If you want to watch the simulation without spoilers, start this video — or if you can’t see it, click here.
The Washington Commanders’ opening script quickly exposes holes in the Kansas City Chiefs’ defense, as quarterback Marcus Mariota marches into Kansas City territory with ease.
On the first play across midfield, defensive tackle Chris Jones breaks through the offensive line and sacks Mariota for a six-yard loss. But on the very next snap, Mariota finds wide receiver Terry McLaurin on a corner route to move the chains.
Mixing his arm and legs, Mariota continues to keep Kansas City off balance. Once the Commanders reach the red zone, he tucks the ball and runs it in himself for the first touchdown of the game.
On the Chiefs’ opening drive, quarterback Patrick Mahomes wastes no time responding — connecting with wide receiver Rashee Rice for 23 yards and then tight end Travis Kelce for another 24 to move deep into Washington territory.
End of first quarter: Commanders 7, Chiefs 0
On the first play of the second quarter, Mahomes hands off to running back Isiah Pacheco, who goes untouched into the end zone to tie the game.
Mariota’s next series starts poorly. He tosses a backward screen pass to running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt that deflects off a Kansas City defender, resulting in a 10-yard loss. The Commanders never recover and are forced to punt.
Mahomes continues to enjoy a clean pocket, firing an 18-yard strike to wide receiver Hollywood Brown to move into plus territory.
Before one snap, wide receiver Xavier Worthy looks over at Mahomes and waves, signaling he’s open before the play even begins. Moments later, he proves himself right — hauling in a wide-open slant for an easy 13-yard gain.
Mahomes, perhaps inspired by Mariota’s earlier touchdown run, decides to take matters into his own hands. Needing 10 yards for a first down, he scrambles and turns it into a 17-yard touchdown — spinning past a defender and reaching the ball across the goal line as he crosses it. Naturally, Mahomes gets up and flexes for the crowd.
On the next defensive series, cornerback Chamarri Conner goes down with an injury, bringing in defensive back Kevin Knowles. On his very first snap, Knowles records his first sack of the season.
Mariota tries to scramble for a first down soon after but is crushed by linebacker Nick Bolton, who jars the ball loose. Conner — back in the game after missing a few plays — scoops up the fumble, giving Kansas City a massive turnover just before halftime.
End of second quarter: Chiefs 14, Commanders 7
The Chiefs opening drive after halftime proves relentless. The Commanders have four chances to get Kansas City off the field on third-and-10 situations — but fail each time. The final conversion caps the drive as Mahomes connects with Brown for a 17-yard touchdown to extend the lead to two possessions.
The Commanders manage to respond, but only with a field goal, cutting slightly into the deficit.
End of third quarter: Chiefs 21, Commanders 10
Pacheco opens the quarter with the longest run of the game, bursting free for 31 yards. Kansas City continues to dominate on third down, with Mahomes and Rice connecting again to convert another third-and-10.
Mahomes drops a dime to Rice on a corner route for the touchdown, putting Kansas City up by three scores.
Mariota refuses to go quietly, moving the Commanders downfield with several scrambles and absorbing big hits from the Chiefs’ defense. A costly defensive pass interference penalty gives Washington prime field position, and Mariota caps the drive by forcing his way into the end zone for his second rushing touchdown of the day.
The Commanders attempt an onside kick, but the Chiefs recover.
With the game in hand, Kansas City lines up to kneel out the clock after the two-minute warning — but on the next play, they surprise everyone by handing it off to Pacheco, who powers into the end zone for one final touchdown.
Final score: Chiefs 35, Commanders 17
- Patrick Mahomes: 21-for-30, 241 yards, 2 touchdowns; 3 carries, 16 yards, 1 touchdown
- Marcus Mariota: 15-for-20, 178 yards; 12 carries, 109 yards, 2 touchdowns
- Isiah Pacheco: 13 carries, 70 yards, 1 touchdown
- Jacory Croskey-Merritt: 9 carries, 50 yards
- Rashee Rice: 5 receptions, 69 yards, 1 touchdown
- Hollywood Brown: 5 receptions, 58 yards, 1 touchdown
- Xavier Worthy: 4 receptions, 50 yards
- Travis Kelce: 3 receptions, 49 yards
- Deebo Samuel Sr.: 4 receptions, 69 yards
- Terry McLaurin: 3 receptions, 33 yards
- Nick Bolton: 10 tackles (2 solo, 2 for loss), 1 forced fumble
- George Karlaftis: 3 solo tackles, 2 for loss, 1 sack
- Kevin Knowles: 1 sack
- Chris Jones: 1 sack
In Week 9, Kansas City will be on the road to face the Buffalo Bills on Sunday afternoon. We’ll once again see how the game plays out in the EA Universe.
Source link
