Chiefs’ Dominance Over Commanders: Kelce Makes History in 28-7 Win
In a commanding performance on Monday night, the Kansas City Chiefs overwhelmed the injury-depleted Washington Commanders with a 28-7 victory that showcased Travis Kelce’s historic milestone. The star tight end tied a franchise record for total touchdowns, notching his 83rd career score on a 10-yard pass from Patrick Mahomes in the third quarter. This achievement placed Kelce alongside Chiefs legend Priest Holmes in the team’s record books and added him to an exclusive group of tight ends—joining Antonio Gates, Tony Gonzalez, Rob Gronkowski, and Jimmy Graham—who have recorded at least 80 touchdown receptions in NFL history. The touchdown, which pushed Kansas City’s lead to 21-7, represented a defining moment not just for Kelce but for a Chiefs team that continues to demonstrate why they remain the team to beat in the AFC.
Despite facing early resistance from the Commanders, the Chiefs’ offensive firepower proved too much to handle as the game progressed. Mahomes delivered another stellar performance, completing 25 of 34 passes for 299 yards and three touchdowns, though he did throw two interceptions. Kelce finished just shy of the century mark with six catches for 99 yards—continuing a curious streak where Kansas City has yet to produce a 100-yard receiver this season. The Chiefs’ balanced attack also featured Kareem Hunt, who contributed two touchdowns (one rushing, one receiving), while Rashee Rice added another scoring reception. This multi-faceted offensive approach helped Kansas City pull away in the second half, turning what had been a competitive contest into a comfortable victory.
The Commanders entered the game severely shorthanded, missing rookie quarterback sensation Jayden Daniels, offensive tackle George Fant, and key defensive players Noah Igbinoghene and Ale Kaho. Veteran backup Marcus Mariota performed admirably in the first half, connecting with Terry McLaurin for an impressive 11-yard touchdown that featured the wide receiver’s exceptional footwork along the sideline. This scoring play kept Washington competitive heading into halftime, giving their fans hope for a potential upset against the defending Super Bowl champions. However, the promising start would prove to be the high point of the night for the undermanned Commanders squad.
Washington’s offense completely disappeared after halftime, managing just one possession in the entire third quarter as Kansas City seized control of the game. The Commanders’ inability to sustain drives led to a series of punts in the fourth quarter, allowing the Chiefs to dictate the pace and further extend their lead. Mariota finished with respectable numbers—21 completions on 30 attempts for 213 yards and a touchdown—but his two interceptions proved costly as Washington simply couldn’t generate enough offensive momentum to keep pace with the Chiefs’ scoring. The second-half collapse highlighted the talent gap between a fully-loaded championship contender and an injury-ravaged team struggling to maintain consistency.
For the Chiefs, this victory continues a remarkable stretch of success as they’ve now won five of their last six games, firmly establishing themselves once again as a formidable force in the AFC. With their championship pedigree and the continued excellence of Mahomes-to-Kelce connection, Kansas City appears to be hitting their stride at the perfect time. The Chiefs’ defense also deserves credit, shutting out the Commanders in the second half and making the necessary adjustments to neutralize Washington’s attack after the intermission. This comprehensive performance on both sides of the ball demonstrates why the Chiefs remain the standard in the conference despite early-season challenges.
Looking ahead, Kansas City faces a crucial Week 9 showdown with the Buffalo Bills in what could be a preview of a potential playoff matchup. The Chiefs’ recent surge puts them in excellent position as they prepare for this high-profile contest against another AFC powerhouse. Meanwhile, for Washington, the focus shifts to getting healthy and potentially welcoming back Jayden Daniels as they look to rebound from this disappointing showing. While the Commanders showed flashes of competitiveness, particularly in the first half, the game ultimately reinforced the substantial gap that exists between championship contenders like Kansas City and teams still finding their footing in the NFL hierarchy.
