5 things we learned from the Chiefs’ up-and-down victory over the Falcons

Kansas City’s heart attack kids did it again, coming up with the big play to beat Atlanta as the clock wound down.

The Kansas City Chiefs played another uneven game on Sunday Night against the Atlanta Falcons. While they shot themselves in the foot on numerous occasions, they also came up big in the right moments. They did just enough to pull out a 22-17 road victory.

But in the NFL, a win is a win. The Chiefs now have a full-game lead over the Los Angeles Chargers in the AFC West.

This game was full of teaching moments. Here are five things we learned.

1. Move over, Lit! The Chiefs are their own worst enemy

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I know it’s a worn-out adage, but the only team that can beat the Chiefs is themselves. Whether it was a forehead-slapping interception, a roughing-the-passer call, a third-down pass interference penalty that kept an opposing drive alive or a rookie wide receiver stopping on a crucial third-down route, these mental and physical errors have added up to three straight games that have come down to the wire.

The NFL is a league built on parity. You can go only so long before playing sloppy football will catch up with you. But if the Chiefs can clean things up, they could be dominant. After the game, head coach Andy Reid said that the team has a lot of things to work on — and he’s right. This isn’t the best version of the Chiefs — and whether this improved version is ever realized rests solely on them.

2. Mahomes needs to stop being cute — and be “that dude”

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There are two versions of quarterback Patrick Mahomes. One is the guy who plays a little too loose, improvises a little too much and flicks the ball around the yard on short to intermediate passes — and doing all of it from his back foot. Much of the time, this works really well for him. But at other times, the fact that he’s lofting the ball all over the field causes him to short-arm throws, toss passes behind his receivers — or like on Sunday night, give defenders time to bait him into tossing the ball right to them.

Other times, he is decisive, gets his feet under him and drives the ball down the field. This version of the quarterback is a fierce competitor who has a cannon for an arm. He’s not afraid to fire the ball into small windows. He is accurate — and the best to ever play the game.

So far in 2024, we’ve seen more of the loosey-goosey Mahomes than the Jordan-esque take-no-prisoners player we know is lurking beneath the surface.

3. This running back group is like the cast of a movie

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Kansas City’s running back group could be a football version of “Oceans 11” or a sequel to “The Longest Yard.” Each has a unique story and background.

The injured star: Isiah Pacheco

Just when it looked like this was finally Pacheco’s year to take the next step forward as the premier back of the league’s most dangerous offense, he is injured. He’s being relegated to cheering from the sideline.

The guy who is working through some things: Clyde Edward-Helaire

Currently unavailable on the Reserve/NFI (non-football injury) list, we expect him to come in and do his part — just as soon as he is able.

The underdog: Carson Steele

He wasn’t supposed to make it this far — which gives his blue-collar playing style a down-to-earth likability. While he might never be a superstar, he’s going to do a lot of things right — and show up when his number is called.

The journeyman: Samaje Perine

He’s made so many laps around the block that the neighborhood dogs know him. He is a savvy veteran who still has a little bit left in the tank. Even if he’s not the same player he once was, he still has something to offer.

The guy looking to make things right: Kareem Hunt

His past mistakes have already cost him three Super Bowl rings — but he’s back and hoping to end things the right way.

When all of these characters are put together, you get something that’s fun to watch. Even if it’s not the best thing you ever saw on TV, it’s easily bingeable.

4. The Chiefs’ run defense is legit

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Kansas City’s run defense had another big day, making the opposing running back wish he had called in sick. Atlanta’s Bijan Robinson might be one of the best ball carriers the Chiefs will face all year. They held him to just 31 yards on 16 carries.

It was the third straight game in which Kansas City has held the opposing team’s starting running back to fewer than 50 yards rushing.

In this game, linebacker Nick Bolton led the charge. He gutted out a back injury to make his second game-winning play of the short season. Other guys who have stepped up big include homegrown players like Tershawn Wharton and Mike Danna.

5. The Chiefs need a third passing option

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Rashee Rice is an elite receiver. Travis Kelce is getting double-teamed on every snap. The team was counting on Hollywood Brown to be the guy who could beat man coverage and get open. But he’s now injured with no confirmed timetable to return — and in the meantime, the Chiefs are force-feeding the ball to Rice, who ranks seventh in receiving yards.

While Rice has been brilliant so far, the team needs another receiver who can step up and take the role that Brown left behind.