By Pat Welter

We all need something to aspire to. The NFL standard for coach, quarterback, and winning at Bank of America Stadium Sunday. The 9-1 Kansas City Chiefs taking the show on the road to Charlotte fresh off their first loss of the season to Buffalo last week. Carolina no longer the league’s laughing stock after two straight wins and a bye week to prepare for this one.

The Chiefs came into the game as an 11 point favorite and that looked sharp on the opening kick when Samaje Perine set the Chiefs up with good field position. Patrick Mahomes quickly found his tight end that isn’t dating Taylor Swift. Duke’s own Noah Gray continued his hot streak with a thirty five yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Kansas City.

Panthers head coach Dave Canales has been reluctant to commit to Bryce Young as his starter beyond each week, but Young continues to look at least more comfortable in the NFL. Young hit Xavier Legette for thirty-four yards which set up the newly crowned NFL’s most accurate kicker, Eddie Pineiro.

The Chiefs offense more do what it takes to win, than fantasy football juggernaut this season and Carolina held its own in the redzone to keep this a game in the first half. But in the final minute Mahomes found Gray again for a score. Gray apparently also from my home state of New Hampshire, and the heir apparent to Kelce at this point. He’s got four touchdowns the last two weeks after not scoring any the rest of the year! Monitor your Fantasy waiver wires accordingly. Chiefs led 20-6.

With :44 second left the Panthers opted to push for points. A deep completition to rookie tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders got the drive going. Young found him again in the redzone, but Sanders came down akwardly on his head nearly the sideline. The game came to a stop as he was attended to by medical staff and was carted off the field. Sanders was diagnosed with a neck injury and taken to a local hospital according to the Panthers. Pineiro would hit his third field goal of the half. Panthers trailed 20-9 at the half.

To open the third quarter Carolina put together a very impressive 15 play 70 yard drive that took up over half the quarter. A Chuba Hubbard 4th and 1 conversion near the goal line kept the drive alive, then Young found David Moore on a play action pass over the middle for the score cutting the Chiefs lead to 20-16.

Young and the Panthers pull off an impressive drive, Mahomes says okay I’ll raise you. 10 plays, 75 yards, in just 3:44, Mahomes to Deandre Hopkins, (who has been a problem for Jaycee Horn all afternoon). Chiefs lead 27-16.

Have to give Young credit for his resolve through this season. He’s always said he’s not externally motivated and that mindset appears to be working for him. He might not win this game, but he continues to build a case for the Panthers to start him not only this year, but potentially next as well, which is something I never thought I’d say a month ago. Case in point, Young standing in the pocket taking a hit and delivering a strike to David Moore for 16 yards on third and long.  The drive resulted in another field goal to make it 27-19 Chiefs.

Young continues to evolve in real time. Carolina got it back with 3:21 remaining at their own 49. Young beat the blitz on 4th and 3 finding Adam Thielen for a conversion.  Then after getting to the one yard line on a pass interference call, Chuba Hubbard scored to cut the lead to 27-25.  Carolina drew another pass interference call on the two point attempt.  On the second go Hubbard converted to tie the game at 27.

Becoming a competitive franchise is start, but learning to win is the finish. Carolina gave the ball back to Patrick Mahomes with 1:46 which was more than enough time for him to lead the Chiefs into field goal range.  Spencer Shrader hit from 31 yards as time expired to give the Chiefs the 30-27 win. 

Source: wralsportsfan.com