NFL Patrick Mahomes injured in win

NFL: Patrick Mahomes injured in win

For the fifth straight season, the Chiefs find themselves in the American Conference Finals after beating the Jaguars 27-20 in a game that left Patrick Mahomes practically on one leg.

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In NFL history, only the Patriots have done better with eight straight appearances from 2011 through 2018.

It’s a Chiefs credit, but there are those victories that leave scars and cause concern. On the Chiefs’ third offensive streak, their brilliant quarterback was hit by two players, one of whom fell onto his ankle with his full weight.

Mahomes initially stayed in the game before head coach Andy Reid and the medical team forced him to retire to the dressing room for further checks. Mahomes looked furious but he can be thankful to be playing for a driver who thinks outside the box.

Mahomes returned in the second half, clearly burdened by a serious ankle sprain. The question of his health will be a hot topic this week in anticipation of the final being played against the Bills or the Bengals.

Henna looked good

Worst of all, Mahomes started as a lion in his first sequence, which ended with a touchdown pass to Travis Kelce. He finished that streak with six completions on eight attempts for 57 yards and one touchdown. Everything seemed to indicate that we were destined for another virtuosic performance.

He then completed six of his next seven runs before temporarily retiring.

It’s often said in the NFL that the reserve quarterback role is essential, and Chad Henne responded with relief. The 13-year veteran filled his bench with stories he might someday tell his future grandchildren by orchestrating a 98-yard push for a touchdown. It is the longest offensive playoff streak in Chiefs history. A great moment for Henne against his ex-team, by the way.

It was Kelce again who got the pass in the end zone for his second touchdown of the game and first of Henne’s career in the playoffs. Whatever the quarterback, this Kelce is admirable! He proved once again that while there are major bottlenecks in the NFL, none of them are second to none.

Different results

After half-time, Mahomes resumed his place as a starter, but both his gait and inevitably impaired performance caused concern. The one who had completed 12 of their first 15 passes only saw seven of their next 15 completed passes. He still joined Marquez Valdes-scantling for the touchdown that restored the Chiefs’ 10-point lead in the fourth quarter, but he was visibly unhappy when he didn’t check or even with some throw-ins against running backs.

Notably, the Chiefs scored in four streaks that lasted 10 or more games. This confirms that the offensive approach is very different from the quick misses of the past, but the results are similar and perhaps even more demoralizing to opposing defense.

The groundplay of 30 carries for gains of 144 yards contributed to this perhaps less spectacular but much more punishing technique. The Chiefs gained just 13 more yards than the Jaguars but still led the possession time battle by 10 minutes (35 to 25 minutes).

Like all roads lead to Kansas City… or neutral ground in Atlanta. Sequel follows!

Hats off to the Jaguars

With all of this, it’s impossible not to appreciate the Jaguars’ performance. This team has been the worst in the league for the last two seasons, with four small wins in two years. They were still the laughing stock this season with a 3-7 record after 10 games.

Then it got light! Trevor Lawrence, who wasn’t phenomenal against the Chiefs (24 for 39, 217 yards, one touchdown and one interception), still found his way this season and dismissed the doubts. He’s clearly the long-awaited franchise quarterback in Jacksonville.

The Jaguars also got their hands on a serious head coach in Doug Pederson. If there’s one criticism he deserves in this game, it’s that his young running back Travis Etienne, another staple of the team, carried the ball just 10 times (for 62 yards and one hit). Aside from an injury, it’s hard to justify.

So Lawrence and Etienne are on board. Christian Kirk is not bad as a receiver and next season talented ex-Falcons Calvin Ridley will join the group.

Who knows, if Jamal Agnew hadn’t thrown the ball in front of goal alone like a great man in the fourth quarter, who knows if the conclusion of this playoff duel would not have been much different…

In any case, everything indicates that the Jaguars will come back strong.

THE STARS OF THE GAME

Travis Kelce

The Chiefs’ exceptional tight end finished the game with 14 receptions for 98 yards and two touchdowns, while scoring several key third downs. Kelce continues to shine when it comes to high stakes

Frank Clark

The defensive front as a whole did a good job angering Trevor Lawrence and hitting him seven times, including two sacks. Clark had one of those quarterback sacks with two tackles for a loss.

Jaylen Watson

A few Chiefs rookies have excelled against the Jaguars. Isiah Pacheco had 95 rushing yards. Trent McDuffie has four tackles and a pass knockdown. However, it was cornerback Jaylen Watson who made one of the plays of the game with a one-handed interception as the Jaguars attempted to close the gap late in the fourth quarter. He also knocked down two assists.