Defensive Rookies Excel Despite Chiefs’ Narrow Loss to Texans
The Kansas City Chiefs faced a tough test against the Houston Texans in Week 14, ultimately losing 20-10. This article delves into the performance of defensive rookies during the game, highlighting their significant contributions despite the narrow defeat.
Key Players on the Field
The Chiefs displayed a mixture of experience and youth on both offense and defense. The starting offensive players included:
- WR Xavier Worthy
- WR JuJu Smith-Schuster
- TE Travis Kelce
- QB Patrick Mahomes
- RB Isiah Pacheco
On defense, notable starters included:
- DE George Karlaftis
- DT Chris Jones
- LB Nick Bolton
- CB Trent McDuffie
- S Bryan Cook
Meanwhile, quarterback Gardner Minshew and offensive lineman C.J. Hanson did not participate, while several players were inactive.
Offensive Struggles
The Chiefs’ offense struggled against the formidable Texans’ defense. They ran the ball on 29 of their 64 offensive plays, achieving a run rate of 45%. This is notable, as it ranks as one of the highest for the season.
Running back Kareem Hunt led the way, taking 59% of the snaps. However, Isiah Pacheco returned from injury and contributed significantly, matching Hunt’s rushing total of 30 yards on nine attempts. Despite these efforts, the offense managed only 160 passing yards, with Patrick Mahomes facing a career-low completion rate of 42.4%.
Defensive Rookie Standouts
Despite the loss, rookie players on defense made an impact. Nohl Williams played in place of the injured Trent McDuffie, showcasing his potential by allowing only three catches on six targets and recording a pass breakup.
Ashton Gillotte also excelled in his role, participating in 68% of pass plays and generating five pressures against the Texans. His growing influence in the defensive lineup highlights his development as a key contributor.
Conclusion
Although the Kansas City Chiefs could not secure a victory against the Houston Texans, the performance of defensive rookies Nohl Williams and Ashton Gillotte was encouraging. Their ability to step up in crucial moments demonstrates the depth and potential of the Chiefs’ roster moving forward in the season.
