No matter how much you criticize the Chiefs, their pursuit of a Super Bowl three-peat is genuine.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Get used to it, America.
The Kansas City Chiefs are still on track for their Super Bowl three-peat.
Sorry, Buffalo.
Better luck next time, Bills Mafia.
And to all those fans nationwide who want to see the Chiefs fail simply because they win too often, the recent victory by Patrick Mahomes and his teammates in the AFC championship game was aimed at you.
Chiefs 32, Bills 29.
What’s the deal with the haters?
Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones couldn’t hide his smile when he was asked about the critics in a lively locker room celebration after Kansas City secured their spot in Super Bowl 59.
He then started singing along to Drake’s track, “God’s Plan,” which was playing in the background.
“Yeah, they wishin; and wishin’ and wishin’ and wishin’,” the lyrics went.
Perhaps this sums up a team that has once again pulled through a tight contest, marking their 17th straight game won by a single score, setting the stage for a rematch with the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 57.
As Jones entertained with his rapping, Patrick Mahomes, just a few feet away, was also feeling the rhythm, nodding his head to the beat with enthusiasm.
While their upcoming journey to New Orleans offers the Chiefs a chance to become the first team ever to win three straight Super Bowls, it’s not solely motivated by the desire to silence their critics.
But they understand where the negativity stems from.
“That comes with being successful,” Jones commented. “The more you win, the more people want to see you fail. Like I said last week, we’re climbing to the top every year.”
For the last three years, the Chiefs have stood at that summit.
Still, there are those who speculate whether the Chiefs (17-2) have received some sort of advantageous treatment or just pure luck. After their victory over the Houston Texans, people questioned two unnecessary roughness calls against Mahomes.
During the latest game, debates arose following a play where Bills quarterback Josh Allen was stopped for no gain on a critical fourth-and-1 from the Chiefs’ 41-yard line early in the fourth quarter. The decision was upheld after a replay review of the call made by referee Clete Blakeman’s team.
Considering the pile of players involved, was that a correct ruling?
Jones commented to YSL News Sports: “The replay showed he didn’t make it. Don’t argue with your mama.”
Bills coach Sean McDermott, however, had a different take. From the sideline, he was convinced that his quarterback had achieved the first down.
“I thought he had it,” McDermott said. “He looked like he crossed that (40-yard line) line.”
After the failed fourth down, the Chiefs executed a quick 59-yard drive in just five plays, with Mahomes scoring on a 10-yard touchdown run that, following a two-point conversion, put Kansas City ahead at 29-22.
Don’t discount the fact that the Chiefs also capitalized on their opportunities – yet again.
To defeat the Bills in yet another memorable playoff battle – Kansas City now holds a 4-0 postseason record against Buffalo, contrasting with a 0-4 mark during regular seasons with Mahomes – the Chiefs required the full skillset of their star quarterback, utilizing both his running and passing abilities.
In the second quarter, Mahomes made a crucial fourth-and-1 run for six yards, reminiscent of his gamble in overtime to secure Super Bowl 58 against the San Francisco 49ers, which sustained a significant 70-yard touchdown drive. He then concluded the subsequent drive with a 1-yard touchdown sprint.
While one might assume that Mahomes (18-for-26, 245 yards, 1 TD) would best Allen in passing, he also outperformed him on the ground with 43 rushing yards on 11 attempts and 2 touchdowns.
As the game neared its conclusion, Mahomes, like every fan at Arrowhead Stadium, held his breath, waiting to see if Allen could pull off a last-minute victory. The Chiefs also needed timely defense, especially as Philadelphia initiated their final drive with 3:33 left on the clock.
“I always get anxious when the ball isn’t in my hands,” Mahomes admitted. “But I trust that defense completely. They’ve performed all year.”
Before their last drive, the Bills had successfully converted on four of five fourth downs in the second half, with only the controversial call on Allen’s sneak being the exception. Just shy of the two-minute warning, they faced a critical fourth-and-five from their own 47-yard line.
At that moment, Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo executed his first corner blitz of the game, sending Trent McDuffie rushing in. This caused Allen to lose his rhythm while being pressured by George Karlaftis. Allen scrambled and attempted a pass on the move towards the middle, but usually reliable tight end Dalton Kincaid failed to make the catch. That effectively ended the Bills’ hopes for the game.
Jones reflected on his feelings while watching that critical pass in motion.
“I hoped he wouldn’t catch it,” said Jones. “I was exhausted. Let’s get out of here.”
The Chiefs could finally breathe a sigh of relief – at least for the next two weeks – after Mahomes found Samaje Perine for a crucial third-down catch that secured the victory.
No, luck didn’t play a part. No, the officiating didn’t favor them. The Chiefs won again due to their composure and resilience, finding ways to prevail against the odds.
For those who are tired of hearing this narrative, brace yourselves. The reigning champions won’t be dethroned for at least another two weeks.
And they’re indifferent to the fact that many across America are wishing for their downfall.
“The only opinions that matter are the ones from the people in this building,” tight end Travis Kelce stated. “Everything else is just noise.”
And that noise is likely to amplify on the NFL’s biggest stage.
“If they aren’t hating you, you aren’t the top dog,” McDuffie noted. “My brother was a Patriots fan when Tom Brady was there. I used to dislike the Patriots. So being in a position where everyone is hating, it’s a great feeling.”
Especially with a momentous historical achievement within their grasp.
“Yeah, they wishin; and wishin’ and wishin’ and wishin’.”
Follow Jarrett Bell on X @JarrettBell.
