC West matchup.