Kansas City Chiefs Defeat New York Jets 35-12 to Snap Losing Streak

The Chiefs defense dominated the second half, registering five sacks and holding the Jets scoreless after halftime. Mahomes, who briefly left the game in the first half with an injury to his throwing elbow, returned to finish with 242 passing yards and two touchdown passes to Walker. Walker delivered a signature performance, totaling 143 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns, helping the Chiefs secure a much-needed victory.

Mahomes Injury, Butker’s Struggles

After taking a hard hit from Jets rookie edge rusher David Bailey, Mahomes walked to the sideline with his right arm dangling. He threw a couple of warmup passes before returning to the game, according to the Associated Press. Mahomes, the two-time MVP, then guided the Chiefs on a swift drive to create an opportunity for a field goal attempt in the latter stages of the second half.

While Mahomes remained in the game, Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker continued to struggle. He missed a 56-yard field goal attempt shortly before halftime, and although a Jets penalty gave him a second chance from 51 yards, he missed that kick as well, as reported by Arrowhead Pride. Butker made all five of his PATs. On the sideline Sunday was kicker Justin Tucker, who was brought in.

Pass Rush Finally Breaks Through

The Chiefs’ pass rush, which had been inconsistent through the first eight games, had a breakout performance against the Jets. Defensive tackle Chris Jones and defensive end George Karlaftis each recorded two sacks. Defensive end Ashton Gillotte also earned a sack on his way to a sack that cost the offense 14 yards.

Kind of broke the dam there and had five sacks, Chiefs coach Andy Reid said, as reported by KSHB 41 Kansas City. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s unit held the Jets to minus-9 yards in the third quarter, a key factor in Kansas City’s decisive second-half performance. The Chiefs were credited with seven quarterback hits and 10 tackles for loss in the game.

Walker Scores Touchdowns as Jets Losing Streak Extends

Honestly, the first half we were making a lot of mistakes, Walker said. His first touchdown reception came on the first play of the second quarter, and his second was a 25-yard screen pass in which offensive guards Trey Smith and Kingsley Suamataia laid down a trail of pancakes for him to follow. He is on pace for a career high in receptions.

For the Jets, the loss extended their losing streak to four games and dropped their record to 2-7. Quarterback Geno Smith, who was sacked five times and threw his helmet in frustration on the sideline, acknowledged the team’s inability to sustain success.

Just frustrated with not getting it done, Smith said after he was 18-for-32 passing for 165 yards. The Jets were reduced to running the ball with Braelon Allen or Breece Hall – back in the lineup after a five-game absence – or having Smith throw short passes to rookie Omar Cooper Jr.

Given Breece Hall’s return to the lineup after missing five games, a significant question was how the Jets would distribute the carries between him and the hot-handed Braelon Allen. Hall carried the ball 15 times for 61 yards, while Allen received eight carries for 33 yards. The Jets face the Buffalo Bills next week.

Chiefs Roster Takes a Hit

The Chiefs also lost several players to injury during the game. Tackle Jaylon Moore also exited the contest with an ankle injury, which resulted in Josh Ezeudu taking over at right tackle for the rest of the game.

Earlier coverage: Kansas City Chiefs face New York Jets after two consecutive losses

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