The two teams traded field goals in the third quarter, but a consistent issue continued to plague Kansas City as it tried to narrow Seattle’s advantage: third-down defense. The Seahawks went 11-of-16 on third down attempts throughout Sunday’s game, five of which took place on 3rd-and-9 or longer.
That inability to get off the field allowed Seattle to churn considerable clock – nearly 36 minutes for the game – and minimize the Chiefs’ total number of possessions, as Kansas City – including the two-snap series following Williams’ pick – recorded just eight drives all night long.
Still, despite those collective struggles, the Chiefs still had a chance to pull within seven points when – midway through the fourth quarter – quarterback Patrick Mahomes led an 11-play, 60-yard series to the Seahawks’ 27-yard line, but the drive ultimately stalled, Butker’s ensuing 45-yard field goal attempt sailed wide right, and the result was essentially sealed.
“I think the biggest takeaway is that if you don’t come ready to play, you get your tail kicked in this league,” Mahomes said. “We have a young team. It will be about how we respond to this, obviously with a big game coming up this next week. So, let’s get rolling and get ourselves ready for that.”
In terms of injuries, linebacker Nick Bolton (neck spasms) briefly left Sunday’s game before returning.
Kansas City will now look to turn the page and get back on track this weekend with a divisional showdown against the Denver Broncos up next.