Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs have maintained their status as the lone unbeaten team in the 2024 season. They triumphed in a thrilling game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, winning 30-24 in overtime.
After the match, Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield voiced his dissatisfaction, attributing the team’s agonizing defeat to the Chiefs as a collective failure. During the post-game press conference, Mayfield remarked:
“Before the half, penalties and me not completing the ball on a couple of easy throws and on that last drive before halftime that really giving away three points and when you look at it against a team like this, that is the difference in winning and losing.”
The game began slowly, with only Harrison Butker contributing a field goal in the first quarter. However, the intensity escalated swiftly when the Bucs scored the initial touchdown, transforming the match into an exhilarating bout reminiscent of the 2016 clash between Mahomes and Mayfield during their college careers.
As the contest progressed, Mayfield acknowledged that the outcome was determined by attention to detail throughout the fierce competition. He pointed out the importance of the Chiefs’ 40-yard field goal, resulting from an eight-play drive in the opening quarter.
The Oklahoma product labeled the final result as “disappointing,” opting not to single out any specific player for the loss. Instead, he emphasized a shared accountability, while acknowledging that every member of the team left it all on the field.
While recognizing that minor errors were present, he underscored the team’s resilient fight, a spirit that enabled them to extend the game into overtime. Mayfield noted that missed chances, like the failed coin toss, significantly influenced the outcome.
Although he expressed pride in his teammates and their offensive performance, the inability to stop Kareem Hunt from scoring a 2-yard touchdown likely weighed heavily on him.
Regardless, Mayfield had a commendable outing, amassing 200 passing yards and 2 touchdowns without throwing any interceptions. The Chiefs also showcased their prowess, with Patrick Mahomes appearing to return to top form.
Mahomes finished the game with 291 yards passing and 3 touchdowns, also without any interceptions, providing a comforting sign for Chiefs followers. The team is set to face Bo Nix and the Broncos next, preserving their flawless record of 8-0. In contrast, Tampa Bay will square off against divisional foes, the 49ers, in Week 10.
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