Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (1) – Jacksonville Jaguars (4): 27-20
Logical winners of the courageous Jaguars however too restricted to comply with the rating, the Chiefs attain the AFC Last for the fifth consecutive 12 months. However there’s concern for Kansas Metropolis the place Patrick Mahomes hit an ankle within the first quarter.
Key second: Patrick Mahomes injured
On the finish of the primary quarter, with each groups nonetheless tied (7-7), Patrick Mahomes receives a nasty gesture from Arden Key, who drops his full weight on the Chiefs quarterback’s ankle.
Nonetheless in a rush of adrenaline, Mahomes ended possession of the ball earlier than being despatched to the aisles of the stadium for exams. Veteran Chad Henne ends the half as followers maintain their breath.
Within the second half, Mahomes returned with a bandaged ankle and media reported that the quarterback had suffered a critical sprain. A number of occasions we discover uncommon inaccuracies in easy purposes. Mahomes additionally loses mobility and needs to be confined to his pockets. If the Chiefs win, Mahomes’ ankle growth will have to be watched forward of subsequent week’s AFC Finals.
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With mild rain and low temperatures (2°C) at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas Metropolis tied for first possession for the primary time. Overwhelmed by Gerald Everett final week, the Jaguars have the toughest time defending at Tight Finish. And it fares moderately poorly, as KC has fairly the expertise in Travis Kelce (14 receptions, 98 yards, 2 TD) who scores in that first drive.
Jacksonville solutions immediately by Christian Kirk (7 receptions, 52 yards, 1 TD), properly supported by Trevor Lawrence (24/39, 217 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) decided to not repeat his first mi-Time of Wild Playing cards (4 interceptions).
With Mahomes injured (22/30, 195 yds, 2 TD), Chad Henne additionally leads the Chiefs landing assault, at all times from the inevitable Kelce, properly aided by very impressed calls from “Andy Reid”, together with nice runs by Isiah Pacheco (12 runs, 95 yards). By the break 17:10 in favor of the KC.
After coming back from the locker room, we’re witnessing the return of the nice favourite to the MVP trophy, clearly decreased: the primary two collection finish with factors. The guests don’t acquire, particularly since Lawrence is below fixed strain from the Missouri protection line (2 sacks, 7 quarterback hits).
The house facet moved ahead rapidly: a subject objective, then a Valdes-Scantling landing, and the Chiefs led 27-17 with simply seven minutes left within the fourth quarter.
The Jaguars throw their final power into the fray, and the motion kicks off with a terrific return kick from Jamal Agnew that goes inches from the landing on his return. The identical Jamal Agnew who dedicated the primary lack of the match moments later, a fumble 9 meters from objective.
This loss positively ruined the hopes of the Jaguars, who doubled their guess on one other ball possession with one other loss (Lawrence’s interception). KC begins the clock, provides the ball again one final time and may have a good time. Last rating 27-20.
MVP: Travis Kelce
He’s Mahomes’ most trusted lieutenant, and as soon as once more Kelce has saved his level. Whatever the techniques, whatever the formation, Kelce at all times manages to face out. Even when Chad Henne took over, Kelce was nonetheless a KC protected guess. A useful participant.
Invaluable in the long run zone, Jason’s brother (who will play a number of hours later) scored 13 and 14 touchdowns within the play-offs, putting him third all-time behind legends Jerry Rice (22 tank destroyers) and Rob Gronkowski (15 tank destroyers).
Le flop: Arden Key
It is exhausting responsible the combating Jaguars group for utilizing their strengths and shedding to these stronger than themselves.
Then again, we’d remorse that Mahomes is not 100% able to proceed into the playoffs, which guarantees to be epic, attributable to Arden Key’s knee pressed firmly into the 2018 MVP ankle.
A gesture that resulted in no penalty whereas we noticed penalty handkerchiefs flourish for his brutality on the quarterback way more questionable all season.
Situation: 5
Fifth consecutive AFC Last for the Chiefs, who’re closing in on the Patriots’ report of 8. Patrick Mahomes is simply 27 years previous and Andy Reid remains to be a grasp of his coach. The younger quarterback had by no means performed in a playoff sport outdoors of the Tremendous Bowl, outdoors of Arrowhead.
Tom Brady and Invoice Belichick have created an odd barometer, however the Chiefs’ outcomes are completely monumental, particularly in an AFC that’s extra aggressive than ever.
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Whether or not in opposition to Josh Allen or Joe Burrow, the ultimate can be a remake of the 2021 playoffs for Kansas Metropolis, desirous to get revenge for one of many two groups. Mahomes’ situation can be monitored subsequent week.
On the Jacksonville facet, what a distinction. 2021 ended with a poor report of three wins and 14 losses and a nightmare known as City Meyer. In lower than a 12 months, Doug Pederson modified franchise tradition.
Ridiculed for costly signings within the low season, the Jaguars are actually rubbing their arms with signings from Christian Kirk or Evan Engram. There’s nonetheless work to be performed on each side of the ball (entrance line, midfielders, defensive backs), however Jacksonville has a great footing for the long run and already has play-off expertise. The longer term could also be brilliant for the Jags.