Philadelphia Eagles (1-3) – Kansas City Chiefs (2-2) : 30-42
For the fourth time in history, an NFL game ended without a single punt, one way or the other. If the two teams were able to advance in attack, Kansas City transformed all opportunities into touchdown, where Philly often had to settle for a field goal, which explains the Chiefs’ final victory. The two defenses on the other hand passed by, which is not reassuring for either of the two teams.
Patrick Mahomes (24/30, 278 yards, 5 TD, 1 INT) was almost impeccable, well helped by a performance on the ground and a Tyreek Hill (186 yards, 3 TD) which has returned to its best level. Seven offensive drives, for one interception and six touchdowns. Andy Reid’s men had an almost perfect match and found the rhythm offensively.
Jalen Hurts (32/48, 400 yards, 2 TD, 47 yards on the ground) and the Eagles were not unworthy, but the difference in talent made the difference. Well helped by Dallas Goedert (56 yards, 1 TD) and Devonta Smith (122 yards), he however proved that he has the NFL level. The Eagles know the axes of progression: ground defense and management of the red zone.
MAHOMES: 5 TDS
HILL: 3 TDSThis combo is unstoppable. #ChiefsKingdom
????: #KCvsPHI on CBS
????: NFL app pic.twitter.com/08iD36jULH— NFL (@NFL) October 3, 2021
Kansas City regains confidence in AFC West as the Eagles fall behind in the NFC East race.
An offensive start to the match!
The recipe is common to both teams in this first half: yards and points. During the entire first half, there was also no punt: six drives, and points scored each time.
The Eagles are the first to get into action, and despite four incumbents injured on the line the attack advances. Jalen Hurts distributes to his targets, Zach Ertz (60 yards) to Devonta Smith via Dallas Goedert. Unfortunately for Philadelphia, Nick Sirianni still does not find solutions in the red zone, and despite three drives within 25 yards, the Eagles do not leave with 13 points, including a touchdown from Goedert.
On the Chiefs’ side, the success is much better. Patrick Mahomes is in recapture mode, and his targets easily find space in Philly’s defense. Tyreek Hill punishes the Eagles in the air, while Clyde Edwards-Helaire (114 yards) managed to finally advance Kansas City on the ground. Both score a touchdown, which is also the case for Jody Fortson (13-21).
Both attack fiercely, but the Chiefs are stronger in the last move, the halftime lead makes sense.
Suspense in the second act, before the Tyreek Hill demonstration
From the start of the second act, the Eagles’ defense wakes up. Javon Hargrave and Josh Sweat are untenable, and Patrick Mahomes is intercepted by Eric Wilson. The Eagles score 3 points behind, after a touchdown denied for non-existent interference (16-21).
But Kansas City is Imperial on offense, and ground play is in demonstration. It’s too hard for the Eagles, and Darrel Williams gives the Chiefs a good lead (16-28). End of the game? No, because the defenses are decidedly catastrophic. Dallas Goedert goes up the field, and Kenneth Gainwell (89 yards, 1 TD) concludes on the ground (23-28). Time and time again, the Eagles stay in touch.
But Kansas City has the recipe: from play to racing and a Tyreek Hill on fire. The result is always the same: touchdown, and again touchdown (23-42). This time for sure, the Chiefs walk away with a victory.
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