Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs Keep Fans on Edge with Another Nail-Biting Walk-Off Win
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Kansas City Chiefs are no strangers to drama this season, and Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers was no exception. With rookie kicker Spencer Shrader nailing a 31-yard field goal as time expired, the Chiefs eked out a 30-27 victory, marking their fifth walk-off win of the season. But while fans may thrive on the suspense, quarterback Patrick Mahomes admitted he wouldn’t mind a little less stress.
“You want to have some blowouts,” Mahomes said after the game. “You want to be a little calmer in the fourth quarter. I’ve always said it can be a good thing as you get to the playoffs and later in the season, just knowing that you’ve been in those moments before and knowing how to kind of attack it. But I would love to win a game [before] the very last play.”
Chiefs Set NFL Record for Close Wins
The Chiefs, now sitting at an impressive 10-1, have made a habit of keeping games close. Eight of their wins this season have been decided by one score, tying an NFL record for the most such victories in the first 11 games of a season. Half of those wins have come down to the final play, with outcomes ranging from a blocked field goal to an overtime touchdown, a missed end-zone catch by an opposing receiver, and now two game-winning field goals.
Sunday’s win was another example of Mahomes’ ability to deliver in crunch time. The game-winning drive began with two short completions, but the highlight was a 33-yard scramble by Mahomes that set up Shrader’s decisive kick. While Mahomes is known more for his arm than his legs, his knack for making big plays on the ground in critical moments has become a hallmark of his game.
“He has a great feel for the game,” said head coach Andy Reid. “He knows by the coverage where guys are and what they’re trying to do and accomplish with the coverage, and he can feel the front.”
Mahomes’ Clutch Runs: A Winning Formula
Mahomes’ ability to make key runs in high-pressure situations is nothing new. In fact, it’s been a recurring theme in some of the Chiefs’ biggest wins. During their Super Bowl LVII victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, the longest play on the game-winning drive was a 26-yard scramble by Mahomes. Similarly, in last season’s Super Bowl LVIII win against the San Francisco 49ers, Mahomes delivered a crucial 19-yard run.
“It’s not like I pre-plan that stuff,” Mahomes explained. “It’s just whenever it comes down to it and you’ve got to make the play, I feel like I try to go out there and make the play, and that’s why I feel like it happens kind of later in games sometimes. You don’t want to slide. You have to kind of put your body out there knowing that you can take hits and stuff like that, but we’ve been able to make some big runs and some big moments.”
Shrader Steps Up in the Clutch
Sunday’s hero, Spencer Shrader, joined the Chiefs just two weeks ago as an emergency replacement for Harrison Butker, who is recovering from surgery for a torn meniscus. Shrader, who had previously played one game each for the Indianapolis Colts and the New York Jets, was ready when his moment came.
“I knew that I’d be getting an opportunity, so I just tried to stay calm, understanding that it was going to come at some point,” Shrader said. “Then when it did come, I was ready. That comes from a belief in the team that they’re going to get you in that situation, and then you go out there and just knock it through.”
While Butker has a reputation for clutch kicks, including a 51-yard walk-off field goal against the Cincinnati Bengals earlier this season, Shrader proved he could handle the pressure. Still, Reid acknowledged the challenge of stepping into such big shoes.
“That’s a whole lot of pressure for a new guy,” Reid said. “He’s in here replacing for us right now a future Hall of Famer. That’s not easy to do in these games.”
What’s Next for the Chiefs?
As the Chiefs continue their march toward the playoffs, their ability to win close games could prove invaluable. But as Mahomes pointed out, a few blowouts wouldn’t hurt either. For now, Kansas City fans will have to keep their hearts in check as their team continues to deliver one thrilling finish after another.
- Key Stats: The Chiefs have eight one-score wins this season, tying an NFL record.
- Clutch Performers: Mahomes’ 33-yard scramble and Shrader’s game-winning field goal sealed the victory.
- What’s at Stake: With a 10-1 record, the Chiefs are firmly in the playoff hunt.
Whether it’s Mahomes’ late-game heroics or Shrader’s ice-cold composure, the Chiefs are proving they can handle the pressure. But as the season progresses, fans and players alike are hoping for a few more comfortable wins.
Originally Written by: Adam Teicher
