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Winners and Losers from Week 9

Wie wäre es mit diesen Chiefs?
Mcduf Vs Hill
(Photo by: Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Wie wäre es mit diesen Chiefs? Was für ein Spiel! (German translation: How about those Chiefs? What a game!). The defending world champion Chiefs after suffering an upset last week to their divisional rival Denver Broncos, bounced in a big way in a big game that took place in another part of the world in Frankfurt, Germany. The team traveled a long way to take on their former star receiver Tyreek Hill and his team, the Miami Dolphins in what fans expected to be an instant classic but the Chiefs turned the tables on that earlier in the game led to their 21-14 victory over the hot Miami Dolphins at Frankfurt Stadium in Frankfurt, Germany. The Chiefs now are at the top No. 1 seed in the AFC after Andy Reid’s team was able to fend off a second-half rally by the Dolphins. As this game kicked off, it looked like the international crowd was going to enjoy a high-flying affair between two of the conference’s powerhouse clubs. However, things did slow down after Kansas City’s opening 75-yard touchdown drive as the two sides were scoreless for a large chunk of the first half. Patrick Mahomes finished the game 20 of 30 passing for 185 yards and two touchdowns. There were winners and losers that captured my attention. With that being said, here are the winners and losers from Week 9.

Winners

Trent McDuffie, #22, CB:

This is the best cornerback in the NFL. In my past articles, I have said that and this past Sunday, McDuffie proved me right once again especially going against one of the best receivers in A.J. Brown, Ja’Marr Chase, Keenan Allen, and now Tyreek Hill. McDuffie recorded 10 tackles (8 solo) and a forced fumble on the former Chiefs star receiver. With less than a minute left to play in the first half, McDuffie totally blew up a bubble screen to Tyreek Hill, ripping the ball out of his hands to force his fourth fumble this season. McDuffie might have allowed a 31-yard TD in the second half to Cedrick WIlson but his play against Hill was the story of the game. Hill caught the ball 8 times for 62 yards but McDuffie held Hill to just under 50 yards (6 catches for 44 yards against Hill) every time he faced Hill. The 10 tackles were a season high. If he can maintain his current level of production, he could soon put himself on the radar as a Top 5 Defensive Player of the Year.

 

Willie Gay, #50, LB:

Willie Gay is having a career season. Gay appeared to be in danger of sitting out the Week 9 game after he opened the week as a non-participant in practice, but he made enough progress Thursday and Friday for the Chiefs to give him a questionable tag heading into the weekend. Sunday according to PFF, was the best game he ever played as a pro. In just 25 snaps, Gay was graded as the highest-rated linebacker from Week 9 with a 92.0 overall grade. Gay had four tackles with a tackle for loss, though his impact was felt in the timing of his huge plays including the fumble force where Miami got the ball back but on the same drive, Gay timed the Dolphin’s snap count to perfection on a 6-yard tackle for loss on Dolphins running back Jeff Wilson. Gay is playing very well in place of Nick Bolton and it’s great to see his development along with the linebackers.

Patrick Mahomes, #15, QB:

MVPat had a rough one last week when the Chiefs offense couldn’t score against the Broncos. This week, Mahomes was able to move the ball around efficiently and did seem to ease some concerns of the Chiefs being unable to win a game when a team centers its focus on taking away Travis Kelce. In a game where the tight end was held to just 3 catches for 14 yards. Mahomes found other ways to move the football, including to Rashee Rice. The rookie had two clutch receptions in the win, one being an opening-drive touchdown grab.

Mahomes finished the game 20 of 30 passing for 185 yards and 2 touchdown passes. One of the most impressive drives from Sunday was that 95-yard touchdown drive that finished with McKinnon hitting the end zone on a throw from Mahomes. Finally, McKinnon get his touches.

Losers

Tyreek Hill, #10, Dolphins receiver:

Kansas City Queefs, We were going to miss you, We’re about to get that work. What work? You were held to 8 catches for 62 yards, no touchdowns, and a fumble forced on you. In the closing minute of the first half, Tagovailoa completed a pass to Hill, who was met immediately behind the line of scrimmage by cornerback Trent McDuffie, who just so happens to be the player the Chiefs drafted with the pick it acquired when trading the star receiver. Damn! Karma must be a B**** is it Tyreek?

The offensive play calling and effort in the second half:

The Chiefs’ offense executed their plan very well in the first half scoring 14 points on offense then the forced fumble led to 7 more points. The Chiefs were up 21-0 coming into the second half. The fact that the same problems from last week were beginning to return again. The Dolphins started to bring pressure and Bradley Chubb was able to strip-sack Mahomes, Miami recovered the ball at the K.C. 27-yard line giving Tua an opportunity to cut this lead to one score at the time. Very next drive for the Chiefs. Marquez Valdes Scantling had a step on his defender, but couldn’t connect with Mahomes on a big gain that could’ve put the game away early. With 12:07 left in this game, Tagovailoa had a chance to knot the game at 21. That led to Matt Nagy screaming at his offense on the sideline. I could still call out MVS because he’s the leader of that receiving room but it also has to come from the offensive staff putting out players in the best position to win and in the late second half, our old habits were beginning to return. Hopefully, we will get our offensive inconsistencies taken care of with this bye week we have.

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