KC Reporter

The Kansas City Chiefs were narrowly defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars, 31-28, during Monday Night Football in a game that remained undecided until the final moments.

After trailing by three points with just over eight minutes left in the fourth quarter, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes led his team on a lengthy 12-play, 86-yard drive. This possession concluded with running back Kareem Hunt scoring on a two-yard run, putting Kansas City ahead by four points with less than two minutes remaining.

However, Jacksonville responded swiftly. The Jaguars converted multiple third downs on their last possession, highlighted by a 33-yard pass from quarterback Trevor Lawrence to receiver Brian Thomas. A potential interception by Chiefs safety Bryan Cook was nullified due to a pass-interference penalty against Kansas City. On the next play, Lawrence ran for what became the game-winning touchdown.

Kansas City's performance was marred by penalties; they were flagged 13 times during the contest. Although the Chiefs held an early 14-point lead, Jacksonville scored 21 unanswered points between the second and third quarters. The momentum shifted further when linebacker Devin Lloyd intercepted Mahomes near the goal line and returned it for a 99-yard touchdown.

Despite falling behind late in the third quarter after this defensive score, Kansas City fought back as cornerback Trent McDuffie intercepted Lawrence and set up another touchdown run from Hunt just two plays later.

Jacksonville answered with a field goal before Mahomes orchestrated another long drive that gave Kansas City its brief late lead. But penalties and timely plays from Jacksonville allowed them to reclaim victory as Lawrence’s scramble secured the final score.

Mahomes reflected on the loss: "In this league, it's so close that those [mistakes] change games," he said. "So, we have to be better. We've lost too many games already. We have to find a way to be better as a team, come together and play better throughout the rest of the season."

Kansas City will attempt to recover when they face the Detroit Lions next Sunday.