KC Reporter

The Kansas City Chiefs secured their first win of the season with a 22-9 victory over the New York Giants on Sunday night. The game was marked by a strong defensive showing from Kansas City, who limited New York to just nine points and allowed only one conversion on ten third-down attempts. The Giants also failed to score in seven out of nine offensive possessions.

This performance represented Kansas City's best third-down defense in a single game since Week 9 of the 2022 season, when they held the Tennessee Titans to one conversion on eleven attempts. Since the start of the 2023 season, no team has allowed fewer points per game than the Chiefs, who have given up an average of 18.3 points across 37 games. During that span, they have held opponents to 20 or fewer points in 27 games.

Defensive back Chris Roland-Wallace recorded his second career interception and gave Kansas City its first takeaway of the year by intercepting Giants quarterback Russell Wilson. Cornerback Jaylen Watson added another interception in the end zone near halftime, helping limit New York’s top receivers Malik Nabers and Wan'Dale Robinson to just three catches for 39 yards combined after their strong performances last week.

Kansas City applied consistent pressure on Wilson throughout the contest, registering pressures on more than half of his dropbacks while blitzing only six times during his 37 pass attempts. Defensive tackle Chris Jones and defensive end George Karlaftis each contributed seven pressures.

On offense, wide receiver Tyquan Thornton stepped up in place of Xavier Worthy, catching five passes for 71 yards including key receptions on third down and a touchdown midway through the third quarter. The Chiefs’ opening drive after halftime covered 74 yards over eleven plays and featured balanced contributions from both running and passing plays.

Kansas City's running game improved as well, with Isiah Pacheco leading with 45 rushing yards at an average of 4.5 yards per carry. Kareem Hunt scored his first touchdown of the season late in the fourth quarter; he is now among four players who have found the end zone for Kansas City this year.

The win also marked a milestone for Kansas City as it was their first road victory against the Giants in franchise history after previously losing all seven attempts away from home against New York. With this result, Kansas City moves to a record of one win and two losses ahead of their next matchup against Baltimore Ravens.