Five Observations From New England Patriots 27-20 Win Over Kansas City Chiefs

THE BIGGEST HEAD-SCRATCHER:

The duo of Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid and offensive coordinator Doug Pederson had what can only be referred to as an “interesting” game plan on their final drive. In need of a quick score and a chance to let their defense get the ball back from New England and try to tie the game.

Taking over after the Patriots wasted great field position taking over on their own side of the 50 yard line after Kansas City could not convert a third down. With 6:29 on the clock the Chiefs took over five minutes to get the ball into the end zone as the clock ticked down again and again as they showed little desire to play with the tempo and intensity needed at the end of the game training by two touchdowns.

More from Musket Fire

• Patriots get steal of the night with perfect first round pick
• What trading Mac Jones during the draft can do for the Patriots
• Best and worst draft picks during the Bill Belichick era
• Early round Patriots draft picks you’ll hate now, love later
• Musket Fire Roundup: Our own final predictions for round 1

On the drive the Chiefs stuck to the middle of the field for the most part and did not challenge outside the numbers to stop the clock. There was a bizarre call where the Chiefs were only able to run two plays between the three and two minute mark. They completed a 19-yard catch and run to Albert Wilson and with 2:33 they ran Charcandrick West who lost yardage. Then the Chiefs were unable to run another play before the two minute warning.

For the entire game, the Chiefs needed their offense to score touchdowns and finish drives rather than kicking field goals. Unable to push the ball downfield regularly, the Chiefs continued to throw underneath and run the ball–particularly in the first half.

Going into New England in the playoffs, the road team cannot afford to be conservative. Instead of taking the wraps off the offense, the Chiefs went ultra conservative early in the game and seemed more concerned with controlling the clock than scoring points. They kept the Patriots’ offense off the field and won the time of possession battle, but lost out on the scoreboard.

Next: WHERE WAS THE PASS RUSH?