Patrick Mahomes showcased his impressive skills during a thrilling game on Sunday, helping the Kansas City Chiefs secure a narrow 30-27 victory over the Carolina Panthers. With just ten yards to go in a critical moment, Mahomes had the option to either slide for a first down or step out of bounds. Instead, he boldly cut back and gained an additional 23 yards, setting up a game-winning 31-yard field goal from Spencer Schrader as time ran out.
“Yards were more important than going out of bounds at that time,” Mahomes explained. “With three timeouts left, I focused on pushing ahead, and Justin Watson provided a great block that helped me get downfield.” This marked the 21st game-winning drive of Mahomes’ career, and it was the fifth time this season the Chiefs triumphed in a game decided in the final moments. Notably, eight of their total victories have come by a single score.
Mahomes completed 27 of 37 passes for 269 yards and threw three touchdowns, along with rushing for 60 yards, including a crucial 33-yard run in the game’s final minutes. The Chiefs (10-1) were able to score on six of their eight possessions during the match.
Noah Gray stood out, catching four passes for 66 yards and scoring two touchdowns for the second straight week. DeAndre Hopkins also added to the scoreboard for the defending champions, while Kareem Hunt contributed with 68 rushing yards.
Carolina’s Bryce Young showed promise, finishing 21 of 35 for 262 yards and a touchdown. He led a comeback from an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter, tying the game with a 1-yard touchdown run from Chuba Hubbard and a successful 2-point conversion with 1:46 left.
Panthers coach Dave Canales, who previously benched Young for veteran Andy Dalton, confirmed that Young would remain the starting quarterback next week. “Bryce is really making the most of his chances,” Canales noted. “He’s proving he can make plays when it matters.” Young said he strives to focus on what he can control, expressing gratitude for the confidence he’s been given.
However, the Panthers faced challenges in the red zone, settling for four field goals. Their scoring came from kicker Eddy Pineiro, who is known for his accuracy.
The game started strong for the Chiefs when Samaje Perine returned the opening kickoff 56 yards, setting up a 35-yard touchdown connection from Mahomes to Gray. Gray’s second touchdown, an 11-yarder, came late in the second quarter.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid praised Mahomes’ cool demeanor, though he expressed concern over his team’s nine penalties for 90 yards during the game.
In other updates, Travis Kelce caught six passes for 62 yards, moving into third place for career receiving yards by a tight end, though he has not scored in nine out of eleven games this season.
Carolina’s second-round pick, Jonathan Brooks, made his NFL debut but only managed 7 yards on two carries. Meanwhile, rookie tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders was taken to a hospital for evaluation after landing awkwardly during the game and has since been released.
Next up for the Chiefs is a home game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Friday, while the Panthers will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next Sunday.
