Chiefs Defense Holds Strong as Mahomes, Kansas City Outlast Falcons 22-17

Patrick Mahomes knows he still has room to improve, but there’s no reason for panic in Kansas City just yet. The Chiefs, backed by a dominant defensive effort, held off the Atlanta Falcons 22-17 on Sunday night to stay undefeated.

Despite throwing another interception, Mahomes bounced back with two touchdown passes, while the Chiefs’ defense came through in crunch time, stopping the Falcons on two crucial fourth downs late in the game.

“It’s huge when you have a defense that’s been in those moments and can make big plays,” Mahomes said. “This is a team effort, and we’re winning games. I feel like we’re going to keep getting better each week.”

Chiefs Defense Closes the Door

The Chiefs’ victory, pushing their record to 3-0, didn’t come easily. Kansas City hasn’t been perfect so far this season, with each win decided by a narrow margin of 13 points combined. Mahomes has pointed the finger at his own performance, but thanks to a stout defense, the team remains unbeaten.

Atlanta (1-2), fresh off an upset victory over the Eagles, had multiple chances to take the lead late. The Falcons turned down a field goal attempt with just over four minutes left, opting to go for it on fourth down at the Kansas City 6. Kirk Cousins’ passes to the end zone fell incomplete, giving the Chiefs a critical stop.

After getting the ball back, the Falcons drove deep into Chiefs territory with the help of a couple of penalties. However, on a pivotal third-and-1 from the Kansas City 13-yard line, Tyler Allgeier was stuffed for no gain, and on fourth down, Bijan Robinson was brought down for a 3-yard loss by linebacker Nick Bolton.

Bolton’s game-saving play came after reading the Falcons’ formation before the snap. “I trusted my keys, trusted my eyes, and the play call,” Bolton explained. “I already knew where I was going.”

Mahomes Delivers When It Counts

Mahomes threw for 217 yards, connecting with Rashee Rice and JuJu Smith-Schuster for touchdowns. Harrison Butker chipped in with three field goals to help secure the win.

Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins had a solid performance, completing 20 of 29 passes for 230 yards, including a 13-yard touchdown to Drake London and a 50-yard pass to Kyle Pitts that set up a 1-yard rushing score for Bijan Robinson.

However, Cousins and the Falcons missed out on several opportunities. “I feel like we’ve left a lot of plays out there,” Cousins said. “We just need to keep improving.”

Falcons Struck Early, but Injuries Piled Up

The Falcons came out hot, marching 70 yards on the opening drive for a touchdown. Cousins was perfect, completing all five of his passes, including a 14-yard strike to London, who was wide open in the end zone due to a busted coverage by the Chiefs.

Mahomes, undeterred by his fourth interception of the season, responded with a 79-yard drive of his own, culminating in a 13-yard touchdown pass to Rice. Atlanta retook the lead with Robinson’s 1-yard score after Cousins’ deep connection with Pitts.

Unfortunately for the Falcons, their offensive line began to crumble as injuries mounted. Right tackle Kaleb McGary and center Drew Dalman both exited with injuries, leaving the line vulnerable to Kansas City’s relentless pressure. Cousins was sacked twice and hit 10 more times, spending much of the night recovering from big hits.

One of those hits led to a wobbly pass that was picked off by Chiefs rookie Chamarri Conner, setting up Butker’s 44-yard field goal to narrow Atlanta’s lead to 14-13 at halftime.

Butker’s Leg and Mahomes’ Magic Push Chiefs Ahead

Kansas City took the lead for good in the third quarter on a 21-yard field goal from Butker. Late in the third, Mahomes found Smith-Schuster for a 13-yard touchdown, extending the Chiefs’ advantage.

Travis Kelce, once again, wasn’t a big factor in the offense. The star tight end had just four catches for 30 yards, continuing his slow start to the season.

Chiefs’ Rushing Attack Stays Productive Despite Pacheco’s Absence

With starting running back Isiah Pacheco sidelined with an ankle injury, the Chiefs leaned on undrafted rookie Carson Steele, who impressed with 17 carries for 72 yards. Samaje Perine added six carries for 25 yards and contributed three catches for 15 yards.

“We trust those guys,” Mahomes said. “You lose a bit of the energy that Isaiah brings, but I thought they stepped up and did a great job.”

Falcons’ Missed Call Adds to the Drama

Controversy struck late in the game when Cousins targeted Pitts on third-and-goal from the Kansas City 6. Chiefs safety Bryan Cook appeared to collide with Pitts before the ball arrived, but no flag was thrown. Cousins’ fourth-down pass also fell incomplete, sealing the Falcons’ fate.

When asked about the no-call, referee Tra Blake said, “It’s a real-time decision the officials have to make. We try to make the best call we can.”

Injury Updates

The Chiefs briefly lost Nick Bolton to an injury in the fourth quarter, but he returned to make the game-sealing stop on Robinson.

For Atlanta, McGary and Dalman both left in the second quarter. McGary was helped off with a knee injury, while Dalman exited with an ankle issue, leaving the Falcons shorthanded on the offensive line.

What’s Next

The Chiefs will stay on the road next week, traveling to Los Angeles to face the Chargers (2-1) in a key AFC West matchup. Meanwhile, the Falcons will host their NFC South rival, the New Orleans Saints (2-1), as they try to bounce back from their second consecutive loss.