KANSAS CITY — Everything you need to know from the Patriots’ win over the Chiefs in quickie form, with BSJ insight and analysis:
HEADLINES
Patriots last ones standing in heavyweight bout: In a classic championship game, the Patriots emerged with a hard-fought victory when Rex Burkhead plunged in from 2 yards out on the first possession of overtime. This one had it all. The Patriots came out like gangbusters using a ground-and-pound approach, leading 14-0 at halftime — and it could have been much worse for the Chiefs had Tom Brady not thrown an interception from the 1-yard line. The Patriots pushed it to 17-7 in the third quarter before the Chiefs came swinging back with 14-straight points to lead 21-17. From there on out, the teams traded blow after blow, as KC tied it with 8 seconds left. On the final drive in overtime, the Patriots faced third-and-10 three times but Brady converted each of them.
Unexpected contributors have huge say: When the Patriots say they needed everybody in this game, they weren't kidding. Rob Gronkowski had a season-high 11 targets and produced six receptions (tied for third-highest this season for him) for 79 yards — including one huge catch on each of the final two possessions. Chris Hogan had seven targets, which tied for the second-most he's had in any game with the Patriots, and he had five catches. He had more games with no catches (four) than he did with at least five catches (two) entering this game. Phillip Dorsett, who was the forgotten man through the middle of the season when Josh Gordon was on the roster, had a touchdown. Jonathan Jones and Keion Crossen, who hadn't been seen much on defense in weeks, were tabbed to help hold Tyreek Hill to one reception.
Pressure, coverage hold down Mahomes, Hill and Kelce: The game was obviously close, but judging by the stats — Patriots dominated everywhere, especially plays run, time of possession and yards — New England should have run away with this game. And it would have, if the Patriots didn't turn the ball over twice and get stopped on fourth and less than a yard.
If the Patriots did run away with this one, then more focus would have been on the plan by Bill Belichick and Brian Flores defensively against the Chiefs, and the performance of the players. Patrick Mahomes' 51.6 completion percentage was his lowest of the season. Travis Kelce's three receptions (on five targets) for 23 yards was his lowest output since the season opener. Tyreek Hill had one catch for 42 yards and he didn't have a carry. That's his fewest touches and lowest total yardage of the entire season. The Patriots basically doubled Hill most of the game, and rotated people on Kelce. But you have to give a lot of credit to the Patriots' controlled rush, which generated pressure on Mahomes throughout the game, especially Kyle Van Noy, who had a huge game (10 total tackles, two sacks, forced fumble and a quarterback hit). The Patriots would not let Mahomes get comfortable to look down the field.
Another Super Bowl: The rest of the country might hate the sight of the Patriots in the Super Bowl — and they do — but New England should bask in the hate. The Patriots are going to their third straight Super Bowl and their fourth time in five seasons. New England is headed to its ninth title game since Belichick assumed the helm. They'll be facing the Rams — the team that kicked this all off in 2001 — in Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta on Feb. 3.
TURNING POINT
It looked like the Patriots' season was over when Brady, on third and 10, threw an interception with less than a minute to play off the hands of Gronkowski and into the hands of Charvarius Ward. But Chiefs linebacker Dee Ford lined up offsides, giving the Patriots another chance. Brady connected with Gronkowski on a fade down to the Kansas City 4, and Burkhead ran it in to give the Patriots the lead with 39 seconds left.
GRONK!!!!! Brady dropped it right in there! pic.twitter.com/E1tLVNJvRo
— #NobodyDied (@ftbeard_17) January 21, 2019
SECOND GUESS
Nothing for the Patriots, but a big one for Andy Reid and the Chiefs. I don't care if the Patriots have three guys on him ... you can't play a championship game for a chance to go to the Super Bowl and only have Tyreek Hill touch the ball once. If they want to cap his deep ball, they throw to Hill on screens, dump offs and hitches. Give him a jet sweep or put him at running back and give him the ball. Hill is the most explosive weapon and football and it was a sin to allow him to touch the ball only once.
Oh, and you might want to have a better plan against Edelman on third down.
THREE UP
Kyle Van Noy: He was just all over the field for the Patriots and, most importantly, in the grill of Patrick Mahomes all night. Not only did he have two sacks, but he got off blocks all night to keep potentially big plays to just a few harmless yards.
Offensive line: They pushed around the Chiefs when the Patriots wanted to run, and they barely allowed any pressure. That was especially key down the stretch. We've seen Brady come under pressure in some big games and it has impacted his execution. Not Sunday. Brady was well-protected and the running game had big holes.
Tom Brady: Yes, he had two interceptions (and another that was called back by penalty) but the throws and plays he made down the stretch in the fourth quarter and overtime were just immense.
THREE DOWN
NFL referees: They were a huge factor in both conference championship games when they really don't need to be heard from all that much. The no-call against the Saints was terrible, and they missed/made some bad calls in this one for both teams.
J.C. Jackson: Will probably be a little unfair after viewing the film, but he was playing with fire all season with his physical play and it could have cost the Patriots in this one.
Adrian Clayborn: Had one hit on Mahomes but it looked like he screwed up the big Williams screen for a touchdown, among other things.
INJURIES
None.
TOP PLAYS
Man, where do we start?
End zone pick.
More White.
THREE TAKES BEDARD WILL PROBABLY REGRET LATER
Hate the NFL overtime rule: It has worked in the Patriots' favor twice now, but something just doesn't feel right about overtime being decided with only one team touching the ball — at least in the postseason. You can say, "Well, they need to play some defense." Valid. But what about the scoring team? Shouldn't they have to play some defense to win too? I think both teams should get the ball. If they're still tied, same thing. Sort of like a longer college overtime.
Some close calls go Patriots' way, but it didn't make a difference: Belichick was rightfully ticked off when the officials didn't flag the Chiefs for offensive pass interference on a play that set up the game-tying field goal.
Belichick is pissed! LMAOOOOO! pic.twitter.com/hSFQMqI0Vy
— #NobodyDied (@ftbeard_17) January 21, 2019