Chiefs coach Andy Reid watched anxiously as the Buccaneers charged down the field in the final minute of regulation. With tension mounting, Baker Mayfield connected on a touchdown pass, bringing Tampa Bay within a 2-point conversion of ending Kansas City’s unbeaten start to the season.
Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles considered going for the 2-point conversion but opted for the safer route, kicking the extra point to send the game into overtime. “I’m glad he didn’t,” Reid admitted with a smile.
The Chiefs won the critical coin toss, and Patrick Mahomes, despite nursing a bad ankle, completed a flawless 5-for-5 drive in overtime. Kareem Hunt, bolstered by 106 rushing yards, clinched the 30-24 victory by diving into the end zone from 2 yards out. “Everybody had a piece of this,” Reid reflected.
Notable performances came from DeAndre Hopkins, who recorded eight catches for 86 yards and two touchdowns, and Travis Kelce, who hauled in 14 catches for 100 yards under the watchful eye of Taylor Swift from a suite. Kansas City’s defense, despite missing key players due to injuries, restricted Mayfield to 200 yards and two touchdowns, and limited Tampa Bay’s running game to a mere 95 yards.
The Chiefs’ triumph marked their 14th consecutive win dating back to last season, making it the longest streak since the Carolina Panthers’ 14-0 start in 2014. They also became just the sixth Super Bowl champion to launch the subsequent season with an 8-0 record. Impressively, they’ve now won their last eight games when trailing in the second half, including postseason matchups.
The Buccaneers had a chance when Mayfield found Ryan Miller in the end zone with 27 seconds left. However, Bowles’ decision to kick the extra point, rather than going for a win with a 2-point conversion, left the Buccaneers facing another defeat, their fourth in five games. “We’ve got guys who are not going to quit fighting to the end,” Tampa Bay wide receiver Sterling Shepard said. “I’m really proud of the group and the way everybody fought. We’ve just got to clean up some little stuff. And that’s what this league is all about.”
The first half was particularly special for two players who had long-awaited the chance to play at Arrowhead Stadium. The Buccaneers’ Rachaad White, a native of a rough Kansas City neighborhood, could never afford a ticket growing up. After navigating through Division II Nebraska-Kearney, a California junior college, and Arizona State, White finally became a third-round pick for Tampa Bay in 2022. Two years later, he found the end zone at Arrowhead, celebrating a 7-yard scoring run by nearly hurling the football into the second deck. “I can’t even count right now,” White said, when asked how many friends and family were in attendance.
DeAndre Hopkins also made a significant impact in his first home game since being traded from the Titans. After catching four passes, Hopkins made a spectacular third-down catch among triple coverage for a 35-yard gain, setting up a touchdown on the next play. Hopkins celebrated his touchdown by dancing to a scene from “Remember the Titans,” honoring one of his favorite movies.
Tampa Bay took charge briefly with consecutive scoring drives in the second half. A touchdown pass to Cade Otton and a 47-yard field goal by Chase McLaughlin gave them a 17-10 lead. However, Mahomes led the Chiefs to equalize with a touchdown to Samaje Perine despite hurting his ankle in the process. Shortly after, a laser pass to Hopkins gave Kansas City the lead.
Mahomes later revealed that the ankle scare was more alarming than painful. Checked quickly in the sideline tent, he was back on the field almost immediately. “You feel the pain and that scares you,” Mahomes said. “Because I’ve dealt with ankles before. But I just kind of laid there and as time went on the pain subsided. I just kind of got to it, and got moving again and felt comfortable going out there.”
Tampa Bay’s offense sputtered with a three-and-out following Kansas City’s lead. Yet, their defense reclaimed the ball, allowing Mayfield to guide his team downfield for a touchdown and another chance at glory. However, the decision to aim for overtime instead of the win proved costly.
Injuries affected both teams. Buccaneers’ linebacker Yaya Diaby briefly left with a chest injury, and cornerback Josh Hayes had calf cramps in the second half. For Kansas City, Mecole Hardman and George Karlaftis sustained shoulder and hip injuries, respectively, but ultimately returned to the game.
