BY TRISTAN SASSE
After upsetting New England in Foxborough to begin the 2017 season, expectations skyrocketed for Kansas City. The Chiefs accumulated over 500 yards of total offense in week one, including a 28-point second half offensive explosion. Week two would also be no easy task for the Chiefs, as they faced a majorly improved Philadelphia Eagles squad.
The beginning of week two was far different for Kansas City. After both teams connected on field goals on their opening drives, defenses took command the rest of the first half. Eagles newly acquired kicker Jake Elliott missed a 30-yard chip shot to end the first half, and the Chiefs led at the end of the second quarter, 6-3.
Offenses continued to struggle throughout the early portion of the second half. Carson Wentz was able to find newly signed free agent and former Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery for a 16-yard touchdown reception and their first lead of the game.
The Eagles defense was locked in on Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt for most of the game after his historic performance against the Patriots on opening night. Hunt finally found an opening late in the third quarter and scampered 53 yards to help the Chiefs regain the lead.
Philadelphia connected on another field goal early in the fourth quarter before Kansas City was finally able to set the tone. Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce followed shortly after with his first touchdown reception of the season. On the ensuing Chiefs drive, Kareem Hunt punched in his second rushing touchdown of the afternoon, and Kansas City was up, 27-13, with just over two minutes to play.
Kansas City looked destined to win their home opener and begin the season 2-0. The Eagles weren’t finished yet though, and Carson Wentz threw his second touchdown pass of the game, this time to Nelson Agholor with eight seconds left in regulation. Philadelphia made the game even more exciting when they recovered the onside kick on the following play. The Eagles were 39 yards from the end zone and would get one final chance. Wentz threw a hail mary, and while multiple Eagles receivers were in the area, the pass was broken up and the Chiefs improved to 2-0.
The Chiefs had playmakers on both sides of the ball, Sunday afternoon. Although Kareem Hunt had a rocky start, he was able to finish with 13 carries for 81 yards and two touchdowns. Through two weeks, Hunt has a total of five touchdowns (3 rushing and 2 receiving). Travis Kelce also had eight receptions, 103 yards, and a touchdown to help guide the offense.
Defense and special teams also played major roles for Kansas City. Late in the first half, the Chiefs forced Darren Sproles to fumble during a punt return. Anthony Sherman recovered the fumble for Kansas City and they were able to capitalize with three points shortly after. Also, defensive tackle Chris Jones had two sacks and an interception deep in Philadelphia territory late in the fourth quarter to disrupt the Eagles offensive unit.
On the afternoon, the Eagles had more yards, first downs, and time of possession, but two crucial turnovers deep in their own territory proved to be the difference. Kansas City will now travel to Los Angeles to begin division play against the unpredictable Chargers.