BY TRISTAN SASSE
After Monday, Kansas City remains the lone unbeaten team in the NFL at 4-0. In a thriller from start to finish, the Chiefs held on to defeat the Washington Redskins, 29-20.
The Redskins jumped out to an early 10-0 lead. In the first quarter, Kirk Cousins found Terrelle Pryor Sr. for a 44-yard touchdown reception on Washington’s opening drive. On the other hand, the Chiefs offense struggled throughout the first half. Kansas City’s first score came with under two minutes remaining. Alex Smith connected with Travis Kelce for a 17-yard score. Kansas City trailed at the half, 10-7.
The Chiefs marched down the field early in the second half to claim their first lead of the game on a 1-yard keeper by Alex Smith. Both teams capitalized on scoring drives throughout the third quarter. Heading into the fourth quarter, they were tied at 17.
Newly signed placekicker Harrison Butker had an NFL debut to remember. Butker connected on three of four field goals for the Chiefs. Last week, Cairo Santos was placed on injured reserve after re-aggravating a groin injury in a victory over the Los Angeles Chargers.
With under a minute to play, the game looked destined for overtime but the Chiefs had other ideas. Smith found Albert Wilson on a 37-yard reception and Kansas City was in field goal range. Butker redeemed himself after missing a field goal late in the first half and connected on a 43-yard game-winner. Justin Houston put the nail in the coffin on the final play of the game with a fumble return for a touchdown.
Many Chiefs had a significant impact for Kansas City on Monday night. For the third time in four career games, Kareem Hunt was over 100 rushing yards. Hunt finished with 101 yards on 21 carries. Through four weeks, Hunt leads the NFL with 502 rushing yards on 68 carries.
Alex Smith also continued his impressive start to the 2017 season. Smith completed 27 of 37 passes for 293 yards and a touchdown. Travis Kelce led all receivers with 111 yards on 7 receptions.
The Chiefs are currently averaging over 30 points a game. Next week, Kansas City will travel to Houston to face Deshaun Watson and the unpredictable Texans. Houston is currently 2-2 and fresh off a 57-point performance against the Tennessee Titans.