The Kansas City Chiefs recently have shown signs of losing their cool while falling short on the scoreboard.With losses in three of their last four games, the Chiefs (9-6) aim to regain their composure on Sunday afternoon when they host the Cincinnati Bengals (8-7).
For all of its recent troubles, however, Kansas City can clinch a playoff berth and its eighth straight AFC West title with either a win or tie Sunday. The Chiefs also can punch both tickets with a Las Vegas Raiders’ loss or tie against the Indianapolis Colts and a Denver Broncos loss or tie against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.
Kansas City didn’t do itself any favors with Monday’s 20-14 setback to the Raiders. Patrick Mahomes threw for 235 yards and a touchdown. However, his interception was returned 33 yards for a touchdown by Jack Jones to stake Las Vegas to a 17-7 lead in the second quarter.
Frustration was evident as star tight end Travis Kelce threw his helmet on the sideline. Mahomes, however, told reporters Wednesday that visible displays like that also show a level of commitment and desire.
“People see frustration and they think it causes controversy,” Mahomes said. “I see it as a way of showing that people care. They care about their profession, they care about trying to do whatever they can to win games.
“When I see stuff like that happen, obviously, we want to be in a positive light and everything like that, but I see someone that cares about the game and someone that wants to be better and not better for themselves but for the team.”
Chiefs coach Andy Reid didn’t appreciate Kelce’s outburst on Sunday, going so far as to prevent him from re-entering the game.”The game of football is an emotional game, so that’s expected,” Reid said Wednesday. “You see those things happen. We’ve just got to make sure we generate it in the right direction and we go that way and fix the problems.”
Mahomes has thrown for five touchdowns and five interceptions in his last four games after tossing 21 and nine, respectively, over his previous 11. The two-time NFL MVP completed 29 of 43 passes for 326 yards and two touchdowns — including one to Kelce — in Kansas City’s 23-20 win over Cincinnati in last season’s AFC Championship Game on Jan. 29.
