Mahomes Delivers, But Chiefs' Defense Leaves Playoff Hopes Hanging by a Thread
Patrick Mahomes did what he does best-light up the scoreboard with four touchdown passes-but even that kind of firepower couldn’t save the Kansas City Chiefs from another frustrating loss. This time, it was a 31-28 Thanksgiving Day defeat at the hands of the Dallas Cowboys, dropping Kansas City to 6-6 on the season and putting their playoff aspirations in serious jeopardy.
Let’s be clear: Mahomes wasn’t the issue. The former MVP was sharp, decisive, and efficient, doing everything you’d expect from a quarterback trying to will his team into the postseason. But once again, the defense couldn’t hold up its end of the bargain.
A Defensive Unit in Decline
The numbers tell the story. Dallas racked up 457 yards of total offense, including 320 through the air.
Dak Prescott wasn’t exactly under duress, and the Cowboys ran 65 plays with relative ease. That kind of production against a team that’s supposed to be a Super Bowl contender?
That’s a red flag the size of Arrowhead Stadium.
The Chiefs' defense committed double-digit penalties-five of them were either defensive holding or pass interference. There were no sacks.
No takeaways. In fact, Kansas City went the entire month of November without forcing a single turnover.
And over their last three games, they’ve managed just two sacks. That’s not just a slump-that’s a unit in free fall.
Chris Jones, and the Leadership Void
When a defense is struggling, you look to your stars to step up. For the Chiefs, that’s six-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Chris Jones.
But even he hasn’t looked like himself this season. While he had some moments in Dallas, he didn’t make a real impact on Prescott or the Cowboys’ rhythm.
Through 12 games, Jones has just three sacks-a surprising stat for one of the league’s highest-paid defenders.
At 31, Jones isn’t necessarily washed, but the Chiefs need more from him, especially with the rest of the defense looking out of sync. If he can’t find another gear, it’s fair to wonder if this group can turn things around in time.
Offense Still Searching for Consistency
While Mahomes continues to make magic, the offense as a whole hasn’t been immune to issues. Drops, penalties, and miscommunications have plagued this unit all season. Still, it’s easier to believe Mahomes can rally the offense down the stretch than to expect a sudden defensive resurgence.
The margin for error is razor-thin now. Kansas City is tied with Pittsburgh at 6-6, sitting just outside the AFC playoff picture behind the 7-5 Houston Texans. That’s not where anyone expected this team to be in December.
What Comes Next
The Chiefs are staring down the possibility of missing the playoffs entirely-something that would have been unthinkable just a few months ago. The talent is still there, especially on offense, but the defense has become a liability. Whether it’s scheme, personnel, or just execution, something has to change-and fast.
If Kansas City wants to make a serious push for a fourth straight Super Bowl appearance, it starts with the defense finding its identity. Because right now, Mahomes is doing everything he can. But even he can’t win shootouts every week without help on the other side of the ball.