Chiefs-Patriots: 6 winners and 3 losers from the NFL’s Week 15

Some might say the Kansas City Chiefs’ Week 15 win over the New England Patriots is “fools gold” — that beating a three-win staff and their backup quarterback is not a giant feat.

However the Patriots have crushed the New York Jets, Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers this season, displaying that, with good protection and training, something is feasible on any given Sunday. On this Sunday, nevertheless, it was the Chiefs’ flip to disappoint the New England trustworthy with a flurry of scoring earlier than and after halftime.

The trademark points had been nonetheless on offense, however they stored combating by way of them. It additionally felt like they made progress on discovering the suitable roles for a few of the younger (and outdated) Chiefs.

Listed here are just a few who stood out because the Chiefs beat the Patriots 27-17:

Winners

Photograph by Kathryn Riley/Getty Photographs

Working again Clyde Edwards-Helaire: It is a luxurious to have a former first-round decide on the working again place sitting on the bench. However video games like this present why preserving numbers on the place is sensible. Edwards-Helaire put collectively a 100-total-yard recreation this week with a highlight-reel catch for a landing. He additionally had the sport’s longest play with an extremely well-blocked display screen play that he took for 48 yards. Edwards-Helaire is not nice at every little thing, however he confirmed what he does greatest this week — catch the ball, run downhill and generally make guys miss.

Working again Jerick McKinnon: This recreation additionally confirmed the best function for McKinnon. Maybe he would not have the identical stage of burst he used to have, however he confirmed off all of the instruments on this recreation. McKinnon’s eight touches resulted in a passing landing and a receiving landing, albeit for restricted yardage. Heading into the postseason, it looks like Jet goes to have a worthwhile function as soon as once more.

Vast receiver Rashee Rice: The Chiefs have a No. 1 receiver this season, and he caught all 9 of his targets on Sunday, turning them into 91 yards and a landing. Rashee Rice has already put collectively among the finest rookie seasons of any receiver to play for Andy Reid. It hasn’t been good (he recovered his personal fumble this week), however he is getting extra snug taking part in out of construction with Patrick Mahomes, and he is making performs each single week. He is heads and shoulders above the remainder of the extensive receiver room already, and the arrow continues to be pointing up for Rice.

Linebacker Willie Homosexual, Jr.: This regarded like a fairly good recreation from your complete linebacker room, as Leo Chenal batted a cross, Drue Tranquill obtained a sack, and Bolton regarded a bit extra like himself. However Homosexual’s interception early within the third quarter allowed the Chiefs to push to a two-score recreation. Then the protection would go on to pressure 4 punts and a turnover on downs within the final 5 New England drives. Homosexual additionally had a batted cross on this recreation, actually displaying his capability to contribute when opponents cross.

EDGE Charles Omenihu: We additionally might have chosen various Chiefs defensive linemen this week. Derrick Nnadi was credited with a sack, Chris Jones was dominant at instances and Mike Danna was disruptive as properly. However this week’s winner was Omenihu, who had a very good rush across the edge and obtained a sack and practically a fumble to assist finish a Patriots drive within the third quarter. When this group is getting after opposing quarterbacks, every little thing is simpler for the Chiefs’ protection, and Omenihu goes to be a big think about how they shut the season.

Defensive again L’Jarius Sneed: Sneed led the staff with 9 whole tackles, two for a loss, and broke up two passes on the day. The announcers observed what everyone knows to be a reality— there is not any defensive again that tackles fairly like Sneed. Certain, there was one play the place he obtained rotated on a prayer of a Bailey Zappe cross, however Sneed made his presence felt in a giant manner on Sunday.

Losers

Photograph by Maddie Meyer/Getty Photographs

Vast receiver Kadarius Toney: Emblematic of the struggles we have seen from this complete place group, Toney nonetheless could not get out of his personal approach to contribute in a constructive vogue. This week, it was a cross going off of his fingers and his head, his fingers once more — then into the arms of a Patriots linebacker. Mahomes was visibly upset on the sidelines, and for good cause. The 4 instances he focused Toney resulted in two catches for 5 yards and that interception. Not good.

Tight finish Blake Bell: With the Patriots having simply tied the sport at seven, Mahomes focused the large tight finish over the center on first down. Bell was outmuscled by the linebacker, Marte Mapu, leading to a primary and objective that might have swung the momentum within the route of the house staff. Fortunately, the protection held for a subject objective, and the offense obtained on observe, not focusing on Bell once more.

Proper deal with Jawaan Taylor: The penalties proceed to come back, and at horrible instances. Taylor missed a few blocks as properly, however that may be forgiven simpler than drive-killing penalties at a league-leading tempo.

Notice: Making use of the labels “winners” and “losers” isn’t supposed to be a judgment on the expertise or character of any of those gamers. It is only a easy approach to grade their efficiency in a single recreation. No disrespect is meant.