Patrick Mahomes has done it again!
The fifth-year starter and six-year pro is heading to his fifth straight AFC title game as the Chiefs eliminated the Jaguars 27-20 in the divisional round of the 2023 NFL playoffs.
This was a hard-fought game, as both the Chiefs and the Jags came to play. With that said, Kansas City ultimately won, and the majority of fans will praise the offense above all else, and rightfully so, as that unit for KC delivered another remarkable performance.
However, someone who should be heavily praised for this Kansas City win should be defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo as he put up a gameplan that worked enough to make Jacksonville’s offense inconsistent throughout the game and allowed his players to contribute as best as possible in their designed roles.
Some standout players on Spagnuolo’s defense include Juan Thornhill, Nick Bolton, Derrick Nnandi, Khalen Saunders, Frank Clark, and rookie seventh-round pick Jaylen Watson who made a highlight-reel interception as he snagged a pass from Trevor Lawrence and came down with it.
ONE-HANDED PICK @JaylenWatson12!
📺: #JAXvsKC on NBC
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/3PQhoYeSUP pic.twitter.com/PQDr05mz1l— NFL (@NFL) January 22, 2023
As for Mahomes and crew, Mahomes and Travis Kelce combined for four Kansas City touchdowns on the day. Kelce would end up making NFL history as he had fourteen catches which is now the most by a tight end in a playoff game in NFL history.
To go back to Mahomes, in the second quarter, he suffered an ankle injury and would miss the last drive before the end of the first half. With that said, thankfully for the Chiefs, long-time backup Chad Henne was able to come into the game and lead the Chiefs to a 98-yard touchdown drive that would result in a pass from Henne to Kelce for a score.
Mahomes would return as soon as the second half started and did not miss a beat as he even ran for a first down in his first drive back while limping. What Patrick Mahomes showed by going out there and performing for his team should be an example to all that when adversity hits, you have to believe in yourself, and you will get the job done.
As for the Jaguars, although it was a struggle at different points for their offense, they did keep fighting until the end and even had the opportunity to attempt an onside kick with twenty-five seconds remaining but were unable to recover it. Something of note: their defense gave them plenty of opportunities in this one, and so much credit should go to their defensive coordinator, Mike Caldwell, for a job well done.
All in all, the Jaguars were one of the most shocking stories in the league and will be a force to reckon with next season; in addition, they will be adding wideout Calvin Ridley to their exciting offense.
The Chiefs will now play host to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, January 29, for an AFC Championship rematch.
Let us know what you think about the Chiefs eliminating the Jaguars by either leaving a reaction at the bottom of the post or by sending us a tweet at @celebsecrets.
