Incredible Finish

What a game. #KCvsNE | #GoPats pic.twitter.com/liD7pwDPDy

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 15, 2018

Everyone who knew this game would turn into a shootout got a real treat. The Patriots just barely won against Kansas City 43-40. This has been debated as the preview to the AFC Championship game this year. If the Chiefs play like this and improve their defense (as they lacked LB Justin Houston and S Eric Berry), they are guaranteed contenders this season.

But there were massive hiccups, especially on the Chiefs side. The Patriots held them to three fields in the first half while Brady and the offense put up over 24-9 in the first half. Patrick Mahomes was incredible in the second half, throwing for 4 TDs, three of which were to WR Tyreek Hill.

The Pats showed strong mental toughness and performed while under pressure. However, Brady was helped greatly by his running backs James White and Sony Michel (especially Sony who rushed for over 100+ yards and 2 TDs in this game). This became a shootout game and it didn’t disappoint. Brady threw for over 340 yards, two passing TDs and a rushing TD that was allowed because of a missed tackle by OLB Breeland Speaks.

Patrick Mahomes Is For Real

Patrick Mahomes & Tyreek Hill are recognized as a weapon of war by the UNpic.twitter.com/zYuhUjFYLD

— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) October 15, 2018

To say Mahomes was bad, would be doing him in-justice. The game became very close by the second half despite the Patriots having a two score possession lead. The Chiefs were actually held back by HC Andy Reid‘s play calling. Reid had called two timeouts with 3 minutes still left on the clock for some reason and had allowed the Patriots to drive down the field with less than a minute left.

Mahomes was a completely different player in the second half. Throwing four TDs was incredible. But what that offense could do with RB Kareem Hunt and WR Tyreek Hill is unreal. In fact,, Tyreek’s final TD was the most impressive part of the whole game. Not only was he was fully covered, he caught the ball and still got a 75 yard TD!

The game would be very different if Mahomes performed better in the first half or Reid actually handling clock management right.  But time can’t be changed. The Patriots emerged victorious over a strong AFC rival in a that will game will go down as  an instant classic.

Following today’s victory, the Patriots will Head into Week 7 at 4-2. They will face the Chicago Bears as they head to Solder Field in Chicago Illinois on Oct. 21st, at 1:00 PM EST.

Patriots 43, Chiefs 40 (final): It wasn't the decisive 60-minute performance they wanted, but these are the types of games that can build championship mettle. Mental toughness shown by Patriots as they almost blow big lead, before making big plays down the stretch.

— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) October 15, 2018