NFL GAME RECAP

Chiefs dominate Colts behind Mahomes, defense

Lindyssports.com Staff

January 13, 2019 at 3:35 am.

All season long Kansas City won with its explosive offense. But in the Divisional Playoff matchup against Indianapolis, it was the Chiefs defense that played a big role in a dominating 31-13 victory over the Colts.

“We wanted to light up the city,” Kansas City defensive tackle Chris Jones said after the win. “We didn’t want to take the road down memory lane.”

Defensive coordinator Bob Sutton’s unit held a red-hot Indianapolis team to 263 yards of total offense (87 on the ground, 176 passing), sacked opposing quarterback Andrew Luck three times and limited the Pro Bowl QB to 203 passing yards. The Chiefs did not allow a third-down conversion (0-for-9) the entire game.

“You could feel the energy all week,” Kansas City head coach Andy Reid said. “I think some of the young guys are maturing right in front of our eyes and playing well. We added a couple of guys in there. … Everybody’s taking up their game.”

Playing in cold, snowy conditions in Arrowhead, the Kansas City D got off to a fast start by holding Indianapolis to three straight three-and-outs that led to the Chiefs offense, captained by All-Pro quarterback Patrick Mahomes, to touchdown drives on the team’s first two possessions, which equated to a 14-0 Kansas City lead.

A Harrison Butker 39-yard field-goal put the Chiefs up 17-0 early in the second quarter. But the Colts got on the board later in the frame when receiver Zach Pascal recovered a blocked punt by linebacker (52) Najee Goode for a score.

Following a scoreless third quarter, Luck and wide receiver T.Y. Hilton hooked up for a 29-yard touchdown pass with a little less than six minutes to go in the fourth quarter. But Kansas City cemented the outcome of the game when the Colts were flagged for a “running-into-the-kicker” call that kept the Chiefs drive alive, which led to another K.C. touchdown, its fourth of the game.

Mahomes completed 27 of 41 passes for 278 yards and ran for a score. Running back Damien Williams spearheaded the Chiefs rushing attack by rushing for 129 yards and a score on 25 carries.

“They outcoached us, they outplayed us,” Indianapolis head coach Frank Reich said. “We just gave them too many opportunities.”

Tight end Travis Kelce led the Chiefs with seven catches for 108 yards. Sammy Watkins had six grabs for 62 yards.

All-Pro wideout/returner Tyreek Hill had a 36-yard TD run on a jet sweep for the team’s second score. He also had eight catches for 72 yards.

Linebacker Anthony Hitchens and cornerback Eric Murray led the Chiefs in tackles with seven. Linebacker Dee Ford had four tackles, a sack and a forced fumble. Longtime Chief linebacker Derrick Houston added two sacks.

The Chiefs will host the AFC Championship Game next Sunday against New England or the Los Angeles Chargers.