Four Takeaways From the KC Chiefs’ 24-10 Win Over the Seattle Seahawks

The Kansas Metropolis Chiefs got here into their Christmas Eve matchup towards the Seattle Seahawks on the heels of consecutive wins that had been a lot nearer than they wanted to be. On Saturday, the script was flipped somewhat bit.

Andy Reid’s staff was on a mission early within the afternoon, getting out to a lead and by no means surrendering it for the rest of the competition. That, along with a formidable efficiency from Steve Spagnuolo’s protection (extra on that later), was greater than sufficient for the house staff to safe a 24-10 victory. With the win, the Chiefs rise to 12-3 on the season and power the Seahawks to under .500 for the primary time since Week 5. 

Listed here are 4 takeaways from Saturday’s recreation.

1. Kansas Metropolis’s protection was distinctive

The Chiefs’ protection has caught quite a lot of criticism in latest weeks, and for good cause. Steve Spagnuolo’s unit wasn’t tackling properly, lacked grit and was getting gashed fairly routinely. That aggressive edge was again in a serious manner early on in Week 16, because the Seahawks did not log a first-down conversion till greater than seven minutes had elapsed within the second quarter. 

Kansas Metropolis held Seattle to 98 whole yards and three.3 yards per play within the first half and placed on a tackling show all afternoon. The 2022 rookie class additionally made a number of notable performs, with the likes of Trent McDuffie, Leo Chenal and Jaylen Watson getting much-needed stops. The Seahawks had been shorthanded, certain, however this efficiency deserves respect nonetheless. 

2. Particular shoutouts to particular person defensive gamers

First-round choose George Karlaftis made his presence felt within the first half towards the Seahawks, ending a drive with a batted cross and likewise recording a sack on Geno Smith. It was the fourth sack in 5 video games for the Purdue product who’s clearly starting to come back into his personal. On the second stage of the protection, Willie Homosexual Jr. was clearly the Chiefs’ greatest linebacker on Saturday and made a number of eye-popping tackles with aggression. Within the secondary, L’Jarius Sneed did an admirable job towards DK Metcalf and likewise continued to function probably the greatest tackling cornerbacks within the sport. All the Chiefs protection confirmed up, however a number of people managed to face out. 

3. Particular groups giveth and taketh away

On a constructive word, Harrison Butker kicked a 47-yard subject objective proper down the center and did not miss a single additional level. After a tumultuous week from a snap, maintain and kick standpoint, maybe issues are on the mend. On a extra important word, Dave Toub’s particular groups unit as soon as once more had a number of shortcomings in different areas. Poor kickoff protection on a return within the first quarter gave the Seahawks some favorable subject place, Tommy Townsend had a 22-yard punt within the first half and the protection staff additionally kicked a ball on a separate punt. Playoff video games are sometimes received by slim margins, and Toub’s status as a top-shelf particular groups coach can solely final so lengthy if his group retains making not less than one noticeable error per week. 

4. Patrick Mahomes must be the MVP

Patrick Mahomes’s Week 16 field rating wasn’t something loopy (16-for-28 with 224 passing yards and two touchdowns), however he performed mistake-free soccer and did precisely what the Chiefs wanted him to do. Reid did not assist him a lot from a personnel/formation standpoint and a few lackluster cross safety at instances additionally labored towards him. On prime of that, a number of drops made issues harder than essential. That, combined with a highlight-reel touchdown run to place the sport on ice, helped seal the deal on the 2022-2023 NFL MVP race. Jalen Hurts did not play in any respect, Josh Allen wasn’t good and Joe Burrow tossed two interceptions. Barring a Mahomes collapse in both of the subsequent two weeks, the race is over.