Buccaneers-Chiefs on 'Monday Night Football': What We Learned from Kansas City's 30-24 OT win

Buccaneers-Chiefs on 'Monday Night Football': What We Learned from Kansas City's 30-24 OT win

Buccaneers-Chiefs on 'Monday Night Football': What We Learned from Kansas City's 30-24 OT win

Chiefs Dominate in Overtime to Stay Undefeated

The Kansas City Chiefs continued their winning streak on Monday night with a gritty overtime victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, advancing to 8-0. This season, the Chiefs have traded explosive offense for consistency, becoming nearly impossible to shut down. Patrick Mahomes led the way, completing 12 of 18 third-down attempts, including a 7-yard touchdown flip to Samaje Perine. Even after tweaking his ankle, Mahomes orchestrated a steady, methodical offense, highlighted by an 8-minute, 26-second drive that culminated in a 4-yard touchdown pass to DeAndre Hopkins in the fourth quarter. When Kansas City won possession in overtime, they clinched the win with a slow and steady drive, capped by a 2-yard touchdown run from Kareem Hunt.


Buccaneers Adapt Without Star Receivers


Facing injuries to Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, the Buccaneers turned to tight end Cade Otton as their primary target. Baker Mayfield leaned heavily on Otton, combined with a balanced rushing attack and shorter passes, keeping Tampa's offense afloat. Though the Bucs ultimately fell short, Mayfield's improvisation, along with a dynamic supporting cast including Ryan Miller and Sterling Shepard, kept them competitive.


Hopkins Shines in Second Game with Chiefs


Newly acquired DeAndre Hopkins showcased his value, catching eight passes for 86 yards and two touchdowns, including a crucial 35-yard reception that set up the Chiefs’ first score. Hopkins' presence provided Mahomes with a reliable target in a receiving corps that lacked star power, proving Kansas City's midseason trade already successful.


Tampa Bay's Defense Wears Down


Head coach Todd Bowles is known for his aggressive defensive schemes, but his unit struggled to generate pressure on Mahomes. Kansas City’s balanced approach kept Tampa's defense on its heels, especially in the fourth quarter, as the Chiefs marched downfield in a 15-play drive that left the Buccaneers visibly exhausted. The Chiefs’ relentless grind ultimately wore down Bowles’ defense in overtime.


Chiefs’ Defense Shows Resilience


Though overshadowed by Mahomes, the Chiefs’ defense, led by Steve Spagnuolo, played a pivotal role. Despite struggling with pressure and allowing Mayfield to move the ball in the final minutes of regulation, they held Tampa Bay under 100 rushing yards and below 300 total yards. Key stops in the third quarter helped set up Kansas City's comeback. With lessons to take from this performance, the Chiefs’ defense remains a crucial element in their undefeated campaign.


Next Gen Stats and NFL Research Insights


DeAndre Hopkins proved his efficiency on in-breaking routes, catching six of seven targets for 70 yards and two touchdowns. This was his best performance on these routes since 2020, with an impressive +8.6 receiving EPA. Additionally, the Chiefs’ 8-0 start marks the first time a team has won an overtime game to stay undefeated since the 2009 Saints, who ultimately went on to win Super Bowl XLIV.