Zach Wilson’s career night not enough as Chiefs outlast Jets: How Isiah Pacheco saved Kansas City – The Athletic
The Kansas City Chiefs survived a full-game battle with the New York Jets to win 23-20 at MetLife Stadium on Sunday. Here’s what you need to know:
Jets players console Zach Wilson after Sunday night’s loss…
Kansas City rides Pacheco
In a weird and wild game, the most reliable part of the Chiefs’ offense was running back Isiah Pacheco, the second-year player who performed in his home state of New Jersey for the first time in his NFL career. Pacheco was effective as a rusher and a receiver. He entered the game coming off his best performance of the young season.
In last week’s win over the Chicago Bears, Pacheco had 78 all-purpose yards on 17 touches, including his first touchdown. Against the Jets, Pacheco recorded 158 all-purpose yards. His biggest highlight was a 48-yard touchdown run in the first quarter.
With Mahomes and the offensive line struggling to pass protect in the second and third quarter, a positive for the Chiefs is that they countered with a efficient ground attack, one that can help the offense be malleable and balanced throughout the season. — Taylor
I spoke with Travis Kelce walking off the field tonight and he was not happy. He was pissed off about the offense. He mentioned penalties and mistakes were costly and they did nothing to help the defense tonight.
It was a win but not how they wanted.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) October 2, 2023
Jets offense showed signs of life
The Jets offense ran out of steam in the second half after ending the first half on fire — especially Wilson — but ultimately couldn’t close out what would’ve been a monumental upset for a team that had lost a lot of hope since Aaron Rodgers went down. Ultimately, Wilson’s fumble proved to be the most consequential mistake the Jets made in the fourth quarter, though they weren’t helped by the officials.
Gardner was questionably flagged for holding on a play where the Jets intercepted Mahomes. It was called back and then the Chiefs eased their way up the field.
Despite the loss, this is the first sign of promise Wilson showed since Rodgers got hurt. If Wilson can play like this in the coming weeks, the Jets can stay competitive. If he reverts back to form, it will be a long season. At the least, Wilson has earned at least one more week to be their starting quarterback. — Rosenblatt
Kansas City defense did just enough
The Chiefs’ defense didn’t have a statement-like performance against the Jets, but the unit did enough in the final quarter to help the team escape MetLife Stadium with a victory. New York’s offense found its groove in the second and third quarters, erasing a 17-point deficit to tie the game, 20-20, midway in the third quarter. In the lone drive of the fourth quarter, the Chiefs captured their only takeaway, a fumble recovery by defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton, who fell on the ball after Wilson botched the snap from the shotgun.
Overall, the Chiefs’ defense did enough, as the unit surrendered 18 points and sacked Wilson twice. Mike Edwards, the Chiefs’ third, rotational safety, had an impressive performance with four tackles, a sack and a pass breakup to end the Jets’ drive late in the third quarter. — Taylor
Highlights of the game
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) October 2, 2023
It had been such a good night for Zach Wilson until this…
With his first-quarter touchdown pass to Noah Gray, Mahomes reached 200 career touchdown passes in 89 games, faster than any other quarterback in NFL history.
(Photo: Kevin Sabitus / Getty Images)