5 winners and 4 losers from the Chiefs’ win over the Chargers

What else ought to we’ve got anticipated within the remaining seconds Week 14’s recreation?

When that subject purpose try bounced off the left upright and went via, the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs had been simply doing precisely what they’ve been doing all season — and for a lot of the Patrick Mahomes period: discovering a solution to win. This time, it was towards the Los Angeles Chargers.

Doink for the division might be a memorable title for what occurred — however when the season is over, it’ll be onerous to recollect every of the numerous methods video games the Chiefs have received these video games. For now, it’s been 15 consecutive wins in one-score video games. Already in 2024, 5 have been determined by a last-second subject purpose.

Which Kansas Metropolis gamers stood out? Like the best way the sport ended, a few of these gamers will likely be acquainted.

Winners

Photograph by Jamie Squire/Getty Pictures

Cornerback Trent McDuffie: The All-Professional was everywhere in the subject on Sunday evening. He knocked away a deep cross within the first quarter, adopted that up with a drive-ending sort out and ended the next drive with one other batted cross. If the Chiefs’ protection holds up within the coming postseason, it’ll be as a result of McDuffie is on the market erasing performs.

Linebacker Nick Bolton: The chief of the Kansas Metropolis protection stepped up in his function because the unit’s enforcer. Bolton put in some devastating hits — together with a sack and a sort out for loss. One play was a bit controversial: Bolton was flagged for hitting Los Angeles wideout Quentin Johnston within the first quarter. Bolton isn’t the man you need remoted in protection, however when he’s attacking like he did Sunday evening, he’s the tone-setter the protection wants.

Broad receiver Xavier Worthy: He’s getting higher, of us. The deep pictures will come when there’s extra time for Mahomes to throw. However within the meantime, Worthy is doing a pleasant job of attacking the soccer and serving to to maneuver the chains. It looks like an excellent signal for his growth.

Defensive sort out Tershawn Wharton: Whereas the TV announcers didn’t need to give him a lot credit score for closing on Justin Herbert, we’ll. Wharton has been the very best model of himself in 2024. His motor, power and velocity make him a invaluable a part of the rotation. On this recreation, he completed with two sacks, two tackles-for-loss and three quarterback hits. It was a monster recreation for the UDFA from Missouri S&T.

Placekicker Matthew Wright: Now eight for 9 on his kicks since returning to the Chiefs, Wright grew to become the third Kansas Metropolis kicker to hit a game-winner this season. Harrison Butker must be again quickly, however we should always nonetheless respect Wright. And after Butker returns, normal supervisor Brett Veach ought to hold him on speed-dial in case he’s wanted once more.

Losers

Photograph by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire through Getty Pictures

Left sort out D.J. Humphries: It wasn’t the wonderful debut many people hoped to see. The final, finest hope for the left facet of the offensive gave up fairly a little bit of stress in his first begin for the crew. He and left guard Joe Thuney clearly have some work to do on how they may deal with stunts and blitzes. Will Humphries’ late-game hamstring damage gradual that growth? We’ll be looking forward to updates this week.

Defensive backs Chamarri Conner and Bryan Cook dinner: Merely put, these two have been protection liabilities. Every is a sound tackler and blitzer (Conner bought a success on Herbert and had a tackle-for-loss), however opposing quarterbacks have discovered far an excessive amount of success by concentrating on them. A few of that’s from shedding one-on-one reps. A few of it appears to be from task confusion on the again finish. May including an previous buddy (like former Chiefs nook Steven Nelson) assist remedy these issues?

Tight finish Baylor Cupp: Welcome to the NFL, Mr. Cupp. His professional debut included dropping the primary cross thrown his means. He spent the remainder of the night attempting to assist tackles block a fierce edge rush. I’m certain he’ll get higher from right here.

Observe: Making use of the labels “winners” and “losers” will not be supposed to be a judgment on the expertise or character of any of those gamers. It’s only a easy solution to grade their efficiency in a single recreation. No disrespect is meant.