Kansas City Chiefs (1-0) – Houston Texans (0-1) : 34-20
A few months after a spectacular clash in the playoffs, the Chiefs and the Texans met for the opening game of the 2020 season. This time the Chiefs have only trembled a little, in particular thanks to a player already favorite for the title of offensive rookie of the year, Clyde Edwards-Helaire (138 yards, 1 TD).
Flamboyant, he dominated a weak defense of the Texans, to the point of eclipsing the aerial game of Kansas City, yet also effective. The turning point came early in the second half, when the former LSU runner will navigate the defense to give his side a 17-point lead. Houston will not recover, and the Chiefs are starting the season in the best possible way, with an authoritative victory.
No one can stop Clyde Edwards-Helaire tonight!
Touchdown for the rookie, and the Chiefs take off. (24-7)pic.twitter.com/z81TD7QwnB
— TDActu.com – Actu NFL ???? (@TDActu) September 11, 2020
David Johnson strikes first
While the Texans got the ball first, Deshaun Watson (19/30, 247 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. 28 yards and 1 TD in the run) had already regretted the departure of DeAndre Hopkins. After a terrible drop from Will Fuller (112 yards), Houston immediately returned possession to the defending champions. But the Chiefs also suffered an expensive drop, Demarcus Robinson (20 yards) releasing a potential touchdown of 36 yards.
After this exchange of courtesy, the Texans will strike first. And the hero of this first victorious drive is called David Johnson (109 yards, 1 TD). The former Cardinals was as effective in the air as on the ground, and it was he who opened the scoring on a 19-yard run. (0-7)
TOUCHDOWN Texans! David Johnson is on fire early in the game, and Houston is ahead. (0-7) pic.twitter.com/N99JXoPaPw
— TDActu.com – Actu NFL ???? (@TDActu) September 11, 2020
Kansas City reacts very quickly
But the Chiefs have resources. As the Chiefs found themselves in the 4th attempt and inches to their own 34 yards, they called a decisive run to keep the drive alive. Behind, Patrick Mahomes (24/32, 211 yards, 3 TD) distributed to go up the field, taking advantage of lightning from Travis Kelce (50 yards, 1 TD) and rookie Clyde Edwards-Helaire. And after a new touchdown released by Demarcus Robinson, it is Kelce who will unlock the situation to revive the Chiefs with a reception in the 3rd attempt.
The Chiefs equalize! Patrick Mahomes finds Travis Kelce for touchdown ???? (7-7)pic.twitter.com/0GEfzvu0HO
— TDActu.com – Actu NFL ???? (@TDActu) September 11, 2020
This action will free the Chiefs. In a long drive of 16 games and 9 minutes, Kansas City will prove that the 2020 version of the attack can advance both on the ground and on the pass. Still under the leadership of Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Andy Reid’s players will impose a less spectacular tempo than in 2019 but still as effective. The price remains the same: touchdown, and Kansas City goes ahead. (14-7)
The Chiefs walk past! After a very long drive, it was Sammy Watkins who gave Kansas City the lead. (14-7)pic.twitter.com/t13U2tlzRl
— TDActu.com – Actu NFL ???? (@TDActu) September 11, 2020
As if that weren’t enough, the Texans will completely foil at the end of the half. After a field goal completely missed by Ka’imi Fairbairn, Houston will shoot himself in the foot by committing two gross faults which offer an additional field goal to the Chiefs. 17-7, the momentum changed sides at half-time.
The Chiefs unroll
After a touchdown from the first drive of the second half (see first paragraph of this article), the Chiefs will control the match brilliantly. And the defense will help, with an omnipresent Chris Jones (1.5 sacks) who does not allow a Deshaun Watson abandoned by his line to breathe, in particular Tytus Howard author of a catstrophic performance. We can not say the same thing for the defense of the Texans, uninspired like linebacker Zach Cunningham.
And Steve Spagnuolo’s defense will be rewarded for his efforts, with an interception of rookie L’Jarius Sneed, following a superb action from Tyrann Mathieu who touches Watson’s arm. And since Houston is generous, they’re going to make sure the Chiefs can keep moving forward with defensive pass interference. Patrick Mahomes finds Tyreek Hill (46 yards, 1 TD), and the Chiefs worsen the score. (31-7)
The rookies are definitely inspired in Kansas City.
Interception of L’Jarius Sneed following a sensational action by Tyrann Mathieu. ????pic.twitter.com/pThMK9Ago4
— TDActu.com – Actu NFL ???? (@TDActu) September 11, 2020
The Texans will save the honor, with a touchdown from Watson for Jordan Akins (39 yards, 1 TD), generously granted despite a fairly obvious false start, then by a touchdown on the ground of the quarterback. Small consolation prize for a limited offensively team. (31-20)
The Texans save the honor with a touchdown from Jordan Akins. (31-13)pic.twitter.com/weFKePyYs7
— TDActu.com – Actu NFL ???? (@TDActu) September 11, 2020
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