Indeed, the Chiefs moved the ball early in the game, but despite driving into Giants’ territory on each of its first three possessions, Kansas City only came away with six total points to show for it. New York then tied the game with tailback Cam Skattebo broke free for a 13-yard touchdown run, but Kansas City quickly pulled back ahead when kicker Harrison Butker connected on a 28-yard field goal as time expired in the first half.
Fortunately for Kansas City, despite struggling to find a rhythm offensively through the first two quarters of play, the defense turned in another outstanding effort that held New York to a 1-for-10 mark on third down. Specifically, the duo of wide receivers Malik Nabers and Wan’Dale Robinson – who combined for 17 receptions, 309 yards and three touchdowns last week – recorded just three catches for 39 yards between them on Sunday night.
Additionally, the go-ahead scoring drive at the end of the first half was made possible by cornerback Jaylen Watson, who picked off Giants’ quarterback Russell Wilson in the end zone in what ended up constituting a 10-point swing. Watson was one of two players to tally an interception on the night for Kansas City, joining defensive back Chris Roland-Wallace.
“They’ve played great these last two weeks. They’ve played winning football,” Mahomes said of his defense. “If they can continue to do that, and if we can clean some stuff up [offensively], we’re going to win a lot of football games.”