The Kansas City Chiefs miss out on the top seed in the AFC. In the NFL’s Sunday Night Game at the Green Bay Packers, Patrick Mahomes and Co. had to admit defeat to strong hosts. Meanwhile, at Lambeau Field, the Packers seem to have perhaps found Aaron Rodgers’ legitimate successor after all.
Chiefs @ Packers: At a glance
- The Green Bay Packers only failed to score two of their seven drives. In the first four drives they even scored touchdowns three times.
- It was the sixth time this season for the Chiefs that they remained under 20 points. In Patrick Mahomes’ first five seasons, this only happened a total of six times.
- The Kansas City Chiefs missed out on first place in the AFC with their loss to the Packers. Because the Baltimore Ravens were in the bye week, the defending champions could have secured the top seed for the moment.
Chiefs @ Packers: The game report
The Green Bay Packers got the ball at the start of Sunday Night’s game at venerable Lambeau Field and immediately showed that they would be a force to be reckoned with. Jordan Love immediately led Green Bay 75 yards down the field on the opening drive and ended up finding Ben Sims for a short touchdown.
In return, the Chiefs also got into the opposing red zone, but had to settle for a field goal. Before that, Mahomes and Co. had also put together a long drive. The first quarter was already history with these two drives.
What followed was the next successful 75-yard drive by the Packers, who were obviously well prepared for the Chiefs defense and were able to extend their lead with a 9-yard TD from Christian Watson.
What followed was another long drive by the Chiefs, who were once again unable to fully convert it. In over eight minutes, the guests managed 59 yards and finally had to kick another field goal. At the break the favored Chiefs were already under pressure.
But the Chiefs apparently came up with the right plan at halftime and scored six points on their opening drive. After running back Pacheco ran the ball into the end zone, the score was only 12:14. KC missed the equalizer due to a failed two-point conversion.
But anyone who thought the momentum had changed was wrong. Green Bay got the ball back and Green Bay delivered again. This time the Packers marched 67 yards down the field before wide receiver Christian Watson found Jordan Love in the end zone.
However, Mahomes and Co. could not be shaken off that easily. After both teams were stopped on offense, the favorites only needed five minutes to cross the field and find the end zone. Things remained exciting in the middle of the fourth quarter, at which point the score was 21:19 for the Packers.
And because they only followed up with a field goal, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense had the chance to turn the game around and take the lead. Once in the opposing half, Mahomes made a momentous interception. Keisean Nixon intercepted the ball, giving the Packers strong field position.
They were able to turn this into a field goal and force a two-score game late in the game. The Chiefs would have needed some kind of miracle to win the game, but it didn’t happen.
Kansas City Chiefs (8-4) @ Green Bay Packers (6-6)
Result: 19:27 (3:7, 3:7, 6:7, 7:6) BOXSCORE
Chiefs @ Packers: Key stats
- Jordan Love generated +14.7 EPA (Expected Points Added) on his dropbacks. That’s the career high for the Packers’ quarterback.
- Love threw for over 100 yards per play action for the third time in a row. The Packers seem to be doing well with play action. The 378 yards gained here since Week 11 are the best in the NFL.
The star of the game: Jordan Love (Green Bay Packers)
Aaron Rodgers’ heir has shown once again in recent weeks that he can fill the big shoes for the Packers. Love played an almost flawless game against the highly praised Chiefs defense and was able to celebrate 25 completed passes on 36 attempts for 267 yards and three touchdowns.
Also strong: Christian Watson with 86 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns.
The flop of the game: The Chiefs defense
Time and time again this season, the Chiefs defense has been able to save the much-quoted lower part of the back of their faltering offensive line, but this was not possible against the Packers. The Chiefs hardly had any pressure on Jordan Love, who was able to do as he pleased. The Packers were only held without points twice and ultimately conceded 27, 10.5 points more than they had previously allowed on average.
The scene of the game
Just when the Chiefs had gotten close again and the momentum threatened to change, Romeo Doubs’ big play ensured a spectacular new first down and paved the way for the Packers’ third touchdown of the game.