Chiefs Roster: 7 winners, 5 losers in Week 2 loss to the Eagles

At this point, what’s predictable and what’s surprising?

During the Patrick Mahomes era, the Kansas City Chiefs had never lost three in a row, so seeing the team drop to 0-2 after its 20-17 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles was jarring.

Yet the way the Chiefs lost felt like the same old story. The running game wasn’t effective. Mahomes did his best to play hero, but his receivers often let him down. Finally, an untimely (unlucky?) turnover ended up being the difference in the game.

So what should we think about this team? Is the sky falling because it lost two one-score games against good opponents? Or are the same old problems destined to doom this version of the Chiefs? Is the team simply waiting for its starting receivers to return healthy and unsuspended? Or are there deeper issues in the passing game?

After just two games, it isn’t the time to make big conclusions. But we can tell you which players stood out in Week 2.

Left tackle Josh Simmons: If there were any concerns about his health, his 18 mph chase-down after Mahomes was intercepted at the goal line should put them to rest. It was a tremendous hustle play that showed remarkable athleticism for his size. Add in a clean performance protecting Mahomes (reportedly zero pressures allowed), and the present — and future — look bright at left tackle.

Wide receiver Tyquan Thornton: His job is simple: get deep separation. He’s often a decoy, but when the opportunity presents itself, his big-play ability can shine. Justin Watson and Marquez Valdes-Scantling filled this role with sporadic results, but Thornton’s ceiling looks higher. Mahomes and Thornton still aren’t fully in sync — as evidenced by several missed deep shots — but when they connect, it’s beautiful. In the fourth quarter, Thornton’s 49-yard touchdown pulled the game back to within one score. If expectations are kept reasonable, Thornton is delivering what we’d hope.

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes: Yes, there were plays left on the field — including those deep misses to Thornton — but Mahomes continues to do whatever it takes to keep his team in games. Once again, he led the team in rushing, with seven carries for 66 yards and a touchdown. His passing line wasn’t dazzling (16 for 29 for 187 yards, a touchdown and an interception), but make no mistake: he’s carrying this team. When he gets more help, they’ll win. For now, the margins are close only because of the MVP.

Safety Bryan Cook: No. 6 jumped off the screen against the Eagles. In his enforcer role, Cook delivered several punishing hits and broke up a pass. Though there’s still work to do, this young secondary is showing signs of coming together.

Cornerback Nohl Williams: Speaking of the secondary, the third-round rookie made his presence felt with two pass breakups that were potentially pivotal. He may be earning himself a bigger role.

Defensive lineman Omarr Norman-Lott: I can’t recall a more emphatic sack in an NFL debut. Norman-Lott launched into Jalen Hurts with a punishing hit as he tried to escape the pocket. He looks like a fun player who is trending upward.

Linebacker Jeffrey Bassa: The athletic rookie is already contributing on special teams, recording two impact tackles this week. In Kansas City, that’s the blueprint for a young linebacker to carve out a roster spot when he’s not starting right away.

Tight end Travis Kelce: While Kelce looks to be moving well despite his age, some of the old frustrations are resurfacing. He’s had more visible outbursts on the field and sideline, and he’s dropped passes he normally secures. Worst of all, his mishandled catch that bounced into a defender’s hands for an interception was likely the difference between winning and losing Sunday’s game. That alone lands him on this list.

Running back Isiah Pacheco: Concerns about the running game are valid. When Mahomes accounts for half the team’s rushing yards — even with both Kareem Hunt and Pacheco healthy — that’s a red flag. Pacheco, in particular, left yards on the field that many backs would have gained. We can’t say whether it’s due to scheme, blocking or play-calling — or even Pacheco himself — but 22 yards on 10 carries isn’t enough from the lead back.

Defensive ends Mike Danna and George Karlaftis: The pass rush remains inadequate. Both players were paid to produce, but neither has made much of an impact in 2025. Danna left this game early with an injury, but Karlaftis’ lack of disruption was notable. Chris Jones may not have had his best game, which affects how opponents block up front, but Danna and Karlaftis are expected to win matchups on their own. The Eagles’ offensive line is elite — but if the Chiefs want to get over the hump, they’ll need more from the edge rushers.

Head coach Andy Reid: The play calling — and the offense in general — feels stale and predictable. Failed runs on third and fourth down are as frustrating as they are obvious. The defense held the Eagles to 214 total yards (fewer than 100 passing) and just 20 points, a performance that should have been enough to win. None of this suggests Andy Reid is on the hot seat, but tweaks are needed. He owns the creativity (or lack thereof), the effort and preparation and the in-game rhythm. Reid never makes excuses and always takes the blame — and right now, there’s plenty to go around. The real question is how quickly he can get it fixed.

Note: The labels “winners” and “losers” are not judgments on the talent or character of these players. They’re simply a way to grade performance in a single game. No disrespect is intended.