Doddered Patrick Mahomes leads Chiefs over Jaguars
The 2023 NFL divisional round of the playoffs started with the №1 seeds in both conferences going against teams that finished last in division races for the 2022 campaign. In the first game on Saturday, the Kansas City Chiefs had to overcome some adversity.
The Kansas City Chiefs beat the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Philadelphia Eagles dominated the New York Giants.
Patrick Mahomes started the game like an MVP, leading a near-perfect opening drive of 83 yards and 12 plays containing some highlight reel throws and culminating in a 13th touchdown catch of the season for Kelce.
As the first quarter was about to end, Jacksonville Jaguars edge-rusher Arden Key fell on Patrick Mahomes’ ankle, which caused him significant pain. He finished a drive that extended into the second quarter and then Chad Henne took over up until halftime.
Mahomes tried to continue but had to sit out the rest of the half, leaving veteran backup Henne, to come in at a crucial stage, with the Chiefs back up on their goal line and his first play of the game being a throw out of his own end zone.
The 37-year-old quarterback went on to pick up where Maommes left off, leading the hosts almost the full length of the field before again finding Kelce for the tight end’s 14th score of another superb season.
Patrick Mahomes battled through an ankle injury to beat the Jags 27–20 and earn a fifth straight AFC Championship appearance.
As the Chiefs continue to establish themselves as the next big winning dynasty in the league, they became just the third team to reach five straight championship games but will be left sweating on Mahomes’ ankle in the build-up.
Mahomes limped out in the first quarter but returned to battle through the second half despite obvious discomfort as he threw two touchdowns to see off a stubborn Jaguars side.
A late Trevor Lawrence interception ended Jacksonville’s chances as the Chiefs set up a game against either the Cincinnati Bengals or Buffalo Bills.
Tight end Travis Kelce had a huge game for Kansas City, catching two touchdown passes, one from Mahomes and one from his backup Chad Henne, who impressively came in and led the team to a record touchdown drive.
The Jaguars had the league’s worst record last year, but matched this year’s AFC top seeds for most of the contest, with Lawrence hitting Christian Kirk to level the game at 7–7 in the first quarter before Travis Etienne’s fourth-quarter score made it 20–17.
Jacksonville had produced the greatest playoff comeback in history last week, so could never be counted out, which may have led to Chiefs head coach Andy Reid allowing Mahomes to play on through the pain despite hobbling around and being unable to produce his usual scrambling.
Even with one leg though, Mahomes was able to lead the Chiefs on a 75-yard drive in the fourth quarter before throwing a trademark unorthodox TD pass to Marquez Valdes-Scantling that effectively sealed the contest.
Mahomes also set a new single-season NFL record for offensive yards this season with 5,614 passing, rushing, and even a few receiving yards, and also led the league with 41 passing touchdowns in a campaign that could well earn him a second Most Valuable Player award.
After the game, Mahomes said X-rays on his ankle came back negative, but if he has limited mobility going forward, the Chiefs may have to lean on the ground game next week against the Cincinnati Bengals or Buffalo Bills. Both of Kansas City’s potential AFC Championship Game opponents rank within the top seven in run defense.
Head coach Andy Reid and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy will undoubtedly consider Mahomes’ health when they devise game plans in the upcoming week. While the two-time All-Pro passer can still carve up a defense from the pocket, Kansas City will likely need more offensive balance to keep him out of harm’s way.
