The Kansas City Chiefs rebounded from a rough start on Sunday to pick up a relatively easy 31-13 road win over the Washington Football Team.
Washington’s defense kept it in the game through the game’s first 30 minutes, as the team went into halftime with a 13-10 lead. However, Washington and quarterback Taylor Heinicke couldn’t convert those turnovers into touchdowns, and the Chiefs rolled in the second half.
Here’s everything we know after Washington’s Week 6 loss:
Final score: Chiefs 31, Washington 13
Oct 17, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) reacts leaving the field after the game against the Washington Football Team at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Washington led at halftime but did not score in the second half. Meanwhile, the Chiefs scored three second-half touchdowns en route to an easy win.
Keys to the game
Oct 17, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) attempts a pass as Washington Football Team defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (93) rushes during the first half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
In the first half, Washington did a good job of getting pressure on Patrick Mahomes. That’s part of the reason Kansas City turned the ball over on one of the interceptions. It was a different story in the second half as Mahomes escaped the pocket and not connected on big plays down the field but picked up multiple first downs with his legs.
Washington’s issues on third down were a problem again on Sunday. Defensively, the Chiefs converted on 11-17 third downs. The final one really doesn’t, as Kansas City was running out the clock. On offense, Washington converted on seven of 14 third downs, which was an improvement but was in third and long on too many occasions against a struggling defense.
It was over when....
Oct 17, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Football Team quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) attempts a pass against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
It was over when Washington didn’t score on the first drive of the game. Yes, that’s correct. Washington went on offense first, and instead of setting the tone, it gave Kansas City’s bad defense a shot of confidence by going three and out.
Even though Washington led the game at halftime, the fact it didn’t convert three turnovers into more points told you Washington wasn’t winning this game. Head coach Ron Rivera settled for field-goal attempts, while offensive coordinator Scott Turner called three deep throws early. Only one of those deep throws was close, as the other two were not catchable.
Turner never seemed to get in the flow of the game from a playcalling perspective. I like being aggressive, but throwing it deep to say you threw it deep cost Washington at times. Later in the game, Washington got conservative when it was behind, which was indeed puzzling. For one, it appeared the coaches didn’t trust Heinicke. Again, that’s a problem.
Players of the game
Oct 17, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Football Team tight end Ricky Seals-Jones (83) scores a touchdown as Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Ben Niemann (56) chases during the second quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
- RB J.D. McKissic: 8 carries 45 yards, 8 receptions, 65 yards
- TE Ricky Seals-Jones: 4 receptions, 58 yards, one touchdown
- LB Jamin Davis: Career-high 11 tackles
Missed opportunities
Oct 17, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Football Team cornerback Bobby McCain (20) celebrates after intercepting a pass by Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) during the second quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
This game will haunt Washington because it was winnable. When the Chiefs hand you three turnovers in the first half, you better be able to score points on offense. Washington finished the first half with a meager 13 points. That’s inexcusable.
The Chiefs got back to business in the third quarter and blew the game wide open. While the defense was solid in the first half, it still allowed over 200 yards passing. One of the issues for Washington was poor tackling. How many yards did Washington allow after initial contact? The biggest culprits were William Jackson III and Kendall Fuller. Fuller picked off one pass, but he also dropped another interception.
Jackson had issues in coverage again. He is turning out to be a dreadful free-agent signing just six games into his tenure. He also committed another penalty in the game, but it was declined because he was beaten for a touchdown on the same play.
Heinicke was all over the place throwing the ball again, Antonio Gibson had another critical fumble and Terry McLaurin even dropped a pass. Just another day at the office for Washington.
Injuries
Oct 17, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Football Team running back Antonio Gibson (24) talks with head coach Ron Rivera during the first half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
The only injury of note was running back Antonio Gibson. Gibson, who entered the game with a shin injury, briefly left in the first half. He returned.
In the second half, Gibson departed the game and did not return. After the game, there was no word if he didn’t play again due to injury, or Washington just went with a healthy J.D. McKissic because it was behind.
What's next
Oct 6, 2019; Arlington, TX, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) smiles prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Washington doesn’t catch a break, as next, it travels to Green Bay to face Aaron Rodgers and the 5-1 Packers. Washington could be 2-5 one week from now.
