BY TRISTAN SASSE
On Sunday, two of the more high-powered offenses in the NFL faced off in a non-conference matchup. The Kansas City Chiefs (6-2) appeared in the Lone Star State to face the Dallas Cowboys (4-3). Entering the contest, Kansas City was second in the AFC playoff race, while Dallas was tied for eighth in the NFC and in the hunt for a playoff spot.
The Chiefs’ offense struggled throughout on Sunday before being defeated 28-17. Kansas City has lost three of their last four games after starting 5-0.
By the Numbers
For the Chiefs, Alex Smith completed 25 of 34 attempts and threw for two touchdown passes, but also threw his first interception of the season in a critical fourth quarter situation. Smith had 298 pass attempts since his last interception (5th longest streak in NFL history). On the season, Smith has 18 touchdown passes and one interception.
Additionally, NFL leading rusher Kareem Hunt was shut down the majority of the afternoon. Hunt had nine carries for 37 yards and currently has 800 rushing yards on the season. On the bright side, Kansas City’s aerial attack had a few sparks. Travis Kelce had seven receptions for 73 yards and Tyreek Hill added two receptions for 64 yards. Both players each had a touchdown reception.
For the Cowboys, Dak Prescott threw for two touchdowns and rushed for another. Ezekiel Elliott had 27 carries for 93 yards and a touchdown. Terrance Williams led all receivers with nine receptions for 141 yards, while Dez Bryant had six receptions and 73 receiving yards.
Game Recap
Even with two of the higher scoring teams in the NFL, the first quarter was highlighted by defense. The only score of the quarter happened with 2:36 left when Prescott found Cole Beasley for a 6-yard touchdown reception.
Kansas City finally scored midway through the second quarter when Harrison Butker tacked on a 38-yard field goal (Butker improved to 19 of 20 on field goals this season, including 19 straight successful attempts). In the closing seconds of the first half, Prescott added a 10-yard rushing touchdown on third-and-goal. On the final play of the half, Smith connected with Hill for a 56-yard touchdown reception. Dallas went into halftime leading 14-10.
Kansas City carried momentum from the late score with them to begin the second half. On the opening drive of the second half, the Chiefs took their first lead of the game. Kelce capped off a 9-play, 62-yard drive with a 2-yard touchdown reception on third-and-goal.
Dallas regained the lead late in the third quarter with a 2-yard rushing touchdown by Elliott. The Cowboys added on to their lead midway through the fourth quarter with another touchdown reception by Beasley. Jeff Heath intercepted Smith on the ensuing drive and ended Kansas City’s chance at a comeback. Dallas would go on to win 28-17.
Looking Ahead
The Chiefs (6-3) will now have two weeks to get focused and prepare before flying to East Rutherford, New Jersey to face the struggling New York Giants (1-7). On the other hand, the Cowboys (5-3) will head to Atlanta to play the Falcons. Atlanta is currently 4-4 and has lost four of the past five games.