KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs snapped a two-game losing streak Sunday, leaning on a dominant second-half defensive stand and three touchdowns from running back Kenneth Walker III to defeat the New York Jets 35-12 at Arrowhead Stadium.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes briefly exited after his right arm was twisted on a strip-sack by New York defensive end David Bailey. Mahomes flexed his elbow on the sideline, tossed a few warmup throws and returned without missing a snap under center. He completed 23 of 31 passes for 242 yards and two touchdowns, both caught by Walker.
The victory improved Kansas City to 6-2 on the season, helping the Chiefs shake off consecutive defeats to the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos. The Jets dropped to 2-7, extending their losing skid to four straight games.
Walker sparks the offense
Walker relieved the strain on the Kansas City passing attack, carrying 18 times for 102 yards and a rushing score while totaling 143 yards from scrimmage. His first touchdown reception came on the opening play of the second quarter, followed by a 25-yard touchdown screen pass that pushed the Chiefs ahead before halftime.
Kansas City led just 14-12 at the break after Jets kicker Jason Sanders converted four field goals in the first half. New York held an opportunity to pull ahead, but Sanders missed a 53-yard attempt with less than a minute remaining in the second quarter.
Walker then spearheaded a 60-yard march to start the third period. The drive ended when Mahomes flipped a lateral along the line of scrimmage to tight end Travis Kelce for a 1-yard score on fourth down. Kelce led all Chiefs receivers with four receptions for 72 yards.
Later in the quarter, Walker handled six carries on an eight-play, 82-yard drive, capping it with a touchdown run to stretch the lead to 28-12. The performance marked his third career three-touchdown game, according to ABC News.
Defensive shutdown and kicking questions
Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's defense completely stymied the Jets over the final two quarters. New York was held to minus-9 total yards in the third period and finished the contest with 229 yards overall, failing to score a single touchdown.
Geno Smith completed passes for 165 yards but endured relentless pressure, getting sacked five times for 236 lost sack yards on the year. Defensive tackle Chris Jones anchored Kansas City's rush with two sacks and four tackles. New York played without standout wide receiver Garrett Wilson, who sat out due to a concussion.
Despite the comfortable margin, Kansas City faced continued questions surrounding its special teams. Kicker Harrison Butker missed a 56-yard field goal, received a second opportunity because of a penalty, and missed again. The Chiefs recently added former All-Pro kicker Justin Tucker to their practice squad.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid declined to name a change at the position following the game, saying he would make no decisions on the kicking role on Sunday.
Injury updates and what comes next
Mahomes received treatment on his throwing elbow from head athletic trainer Julie Frymyer during halftime and said he planned to undergo additional testing after the contest.
Chiefs right tackle Jaylen Moore suffered an ankle injury during the game, while wide receiver Xavier Worthy left in the closing minutes due to a left hamstring issue.
The Jets return home next Sunday to host the Buffalo Bills, while the Chiefs travel to face the Atlanta Falcons in Week 10.
