KANSAS CITY, Mo. – It seems fitting that for the Kansas City Chiefs to secure their place in Super Bowl 59 and aim for a unique record, they had to endure a tense finish during the AFC championship game. This has been a theme throughout their season.

The Chiefs have developed a clear strategy: Show resilience and be clutch in crucial moments, whether it’s through sheer luck, determination, or skill.

“I’m really proud of the team for winning the games in the way we did this season,” Patrick Mahomes said after the Chiefs became the first team to advance to three consecutive Super Bowls while defending their title. “We haven’t reached our ultimate goal yet, and facing Philadelphia will be a tough challenge.”

In their last meeting with the Philadelphia Eagles, Mahomes led the NFL’s highest-scoring team, which racked up 496 points in 2022, averaging 29.2 points per game. They surpassed 30 points in nine games, including their playoff matches. They showcased their scoring ability with a 38-35 win in Super Bowl 57, their highest-scoring championship victory.

However, this year is different.

This time, even with the great Mahomes, the Chiefs didn’t surpass 30 points in a game until they defeated the Buffalo Bills 32-29 at Arrowhead Stadium. In the regular season, they only managed an average of 22.6 points per game, placing them 15th in the league. However, their solid defense allowed the fewest points – ranking fourth in the NFL – which helped them secure the top seed in the AFC playoffs.

More significant than their scoring stats is the Chiefs’ impressive record of winning 17 consecutive one-score games, including 12 this season. This team excels in tight contests.

“We’ve done it repeatedly; it becomes a habit,” Mahomes noted. “Of course, we’d like to win by a larger margin, but winning those close games in the regular season has prepared us for moments like today.”

If the Chiefs succeed in becoming the first team to win three Super Bowls in a row, they will have done so against significant odds. While their record of 17-2 might suggest dominance, had they lacked their knack for winning close games, they could have ended up 12-7. Andy Reid and his team have faced a series of intense challenges.

On Sunday night, the Chiefs needed a last-minute stop on fourth down, aided by a drop of what could have been a miraculous catch, to defeat the Buffaloes again.

In Week 14, a field goal that hit the goalpost from back-up kicker Matthew Wright edged the Chargers. Week 10 saw Leo Chenal block a field goal that preserved a win over the Broncos as time expired. In Week 9, the Buccaneers attempted a tie at the end of regulation but Kansas City won the overtime coin toss and drove for a touchdown. In Week 2, Harrison Butker nailed a last-second 51-yard kick to defeat the Bengals following a crucial pass interference penalty. In the season opener, a replay review negated a possible game-tying touchdown for the Ravens just as time ran out.

Despite the nail-biting experiences, the team seems to thrive under pressure.

“I think the guys enjoy that pressure,” coach Andy Reid observed.

He recounted the moment before the dramatic finish against the Broncos when Chenal confidently told the special teams coach that he would block the kick.

“Toub exclaimed, ‘Let’s go! We can do it!’ ” Reid recalled.

“He said, ‘No, it’s done.’

“That’s the mindset of these players. It’s not just Chenal,” Reid continued. “Everyone has that mentality. When given a chance, they rise to the occasion. As a coach, that’s something you value highly. It’s a rare trait. Many games could have swung either way. Just like last night. These guys take immense pride in stepping up.”

This determination highlights the larger context. Although last season’s team showed resilience by winning back-to-back playoff games against strong opponents in Buffalo and Baltimore, this squad has faced different challenges due to injuries to key players.

Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, a speedy veteran receiver signed last spring, suffered a shoulder injury in the preseason that kept him out until late December. Running back Isiah Pacheco broke his fibula in Week 2 but returned in late November. The team also lost Rashee Rice and Mecole Hardman, both key contributors, to season-ending injuries.

These challenges prompted GM Brett Veach to take decisive actions to fill gaps. Players like Kareem Hunt returned to the team after previous controversies, and new trades brought in former All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins and linebacker Josh Uche. Left tackle D.J. Humphries was signed late in the season to strengthen an O-line that faced challenges at the tackle positions.

Overall, about 20 players on the Chiefs’ Super Bowl roster were not part of the team last season due to these injury-related adjustments and typical offseason changes.

“Every season is unique,” Mahomes said. “Each team has its own challenges, new players who have to take on different roles.”

It is understandable that Chris Jones, a key defensive player, laughed when asked if his multiple Super Bowl appearances felt routine.

“No, it doesn’t feel routine at all,” Jones replied. “I wish it was easier.

“The challenge lies in the fact that Brett Veach must consistently bring in new players each year. With success, coaches and players often leave for better opportunities or pay. So it feels like starting fresh every season.”

That’s why, while acknowledging the significance of potentially achieving a three-peat, Mahomes emphasizes treating it as a singular challenge. “You have to approach it as one season, one Super Bowl journey, which is always a daunting task.”

Yet, the Chiefs seem capable of tapping into their championship spirit and composure when needed. Perhaps that continuity is what helps them succeed.

Despite some debates regarding potential preferential treatment regarding close calls from officials, fundamentally, the Chiefs’ disciplined approach allows them to avoid mistakes during high-pressure moments.

What is the secret behind the Chiefs’ continued success in close games?

“Because it’s a team effort,” Mahomes affirmed.

This perspective reflects a well-rounded approach to victory.

Follow Jarrett Bell on X @JarrettBell.