3 Big Takeaways From Chiefs' Week 9 Overtime Win vs. Buccaneers
By Joe Summers
The Chiefs escaped Week 9 with a terrific overtime win over the Buccaneers thanks to Patrick Mahomes' best game of the season. While Kansas City's defense let Tampa Bay tie in the game in regulation, Mahomes and Kareem Hunt calmly led the offense down the field for a sealing TD.
Fans saw a unique game relative to most contests this season. Instead of a low-scoring, sluggish affair, both offenses fared well. Mahomes threw three TDs and Baker Mayfield tossed two scores himself, with 27 points coming in the fourth quarter and overtime.
With a pivotal matchup on short rest against the Broncos up next, let's go through three quick takeaways from Monday's victory.
1. DeAndre Hopkins Had His "Welcome to Arrowhead" Moment
The newest Chiefs WR quickly made himself at home in his first time at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. After catching just two passes in his debut last week, he quickly established a dominant, comfortable relationship with Mahomes.
Hopkins caught eight of his nine targets for 86 yards and two TDs, including one gorgeous 35-yard pass between two defenders that extended a pivotal drive.
Afterwards, he quickly jumped on social media to celebrate his great efforts.
— Deandre Hopkins (@DeAndreHopkins) November 5, 2024
This version of the offense looks revitalized. Travis Kelce turned back the clock yet again with 14 catches for 100 yards, Hunt rushed for over 100, and Mahomes enjoyed his finest performance of the season. He didn't turn the ball over for the first time all year!
Hopkins makes a world of difference. He's the best receiver on the offense and this is his best chance ever to win a Super Bowl. For the low price of a conditional fifth-rounder, Hopkins has already maybe solved the team's biggest weakness.
He doesn't have to score two TDs every week but his sheer presence elevates the offense's ceiling. That said, there's still an anchor holding down the offense.