The Kansas City Chiefs have etched their name in NFL history by achieving a remarkable feat: a record 17 consecutive victories in games decided by a single score. This extraordinary streak includes five nail-biting wins from the ongoing 2023 season and an impressive 11 victories carried over into the 2024 regular season. Their latest triumph, a thrilling 32-29 win over the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship Game, exemplifies their ability to thrive under pressure.
Throughout the year, the Chiefs have honed their skills in close games, demonstrating resilience and a knack for making critical plays when it matters most. Defensive tackle Chris Jones emphasized that the team has been actively working on their ability to execute under pressure. “It takes everybody and we've done it so many different ways now that we just have full trust and the coaches have trust in the players, players trusting the coaches and we go out there and execute our jobs,” said quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
The streak has not been without its share of luck. In Week 13, the Chiefs were beneficiaries of an unexpected turn of events when Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell dropped a snap while his team was poised to capitalize on a field goal opportunity. Such moments have been pivotal, allowing the Chiefs to maintain their winning momentum.
In their victorious clash against the Bills, the Chiefs skillfully managed to secure two crucial first downs after Buffalo's failed fourth-down attempt. This strategic play effectively drained the clock, preventing star quarterback Josh Allen from mounting a potential comeback in a tightly contested three-point game. Moreover, against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 3, the Chiefs demonstrated their defensive prowess by halting two drives inside the 20-yard line late in the fourth quarter, ultimately preserving a narrow five-point victory.
Luck again played a role during their Week 14 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. Kicker Matthew Wright had an unforgettable moment when he struck a field goal attempt off the upright before successfully converting for the winning points on the final play of a two-point victory.
The Chiefs' success has not solely stemmed from fortunate breaks; they have consistently made key plays across all three phases of the game. In the AFC Championship Game, for instance, linebacker Leo Chenal delivered a game-changing blocked field goal during the divisional round playoff against the Houston Texans. Such contributions illustrate the team's collective effort and adaptability.
As the Chiefs prepare for Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, their remarkable ability to perform in high-pressure situations has been instrumental in their journey. Patrick Mahomes noted that this consistency breeds confidence within the team. "When you've done it over and over again and it becomes habit," he stated, highlighting how this winning mentality has become ingrained in the squad.
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