#TBT to the last Patriots-Chiefs matchup
 |
| Michael Dwyer | AP Photo |
If Sunday’s AFC Championship game shapes up to be anything like the last time the New England Patriots and the Kansas City Chiefs squared off, we’re in for a real treat.
It’s playoff time, and these two teams are facing off for round 2 on Sunday, Jan. 20.
LAST TIME OUT
The Patriots and the Chiefs last met on Oct. 14, 2018 in a thrilling Sunday Night Football game.
Stephen Gostkowski nailed a 28-yard field goal as time expired to give New England a 43-40 victory over Kansas City.
The Patriots went into halftime with a 24-9 lead, but a second-half rally by the Chiefs brought it much closer. After throwing two picks in the first half, Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes connected with Tyreek Hill twice in the fourth quarter to eventually tie the game with just over three minutes remaining.
But, Brady’s 16-yard pass to James White and 39-yard strike to Rob Gronkowski helped set the Patriots up in field goal territory to take the win.
NOTEWORTHY
This victory was Brady’s 200th win as a starting quarterback for most all-time. He also passed Adam Vinatieri for most career wins in the regular season and playoffs combined with 227.
Julian Edelman caught his first touchdown pass since January 22, 2017 (the AFC Championship game against Steelers). The veteran wide receiver had sat out the entire 2017 season after a knee injury sidelined him in the preseason. He was then suspended for the first four games of this season.
THE STATS
Tom Brady was 24-of-35 for 340 yards, one passing touchdown and one rushing touchdown; while Patrick Mahomes was 23-of-36 for 352 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions.
Sony Michel carried the ball 24 times for 106 yards and two scores for the Patriots, while Kareem Hunt led the way for the Chiefs with 10 carries for 80 yards.
For New England’s receiving efforts, Rob Gronkowski led the way with three receptions for 97 yards, including a 42-yarder. Chris Hogan added four catches for 78 yards, including a long of 42 as well. Julian Edelman had four receptions for 54 yards and one score.
For the Chiefs, Tyreek Hill caught seven balls for 142 yards and three scores. Kareem Hunt added five catches for 105 yards and a touchdown.
Trey Flowers and Elandon Roberts led the way for the Patriots’ defense with seven total tackles apiece.
For Kansas City, it was Anthony Hitchens and Jordan Lucas who led the way. Hitchens had 14 total tackles, including six solo, while Lucas had ten total tackles, including four solo.
AND NOW
The New England Patriots will be participating in their eighth consecutive AFC Championship when they travel to take on the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Jan. 20. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:40pm from Arrowhead Stadium.
Follow Megan on Twitter: @carnahanmegan
