The Kansas City Chiefs have struggled to find their rhythm on offense through the first three games of the season. However, on a challenging Sunday Night Football matchup, the Chiefs managed to secure a 22-9 victory over the New York Giants, marking their first win of the 2025 season. Despite what felt like pulling teeth at times, Kansas City emerged victorious, showcasing moments of offensive brilliance.
At halftime, the Chiefs held a narrow lead of 9-6. The momentum shifted early in the third quarter with a 5-yard touchdown pass from Patrick Mahomes to Tyquan Thornton. This marked Thornton's second touchdown in as many weeks, indicating that he is finding his place within the Chiefs' offensive scheme. His performance proved pivotal, as he finished the game leading the team with five receptions for a total of 71 yards.
Despite the Giants' attempts to rally, including a 25-yard field goal by Graham Gano—who played through a groin injury—the game slipped further from their grasp. Kareem Hunt sealed the victory for Kansas City with a 1-yard touchdown run, bringing the score to 22-9 midway through the fourth quarter. Thornton's impressive 33-yard deep reception set the stage for this final score.
Overall, Mahomes had a solid night, completing 22 of 37 passes for 224 yards and one touchdown. However, he faced some challenges, fumbling twice during the first half due to unusual backward passes; fortunately, the Chiefs did not lose possession on either play. On the special teams front, Harrison Butker had a mixed performance, successfully kicking field goals of 54, 48, and 28 yards. However, he missed a crucial 40-yard attempt wide right and failed to convert on an extra point following an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, bringing his total missed kicks this season to four.
On the other side of the field, the New York Giants faced significant struggles, particularly with their quarterback Russell Wilson, who completed 18 of 32 passes for only 160 yards, failing to throw any touchdowns and throwing two interceptions. Backup quarterback Jaxson Dart saw limited action, contributing only one run and a couple of handoffs without attempting a pass.
In the absence of Tyrone Tracy, who left the game with a shoulder injury, Cam Skattebo took on the lead role in the backfield, finishing with 60 yards on 10 carries. He also led the Giants in receiving, recording six catches for 61 yards. The Giants struggled significantly on third downs, converting only 1 of 10 attempts, and star receiver Malik Nabers was limited to a career-low two receptions for just 13 yards.
With this victory, the Chiefs improve to a record of 1-2 and will return home next weekend to face the Baltimore Ravens. Meanwhile, the Giants, now at 0-3, will stay at home in search of their first win of the season against the undefeated Los Angeles Chargers.
