SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 23: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts during the second half against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on October 23, 2022 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
A highlight of this year’s Christmas was two NFL games: the Chiefs’ road domination of the Steelers and the Ravens’ away beatdown of the Texans. Here are 10 takeaways from the games.
Chiefs Offense Back On Track
CLEVELAND, OH – NOVEMBER 04: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs throws a pass during the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
Kansas City has been largely reliant on its defense this season, as the offense seemingly took a step back. But against Pittsburgh, the Chiefs racked up 389 total yards and 29 points.
Worthy is WR1
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – MAY 22: Wide receiver Xavier Worthy #1 of the Kansas City Chiefs participates in OTA Offseason workouts at The University of Kansas Health System Training Complex on May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
A common theme with the Chiefs’ offensive resurgence is the focus on getting rookie receiver Xavier Worthy more involved. For the second week in a row, Worthy caught at least 7 passes and found the end zone.
No Chris Jones, No Problem
HENDERSON, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 07: Chris Jones #95 of the Kansas City Chiefs speaks to the media during Kansas City Chiefs media availability ahead of Super Bowl LVIII at Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort and Spa on February 07, 2024 in Henderson, Nevada. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Star defensive lineman Chris Jones did not play for Kansas City, but it did not affect their dogged defense. The Chiefs recorded five sacks and forced two Pittsburgh turnovers.
Russ Continues to Struggle
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – AUGUST 9: Russell Wilson #3 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up before the preseason game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium on August 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
For the second straight week, Steelers QB Russell Wilson threw an interception, and Pittsburgh failed to score 20 points. He posted a horrendous 41.8 QBR in the loss.
Kelce Sets Chiefs TD Record
DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 29: Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates a third quarter touchdown during the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on September 29, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Kansas City defeated Detroit 34-30. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
It was a big day for Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes – 320 yards and 3 TDs – but an even bigger one for his main man Kelce. The veteran caught 8 passes for 84 yards and a touchdown – his 77th receiving touchdown for the Chiefs, a franchise record.
All Hail, King Henry
KANSAS CITY, MO – SEPTEMBER 05: Derrick Henry #22 of the Baltimore Ravens warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on September 5, 2024 in Kansas City, California. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
The Ravens barely threw the ball against the Texans, and that’s because they didn’t have to. Henry was brutally efficient, gaining 147 yards and 1 TD on 27 carries, helping Baltimore retain possession and grind away at the Houston defense.
Is Lamar MVP?
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, JANUARY 20: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens throws the ball in the AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium on January 20, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Texans 34-10. (Photo by Kirby Lee/Getty Images)
Despite only tossing 15 passes, Lamar Jackson delivered another superhuman performance. The Baltimore QB racked up 255 total yards and 3 total TDs. He also shattered the NFL record for career rushing yards as a QB, topping Michael Vick’s mark.
Stroud Struggles
HOUSTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 13: C.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans drops back and looks to pass during an NFL wild-card playoff football game between the Houston Texans and the Cleveland Browns at NRG Stadium on January 13, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
The sophomore slump continues for last season’s Offensive Rookie of the Year. Despite the Texans trailing for the duration of the contest, Stroud tossed for just 185 yards and an interception.
Bobby Slowik In Trouble
Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik enjoyed a ton of success last season in Houston but not so much this time around. The Texans managed a measly 2 points at home against the Ravens, who are 29th in the NFL in pass defense. Is this a player problem or a Slowik problem?
Ravens Defense: You Shall Not Pass
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 05: A Boise State Broncos cheerleader’s “DEFENSE” sign lies on the field before the team’s game against the UNLV Rebels at Sam Boyd Stadium on October 5, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Broncos defeated the Rebels 38-13. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
The Baltimore defense has struggled against the pass this season, but not on Christmas. They sacked C.J. Stroud 5 times and did not allow a touchdown – building some much-needed momentum for the playoffs.
