Instant Reaction: Chiefs run away from Patriots late

The Chiefs became the first team in NFL history to start 4-0 four consecutive seasons on Monday night. The win would not come easy as the Patriots defense kept the Chiefs offense in check for much of the night. A pick six by safety Tyrann Mathieu would put the game on ice late in the fourth quarter.

Instant Reaction: Chiefs 26 Patriots 10

• The Patriots defense played great despite having no pass rush. They only managed one sack and Patrick Mahomes frequently sat in the pocket with time yet he rarely had anyone open downfield to throw to. The Patriots secondary blanketed Chiefs defenders all night long and only allowed running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire 64 yards on 14 carries.
• Through four games, it could be argued that the Chiefs defense has been the better unit. The offense has been fine and Patrick Mahomes is having a really good season, but something appears a little off. The defense was ranked 12th heading into this game and turned the Patriots over four times and thwarted a Patriots scoring attempt late in the first half. The secondary is playing great despite key injuries and Rashad Fenton has been spectacular in pass coverage. The pass defense will be tested to the fullest during the next two games (Oakland and Buffalo).
• The Chiefs are the first team in NFL history to start 4-0 for four consecutive seasons. That is unreal when you think about it. The fact that Brady never did this is New England nor Peyton Manning in Indianapolis is baffling. The Chiefs have been the gold-standard for consistency even before they became Super Bowl champions. It’s a true testament to Andy Reid and the front office of this franchise. It’s a winning culture unlike anything we’ve ever seen in this city and it should not be taken for granted.

• A win over the Raiders Sunday puts the division on ice. Crazy that five games is all it may take to take a complete stranglehold on the AFC West. The Raiders are 2-2 and could insert themselves into the conversation with a win certainly, but the Chiefs are 44-19 against the Raiders in the last 30 years which is astonishing. The Chiefs are already 4-0 against the AFC and the Raiders have two conference losses which is another huge advantage.
• 14-2 and the one seed should be the expectation at this point. The Chiefs are about to get some help in the defensive backfield as Bashaud Breeland returns next week after a suspension. If the Chiefs win the next two against the Raiders and Bills it may be lights out. KC already has the tie-breaker over the Ravens and have A LOT of wins on the schedule as it loosens up a bit in late October-November. The truth is, they have really only played one spectacular game (at Baltimore last week) and there is a lot to improve on. It feels like the offense is due to really break out although it really hasn’t had to thus far.