Adam Teicher
Jenna Laine
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Jenna Laine
ESPN Staff Writer
- Jenna Laine covers the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for ESPN. She started covering the Bucs for ESPN in 2016, but she has covered the team since 2009. Follow Jenna on Twitter: @JennaLaineESPN.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Kansas City Chiefs have improved to 8-0 this season with a thrilling 30-24 overtime victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on “Monday Night Football” at Arrowhead Stadium.
The Chiefs found themselves trailing by seven points in the fourth quarter but mounted a comeback led by two touchdown passes from Patrick Mahomes, who sustained an ankle injury during the first pass. Mahomes returned to orchestrate a 15-play drive that lasted over eight minutes. Baker Mayfield then led the Buccaneers on a game-tying touchdown drive in the final minute, pushing the contest into overtime. In overtime, the Chiefs scored a touchdown on their first possession to secure the victory.
DeAndre Hopkins made a significant impact for the Chiefs following his recent trade from the Tennessee Titans, catching eight passes for 86 yards and scoring two touchdowns in just his second game with Kansas City.
Here are the key points from the matchup for both teams:
QB breakdown: Mahomes recorded his first completion of 20 or more air yards since Week 4 with a 35-yard pass to Hopkins in the first half. However, that was his only completion beyond 20 air yards, and he faced four sacks during the game.
Hopkins follows up great catch in traffic with his 1st Chiefs TD
DeAndre Hopkins hauls in a great catch in double coverage, and a few plays later, he gets his first touchdown as a Chief.
Most surprising performance: Kareem Hunt started slow with only 16 rushing yards on seven carries in the first half. However, he turned it around with seven carries for 47 yards during Kansas City’s tying touchdown drive, finishing the game with 27 carries for 106 yards, including the decisive score.
Describe the game in two words: Gritty win. The Chiefs’ offense had struggled at times but managed two crucial touchdown drives to tie the game and ultimately claimed victory in overtime. — Adam Teicher
Next game: vs. Broncos (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Despite missing their top three wide receivers, Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Jalen McMillan, the Buccaneers nearly defeated the NFL’s only undefeated team. Wide receiver Ryan Miller caught a 1-yard touchdown pass from Mayfield to equalize at 24-24. However, the Buccaneers’ defense faltered, allowing a 10-play overtime drive capped by Hunt’s 2-yard touchdown run.
This defeat dropped the Buccaneers’ record below .500 for the first time this season. They will host the San Francisco 49ers next week before heading into their Week 11 bye, with Evans expected to return afterward. The remaining schedule appears more favorable, as only one upcoming opponent has a winning record (the Los Angeles Chargers), raising hopes for a potential late-season playoff push.
QB breakdown: Baker Mayfield completed 23 of 31 passes for 200 yards and two touchdowns. His 11-yard touchdown pass to tight end Cade Otton came against safety Justin Reid in the corner of the end zone, having relied heavily on Otton and running backs Bucky Irving and Rachaad White in the screen game.
Biggest hole in the game plan: All four of the Chiefs’ touchdowns were scored on third down, with two against rookie Josh Hayes, who was starting for the first time due to injuries in the Buccaneers’ secondary. Despite missing Jamel Dean, Hayes had a tough task, but he did recover a fumble forced by Tykee Smith on Travis Kelce.
Eye-popping stat: Despite defensive tackles Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey registering two sacks each, the Buccaneers employed a low-pressure strategy against Mahomes, blitzing just 13% of the time through the first three quarters, the second-lowest percentage during Todd Bowles’ tenure. Their 11% blitz rate in the Super Bowl LV remains the lowest under his coaching. — Jenna Laine
Next game: vs. 49ers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Record to 5-3 on the season, highlighting their competitive spirit despite injury challenges. Baker Mayfield showcased resilience, throwing for over 300 yards and two touchdowns. The absence of star receivers was felt, but players stepped up, including Miller, who made crucial plays during the game.
Game Takeaways:
- Chiefs’ Resilience: Trailing in the fourth quarter, Kansas City demonstrated their ability to come back, with Mahomes showing his characteristic poise, even after an injury scare.
- Big Plays by Hopkins: Acquired from the Titans, DeAndre Hopkins’ performance was integral, not just for his touchdown receptions but for providing a reliable target in critical situations.
- Buccaneers’ Fight: Despite the losses, Tampa Bay’s offense managed to remain competitive, especially with Mayfield at the helm, creating opportunities in a high-pressure game.
Upcoming Challenges:
For the Buccaneers, the road ahead will require overcoming injuries and improving their defense to remain contenders in their division. They will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next matchup, which will be key to maintaining their playoff push.