A hard hit from Jets rookie David Bailey knocked Mahomes down and forced a turnover, the second Kansas City mistake of the night. Can the Jets bounce back from that costly sack?
More worrisome was Mahomes’ trip to the sideline for treatment. Medics cleared him, then he tossed a few passes, grimacing slightly. He rejoined play after Jets kicker Jason Sanders missed a 53‑yard try with 37 seconds left in the half.
After a 12‑yard strike to Travis Kelce and a scramble past Bailey for seven yards, Mahomes set up a Harrison Butker field‑goal attempt. The 56‑yard try sailed wide, but a Jets offside penalty gave another chance, which also missed from 51 yards. For my money, the Chiefs’ special‑team woes could haunt them later, yet they still held a 14‑12 lead at intermission.
Coach Andy Reid told CBS the quarterback suffered a minor elbow tweak. Mahomes delivered two touchdown passes to running back Kenneth Walker, finishing the half 11‑of‑15 for 120 yards.
Geno Smith completed 10 of 17 passes for 81 yards, and New York never punted before the break. Kicker Jason Sanders attempted five field goals, none finding the net. A fumble by Braelon Allen set up one Chiefs score, and a early Justin Fields fumble on a sneak went unrewarded for the Jets.
Those missed chances could loom larger if Kansas City stretches its advantage after the second‑half kickoff. Will the Chiefs capitalize and put the game out of reach?