The Kansas City Chiefs required more effort than most fans expected he left out the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a memorable overtime game in Week 9, but a win is a win. The Chiefs are now 8-0 through 9 weeks and should get more help soon as some injured players get healthy and maybe Brett Veach brings in new faces at the NFL trade deadline.

Under the bright lights of primetime television Monday night footballThe Chiefs leaned heavily on some of those faces Veach has already imported to go undefeated in Week 9.

There’s a lot to break down after a tough, physical battle like the one Kansas City and Tampa Bay endured this week, but a few things on the offensive end are what interest us the most as we turn the page from another close win. for Andy Reid’s team.

We shouldn’t say this, but we will because somehow Patrick Mahomes’ level of play or statistical production is in question at this stage of his career, and it’s all for naught.

Yes, Mahomes was tied for the league lead in interceptions. Yes, the offense struggled at times to put up points. Yes, Mahomes’ stats don’t look as good as others, and it looks like he won’t be in the running for this year’s MVP award.

Forget all that.

Mahomes’ stat line was magical again Monday night in primetime (116.8 rating, 3 touchdowns, zero interceptions), but it was more than that. It was absolutely perfect placement of the football in the hands of DeAndre Hopkins between multiple Buccaneers defenders to give the Chiefs a first down at the goal line. It was the smart, spirited moves to consistently take what Tampa Bay was giving him. It was a soft touch pass to Samaje Perine and the laser strike to Hopkins for the second touchdown.

And of course there is this information:

No other quarterback can see and do the things Mahomes sees and does, and he’s a marvel to watch every week.

For an inexplicable stretch in the third quarter, the Chiefs decided to abandon the running game and specifically the use of Kareem Hunt. It was like it wasn’t on the list at all. Samaje Perine had some work to do during that time, but the Chiefs weren’t even leaning on him. Instead, it was a strange mid-game abandonment of the rushing attack.

Then, out of nowhere, Hunt suddenly returned and was featured regularly. Courts came quickly. Four. Fifteen. Nine. Seven. By the end of the night, Hunt looked downright exhausted, but still mustered enough energy to carry the game-winning touchdown over the goal line, giving the Chiefs their eighth win of the season in eight games.

By the end of the game, Hunt had 106 yards on 27 carries and 1 touchdown and helped the Chiefs deliver one long, successful drive after another – a key fourth-quarter momentum swing that kept the Bucs offense on the edge throughout for a few minutes. at a given time. A genius move. A heroic effort.

Does that sound like hyperbole? Maybe it is, but it also feels true.

Here’s the thing: The Chiefs have tried to add significant help at pass catcher over the last year or so, but nothing has really taken root. Some of it is no one’s fault. After all, Marquise Brown didn’t ask for a sternoclavicular injury. Some of it boils down to the chances that were still worth taking (a trade for Kadarius Toney, the signing of Jawaan Taylor).

However, to see a wide receiver with incredible hands like DeAndre Hopkins work his magic on offense was to see the sport work on another level. Hopkins may be past his prime, but he’s still one of the best players to ever play the game of football, and it showed in several games Monday night, including this one:

Not since the Chiefs drafted Rashee Rice in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft have they added such an important piece to the offense.

Hopkins finished the night with 8 catches for 86 yards and 1 score, and it would be nearly impossible to find anyone who isn’t super excited about the new Chiefs addition.

There were a few moments during the Bucs-Chiefs game that really highlighted the problems at wide receiver for Kansas City. It would also be wise for general manager Brett Veach to continue shopping before the NFL trade deadline if he can.

First, Mecole Hardman left in the first quarter with a shoulder injury after a 33-yard punt return that gave the Chiefs a solid field goal. The Chiefs designated him as questionable to return. Although he returned a quarter later to resume his return duties, the absence highlighted that the team is woefully short on talent.

Second, Xavier Worthy, as talented as he is, is clearly a rookie learning the nuances of playing a clean game at the professional level. The missed touchdown on the opening drive is an ideal example of this, where the details of the game must count and the mastery of his craft must be in his sights. It didn’t help that it was -10 meters at night.

If Worthy can’t make the jump, then the Chiefs will need someone else because any additional injuries will weaken this unit far too much.