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New England Patriots defeat Kansas City Chiefs in high-scoring thriller

IT was the superstar Vs. the rising star in the NFL’s most anticipated match of the season and it more than lived up to the hype.

Andrew McMurtry
3 min read
October 15, 2018 - 4:33PM
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski took his 500th career reception in the match.
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski took his 500th career reception in the match.

IT was a battle between the master and the apprentice when the unbeaten Kansas City Chiefs played the New England Patriots and although the 23-year-old superstar in the making Patrick Mahomes threatened, Tom Brady again showed why he’s considered the greatest of all time.

Social media exploded after the game with fans calling it the game of the season in a 43-40 result, which wasn’t sealed until time expired as the Patriots’ Stephen Gostkowski hit a 28-yard field goal.

At 41, Brady has shown both the skills and longevity to continue to be a major force in the NFL.

The superstar quarterback threw for a massive 340 yards and one touchdown.

It was also a record night for Brady, scoring his 200th victory as a starting quarterback — a first in NFL history.

Brady also passed former teammate Adam Vinatieri for most career wins in the regular season and playoffs combined with 227.

Tom Brady did it again for the Patriots.
Tom Brady did it again for the Patriots.

Rob Gronkowski also took his 500th career reception.

While it was the Chiefs first loss of the season, it was an epic fightback from Kansas City.

Down 24-9 at halftime, after Mahomes threw two interceptions, the young QB orchestrated Kansas’ second half resurgence.

He threw 352 years, including a 75-yard touchdown pass for to tie the scores with three minutes remaining, in his first loss in seven games as an NFL starting quarterback.

It was an electric second half for Mahomes, who started with a 67-yard touchdown pass on the third play after the break.

But after falling short, the youngster praised the future hall of famer.

“I have the ultimate respect for Tom,” Mahomes said.

“Everything that he did this game and his whole entire career. He has had success in this league because he has won with last-minute drives. If you want to get to where you want to get to, you have to win games that are tight.”

Similarly Brady praised Mahomes’ performance and the big plays to make it such a tight result.

“He made some big ones, the one at the end to Tyreek was a great throw and he had some other great throws,” Brady said.

“It’s tough to slow those guys down, they’ve been scoring a lot of points all year, they’re going to be pretty tough to stop. I’m glad we had our last shot and we could take advantage of it.”

The Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes tasted his first NFL defeat — but only just.
The Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes tasted his first NFL defeat — but only just.

After exchanging field goals, the Chiefs soon hit the lead when a 14-yard touchdown pass to Tyreek Hill.

The Pats kicked another field goal to lead 30-26 when Chiefs rookie Tremon Smith offer a 97-yard return before Mahomes gave the Chiefs the lead.

As he has done his entire career, it was Tom Brady’s chance to stand up.

After helping his side down the field, the ageless star did it all himself, going the last four yards to regain the lead.

Another field goal extended the lead to 40-33 but Mahomes wasn’t to be silenced that easily.

The Chiefs sensation found Hill again and he streaked away to lock the scores at 40-all.

It was a great moment for Hill but it was soured when he got a beer thrown in his face but Patriots fans.

In a lesson for Mahomes to take throughout his career, Brady worked his side down the field with Gostowski sealing the win.

Speaking after the game, Brady said the result comes down to the Patriots’ experienced campaigners.

“I think we’ve got a lot of clutch players. I think we have no problem grinding it out,” he said. “That’s what the football season’s all about.

“I don’t think we’ve seen our best. We can all play a lot better. And that’s what we plan to do.”

The result sees the Kansas go to 5-1 and the Patriots in a group of five teams at 4-2 in the American Football Conference.

— with AP

Originally published as New England Patriots defeat Kansas City Chiefs in high-scoring thriller

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Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/sport/us-sports/nfl/new-england-patriots-defeat-kansas-city-chiefs-in-highscoring-thriller/news-story/bce52fb53dc6282d97a3843f3b5c90e7