By MATT PIKE
The Kansas City Chiefs were unable to overcome a strong defensive performance against the Philadelphia Eagles in a rematch of Super Bowl LIX at Arrowhead Stadium, falling 20-17 and moving to 0-2 to start the season for the first time since 2014.
The game was scoreless until late in the first quarter as the teams exchanged punts on three consecutive drives. On the second offensive drive of the game for Kansas City, Harrison Butker's 58 yard field goal attempt sailed wide right, setting up the Eagles offense at their own 48 yard line. Jalen Hurts led Philadelphia down field to the Chiefs 13 yard line, where Saquon Barkley took the ball the rest of the way for the score.
Trailing 7-0, Kansas City did respond on its next drive, but only with a field goal as Butker made up for the miss by knocking through a 56 yard field goal. The Chiefs defense forced a Philadelphia three and out though following the field goal, and the offense put together a long 10 play drive, with Patrick Mahomes utilizing his legs for a second week in a row, ending the drive by rushing for a 13 yard touchdown of his own.
Philadelphia ended the half with a nine play drive to consume the remainder of the clock, Jake Elliot hitting a 58 yard field goal to send the game to the halftime break tied up at 10 a piece. Elliot also scored the lone points of the third quarter on a 51 yard field goal, a drive for the Eagles that came after the Chiefs failed their own tush-push play and gave the ball to Kareem Hunt on fourth-and-1, and he was promptly stuffed.
The score remained 13-10 until the fourth quarter, when disaster struck again for Kansas City. After Hunt had converted on fourth-and-1 at the Philadelphia 13 to keep a Kansas City drive alive, Mahomes had a pass bounce off Travis Kelce's hands at the goal line and into those of Mukuba for a pick. 10 plays and 59 yards later, Hurts scored to extend the Eagles lead on a tush-push on fourth and goal to make the lead 20-10.
By the time Mahomes finally connected with Tyquan Thornton on a 49-yard touchdown heave with three minutes to go, most of a crowd that began lining up at the parking lot entrances Saturday night was filing for the exits. The Chiefs were unable to get the ensuing onside kick, and Philadelphia ran out the clock on Kansas City's first home loss since Dec. 25, 2023.
Mahomes had just 187 yards passing going 16-for-29 through the air with a touchdown and one interception, once again struggling to find open playmakers without suspended wide receiver Rashee Rice and injured teammate Xavier Worthy. Mahomes did have 66 yards and a touchdown on the ground to lead the rushing attack for a second week in a row. Kelce had four catches for 61 yards. Thornton had two catches for 59 yards and a touchdown.
Kansas City now will look to turn their luck around, visiting the New York Giants on Sunday night. Kickoff will be at 7:20pm, with pregame beginning at 6 on both KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM) and Q Country 92.7 (92.7 FM).
You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.