NFL: Showtime! Mahomes orchestrates dramatic Chiefs comeback

The Kansas City Chiefs won the Monday Night Game of week 4 of the 2018 NFL season with 27:23. After a weak three-quarters they made a brilliant comeback in the final section and finally had to tremble themselves.

The Broncos started with the ball and put a good drive straight down, but were held by Brandon McManus at a field goal from 42 yards. The Chiefs, for their part, marched directly into the Red Zone in their first drive, but were then content with a field goal (33 yards).

The Chiefs then put down another good drive in the second quarter, which Mahomes finally finished with an 8-yard touchdown run. The homeowners’ answer: A fast five-moves drive crowned with a 14-yard TD run by Royce Freeman. With the clock running out, McManus finally added a field goal for the 13:10 break lead.

After the break, Harrison Butker made up from 21 yards for KC, before Phillip Lindsay finished two minutes before the end of the third quarter with a TD run to 20:13. After another McManus kick (46 yards) to 23:13 everything looked like a success for the home team, but with 12:47 minutes to play, the guests still had plenty of time.

Time they used. The Chiefs increased the tempo, the Play-Calling became more aggressive and the Broncos could no longer get access. Instead of emphasizing short passes, running moves and screens, Head Coach Andy Reid switched to more vertical play and more responsibility for Mahomes, who now more easily broke out of the pocket and did what he wanted. After a twelve-play drive, he found Travis Kelce for a 2-yard touchdown pass to follow.

The Broncos for their part then presented themselves offensively from the role and gave the ball back quickly. With 1:40 minutes on the clock, it was Kareem Hunt who made the final score with his 4-yard touchdown run.

But it wasn’t over yet. The Broncos caught themselves and once again penetrated deep into the opposing half, after the Chiefs defense now switched to cover-2 and overlooked Jeff Heuerman with the measure – Case Keenum found him for a 36-yard reception. Directly afterwards Keenum had Demaryius Thomas completely open on the right side, but threw him over – that would have been a safe touchdown with a few seconds to play.

Finally, the Broncos unpacked a hook-and-ladder play, but the pass was incomplete at the end – Turnover on Downs, Game over!

Patrick Mahomes didn’t look very good for much of the game this time, but when it counted, he was there! Mahomes drove the Pass Rush of the Broncos (1 bag) to despair again and again, broke out of the pocket again and again and threw once even with left (!) for a critical First Down to Hunt.

In general, Mahomes outside the Pocket was incredibly effective. He threw for 192 yards outside the pocket – no one has done better in ten years! Mahomes (28/45, 304 YDS, TD) has now thrown 14 touchdowns in his first four games of the season. Only Peyton Manning was able to achieve more in 2013 (16).

Besides Mahomes, Hunt stood out in the first place, running for the first time this season for over 100 yards (19 CAR, 121 YDS, TD) and even 180 scrimmage yards in total. Kelce again came on 7 Receptions for 78 Yards (TD).