Kansas City Chiefs: Winners and Losers from Week 13
It is frustrating when the same team is able to get the best of you throughout multiple matchups. The Cincinnati Bengals have unfortunately done just that.
The Bengals rallied from behind to post a 27-24 win over the Chiefs on Sunday. The win was the Bengals’ third straight over the Chiefs after defeating the Chiefs twice this past season including in the AFC Championship game.
The Bengals improve to 8-4, while the loss drops the Chiefs to 9-3. The Buffalo Bills now are in first place of the AFC. There were many players that contributed to the loss but there were those that stood out to me. Here is the list of the winners and losers of Week 13 for the Chiefs.
Week 13 Winners:
1. Trent McDuffie, cornerback
The Chiefs have found their Darrelle Revis.. and his name is Trent McDuffie. Out of all of the bad play by Kansas City’s defense in this one, the rookie cornerback stood out. He covered Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins on 3 targets, allowing just one catch for 8 yards. He allowed just a 42.4 passer rating. McDuffie out-physicaled Chase and Tee Higgins on Sunday and was lockdown. This kid is special.
2. Carlos Dunlap, pass rusher
This was Carlos Dunlap’s first matchup against his former team. He made his presence felt in his return to the Jungle and played great. Dunlap reminded Cincinnati that he’s still got it. His best play came when he burst through the line and stuffed Trent Taylor for a loss on 4th-and-goal after the Bengals tried a jet sweep. He very well may have remembered that play from his time with the team.
The stop prevented Cincinnati from adding to its 14-10 lead at half time. Dunlap’s play is encouraging going forward into the playoffs. He is becoming a great veteran piece to this Kansas City roster.
3. Isiah Pacheco, Running back/Return specialist
Isiah Pacheco rushed the ball 14 times for 66 yards and a touchdown. He also caught 2 passes for 16 yards along with 115 yards on 5 kick-off returns in Sunday’s loss. It was a solid outing for the rookie out of Rutgers on Sunday, who had respectable efficiency on the ground. He was the teams top rusher again and he has solidified that role for himself over the past few weeks. The rookie has solidified his role as the Chiefs primary running back moving forward.
4. Patrick Mahomes, Quarterback
Despite the loss, Patrick Mahomes played a solid game on Sunday, completing 16 of his 27 pass attempts for 223 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed twice for nine yards and another touchdown. On the rushing touchdown, the MVP leader displayed his inner Michael Jordan when the quarterback decided to leap into the air and into the end zone to score the touchdown. Some will say he wasn’t as dominant as we’ve seen him over the last few weeks, but he didn’t bust and ended up having a solid day. He’s been great overall this year and remains the top MVP-candidate moving forward.
Week 13 Losers:
1. THE DEFENSE
If there is a main reason the team lost this game, the Chiefs’ defense is the reason. They were unable to make the Bengals’ offense get off the field. The unit failed to force a turnover while allowing the Bengals to rack up 431 yards of total offense. That’s a sign of a “lack of aggression” coming from our unit. They should play better than this.
The Bengals attacked the middle of the field in a combination of running up the A-Gap and passing against our safeties Juan Thornhill and Justin Reid. It’s encouraging to see George Karlaftis get his second sack in the last two games but still the Bengals took advantage when we weren’t on the same page as a unit.
2. Andrew Wylie, Right tackle
Andrew Wylie continued to allow pressure throughout the game. He’s allowed the most sacks among right tackles (7). I believe it’s just time to make a change. It’s time to get Niang or Tega Wanogho reps at the right tackle. They’re better athletes and technicians at the position than Wylie is.
3. Harrison Butker, kicker
Once again, we’re back to Butker being inconsistent. This time it was a big moment that we needed. Butker converted on 1 of his 2 field goal attempts and made all 3 of his extra point attempts in Sunday’s loss to the Bengals. Butker missed a field goal attempt of 55 yards that could have ended up being the difference between a loss and overtime.
He’s been off all year, likely due to his injury. Butker needs to work consistently nailing his kicks from the ranges he knows he can make them from. If he doesn’t work on his consistency, the Chiefs could see an early playoff exit and Mr. Butker won’t be back in KC next season.
