What we learned about Chiefs in convincing win vs. Steelers

Jesse Newell, The Kansas City Star on Dec 25, 2024

Published in Football

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PITTSBURGH — The 2024 Kansas City Chiefs stand alone in team history following a dominant performance on Christmas Day.

KC’s offense was exceptional behind quarterback Patrick Mahomes, and the defense created havoc for a third straight week in a dominant 29-10 road victory at Acrisure Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.

With that, the Chiefs improved to 15-1 — setting a new franchise record for wins in a regular season with one contest to spare.

More importantly, KC also earned a spot in the driver’s seat for a potential path to its third consecutive Super Bowl.

With the victory, the Chiefs secured the AFC’s No. 1 seed and the all-important first-week playoff bye.

It means KC — coming off a stretch of three games in 11 days — won’t have to play all its starters again until the Divisional Round of the playoffs either Jan. 18 or 19, which is at least 24 days away.

Mahomes was at his best in this one, succeeding like he did the previous week by primarily using the quick-passing game and run-pass options. The Chiefs QB completed 29 of 38 passes for 320 yards with three touchdowns. He also had no interceptions for a sixth consecutive game.

Tight end Travis Kelce also set his own history, catching his 77th touchdown pass to set a new team record. He passed former tight end Tony Gonzalez, then paid homage to him after the play by dunking the ball over the crossbar — Gonzalez’s signature scoring celebration.

The Chiefs led 13-7 at halftime following a hot offensive start.

Mahomes was excellent on KC’s first two drives, leading touchdown marches with multiple standout plays.

One came on a third-down flip to running back Samaje Perine just before crossing the line of scrimmage, as Perine hopped up from being thrown to the turf to make a diving catch.

Mahomes also connected on a rare deep ball for the Chiefs, finding Justin Watson in stride for a 49-yard gain down the right sideline.

KC still only grabbed a 13-0 lead after rookie Xavier Worthy was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct after his 7-yard touchdown celebration reception. Kicker Harrison Butker, after the markoff, missed the 47-yard extra point wide right.

The Chiefs defense, meanwhile, held up decently while playing without All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones, who sat out because of a calf injury. Safety Justin Reid had a first-quarter interception, while KC forced punts on three other possessions.

Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie added a late forced fumble, stripping tight end Pat Freiermuth before Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton recovered.

The Chiefs will play on the road against the Denver Broncos at a to-be-determined time on either Saturday, Jan. 4 or Sunday, Jan. 5.