Every NFL team is defined by a few moments that can change the course of their season. I will look at what led the Kansas City Chiefs to Super Bowl 54.
Last year, the Kansas City Chiefs‘ season was one for the history books. Their franchise quarterback, who had only made one start prior to the 2018 season, went from project to MVP overnight. Patrick Mahomes threw for over 5,000 yards, tossed 50 touchdowns and had an 113.8 quarterback rating en route to one of the best seasons for a quarterback in NFL history.
The offense was prolific, averaging 35.4 points and 425 yards per game. They had a multitude of weapons at their disposal, with Tyreek Hill finishing fourth among wide receivers in receiving yards and touchdowns, Travis Kelce finishing second among tight ends in receiving yards and touchdowns, and Damien Williams averaging over five yards per carry.
No team had found a formula for stopping the Chiefs, as they only lost four games by a combined 14 points and earned home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
Unfortunately, the indelible memory that stuck with Chiefs fans during the 2018 season was the overtime coin toss in the AFC Championship game. After trailing early and leading his team on a comeback drive to force overtime, Mahomes never saw the field again.
The New England Patriots won the toss and started the extra period with the football. Tom Brady converted multiple third downs to Julian Edelman before Rex Burkhead punched in a touchdown to advance to the Super Bowl.
2018 represented a historic season for Kansas City blemished by a missed opportunity. Yet, the Chiefs were able to put that behind them in 2019. They won 12 games, finished with the second-best record in the AFC, and advanced to the Super Bowl for the first time in 50 years.
While the Chiefs faced more adversity in Mahomes’ third year as a professional, they had several season-defining moments that helped them overcome their demons and advance to Super Bowl LIV.