The Kansas City Chiefs came up short against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday by a score of 20-17. K.C. once again got off to a slow start and found itself in a 14-0 hole, but the defense found its footing and allowed just two field goals in the final three quarters. For the Chiefs’ offense, however, it was more of the same roller coaster ride that we’ve become accustomed to this season.
The first four possessions for the K.C. offense resulted in either a punt or a turnover. Then, it scored two consecutive touchdowns and appeared to be turning the corner. Unfortunately, the Chiefs would only muster one field goal on their final four possessions. Turnovers, penalties, and overall lack of attention to detail held the offense back as it has for most of the year.
Poor officiating will be a hot topic for a Chiefs loss yet again. There’s no doubt that clearer rules and consistent enforcement are sorely needed, but the Chiefs have to stop putting themselves in a constant position where the referees are deciding the game.
K.C. has been able to take leads with under two minutes left in four of their five losses this season and not only haven’t capitalized but committed self-inflicting wounds to cost itself the game. The Chiefs have lost two games in a row and four of their last six.
Here are the top stories on this edition of Chiefs Check-in for the morning of Monday, December 11:
Plenty of opinions on costly mistake by Kadarius Toney
Kadarius Toney was penalized for being lined up offsides before a would-be go-ahead touchdown, which ironically enough he scored. Social media is full of differing opinions on whether it was a necessary penalty or not.
Frustration is at an all-time high during the Patrick Mahomes era
Takes about the Chiefs are as negative as they have ever been since Mahomes took over as the starting quarterback in 2018.
Patrick Mahomes vents about the officiating
Mahomes was upset and fed up during his post-game press conference with the inconsistencies of NFL officiating this season.
Rashee Rice keeps making plays
Rice caught his team-leading sixth touchdown pass against the Bills on Sunday.
Jerick McKinnon gets his first touchdown of the season
McKinnon sparked the Chiefs’ offense before halftime by finding the endzone.
Rookie Chamarri Conner makes the most of his opportunity
After Justin Reid went down with an injury, Conner stepped in and snagged his first career interception.
Around the AFC West
Denver Broncos
- The Broncos defeated the Chargers 24-17 and pulled within one game of the Chiefs for first place in the AFC West.
Las Vegas Raiders
- Despite surrendering just one field goal, the Raiders were shut out by the Vikings 3-0 on Sunday.
Los Angeles Chargers
- Quarterback Justin Herbert left the game in the second quarter with a finger injury and did not return.
Around the NFL
- The Ravens beat the Rams with a walk-off punt return for a touchdown in overtime.
- Browns’ head coach Kevin Stefanski said Joe Flacco will be the starting quarterback for the remainder of the season.
- Vikings’ wide receiver Justin Jefferson was taken to a hospital after suffering a chest injury against the Raiders.
- WWE Hall of Famer and former Atlanta Falcon Bill Goldberg showed up at the Falcons-Buccaneers game and speared a fan wearing a Tom Brady jersey.
- Former Titans tight end Frank Wycheck died Saturday at the age of 52.
