Kansas City Chiefs vs. Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats: A Deep Dive into the September 22, 2024 Showdown

On September 22, 2024, the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats faced off against the Atlanta Falcons in a thrilling “Sunday Night Football” matchup at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. The game, which ended with a close 22-17 victory for the Chiefs, showcased standout performances, critical plays, and a battle of resilience between two talented rosters. As the Chiefs improved to 3-0 and the Falcons fell to 1-2, the player statistics from this game tell a story of offensive firepower, defensive grit, and moments that defined the outcome. In this 1500-word article, we’ll break down the key player stats, analyze individual performances, and explore how these numbers shaped the game’s narrative.

Game Overview

The Chiefs entered Week 3 as the reigning Super Bowl champions, undefeated after narrow victories over the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals. The Falcons, meanwhile, were coming off a dramatic Monday night win against the Philadelphia Eagles, led by their new quarterback, Kirk Cousins, and a revitalized offense featuring running back Bijan Robinson and tight end Kyle Pitts. The matchup pitted Patrick Mahomes, one of the NFL’s most dynamic quarterbacks, against a Falcons defense looking to prove its mettle, while Cousins aimed to exploit a Chiefs secondary that had shown vulnerability early in the season.

The final score of 22-17 reflected a game that hung in the balance until the final minute, with the Chiefs’ defense making two crucial fourth-down stops to seal the victory. Let’s dive into the player stats that drove this contest and examine the standout performers on both sides.

Kansas City Chiefs: Offensive Player Stats

Patrick Mahomes (Quarterback)

• Passing: 20/31, 217 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
• Rushing: 6 carries, 17 yards
• Passer Rating: 96.3

Patrick Mahomes didn’t have his most prolific statistical day, but he delivered when it mattered most. Completing 64.5% of his passes for 217 yards, Mahomes orchestrated two touchdown drives that kept the Chiefs ahead. His first touchdown came in the second quarter, a 13-yard pass to wide receiver Rashee Rice, tying the game at 7-7. His second, a 13-yard strike to JuJu Smith-Schuster in the third quarter, gave Kansas City a 22-14 lead that proved decisive.

However, Mahomes’ performance wasn’t flawless. He threw an interception in the first quarter to Falcons safety Justin Simmons, underthrowing a pass intended for Justin Watson in the end zone. This miscue highlighted a recurring theme for Mahomes in 2024: occasional inaccuracy under pressure. Still, his ability to rebound—leading a 13-play, 79-yard touchdown drive later in the game—underscored his resilience. On the ground, Mahomes added 17 yards on six carries, though his mobility was less of a factor compared to past games.

Rashee Rice (Wide Receiver)

• Receiving: 12 receptions, 110 yards, 1 TD
• Targets: 14

Rashee Rice emerged as the Chiefs’ offensive MVP in this game, posting career-highs in receptions (12) and yards (110). With running back Isiah Pacheco sidelined due to a fractured fibula, the Chiefs leaned heavily on their passing game, and Rice stepped up as Mahomes’ primary target. His 13-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter showcased his ability to find soft spots in the Falcons’ zone coverage, while his 12 catches demonstrated his reliability on short and intermediate routes.

Rice’s 110 yards accounted for over half of Mahomes’ passing total, highlighting his growing chemistry with the quarterback. At an average of 9.2 yards per catch, Rice’s production came largely from underneath routes, exploiting Atlanta’s focus on preventing deep shots. His 14 targets dwarfed those of any other Chiefs receiver, signaling his emergence as the team’s WR1 in Pacheco’s absence.

Carson Steele (Running Back)

• Rushing: 17 carries, 72 yards
• Receiving: 1 reception, 0 yards

With Pacheco out, undrafted rookie Carson Steele took over as the Chiefs’ lead running back. The UCLA product carried the ball 17 times for 72 yards, averaging 4.2 yards per carry. While he didn’t find the end zone, Steele’s physical running style helped Kansas City control the clock, particularly in the second half. His longest run of 11 yards came in the third quarter, setting up a field goal that put the Chiefs ahead 16-14.

Steele’s stat line reflects a workmanlike performance rather than an explosive one, but his 72 yards contributed to the Chiefs’ total of 128 rushing yards as a team. For a rookie thrust into a starting role, Steele’s output was a promising sign of depth in Kansas City’s backfield.

JuJu Smith-Schuster (Wide Receiver)

• Receiving: 2 receptions, 17 yards, 1 TD
• Targets: 3

JuJu Smith-Schuster’s stat line may seem modest, but his 13-yard touchdown catch late in the third quarter was a pivotal moment. The score extended the Chiefs’ lead to 22-14, forcing the Falcons into a catch-up mode they couldn’t escape. Smith-Schuster’s two catches on three targets showed his efficiency, even if he wasn’t heavily involved in the game plan.

Travis Kelce (Tight End)

• Receiving: 4 receptions, 30 yards
• Targets: 5

Travis Kelce had a quiet night by his lofty standards, finishing with just four catches for 30 yards. The Falcons’ defense, led by safety Jessie Bates III, bracketed Kelce effectively, limiting his impact. His longest reception of 13 yards came in the fourth quarter, but he didn’t reach the milestones some expected (e.g., tying Tony Gonzalez’s Chiefs receptions record with five catches). Still, Kelce’s presence drew attention, opening opportunities for Rice and others.

Kansas City Chiefs: Defensive Player Stats

Nick Bolton (Linebacker)

• Tackles: 8 (7 solo)
• Key Play: 4th-and-1 stop on Bijan Robinson

Nick Bolton was the defensive hero for the Chiefs, delivering the game-clinching play. With 56 seconds left and the Falcons facing 4th-and-1 at the Chiefs’ 13-yard line, Bolton burst through the line and tackled Bijan Robinson for a 3-yard loss, ending Atlanta’s comeback hopes. His eight tackles tied for the team lead, and his return from a brief injury scare in the fourth quarter underscored his toughness.

Chamarri Conner (Safety)

• Tackles: 4
• Interceptions: 1

Chamarri Conner made a significant impact with a second-quarter interception off Kirk Cousins. After defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton hit Cousins’ arm, Conner snagged the fluttering pass and lateraled it to Jaylen Watson, setting up a field goal that cut Atlanta’s lead to 14-13 at halftime. His four tackles added to a solid night for the Chiefs’ secondary.

Harrison Butker (Kicker)

• Field Goals: 3/3 (21, 44, 53 yards)
• Extra Points: 1/2

Harrison Butker’s leg was crucial in keeping the Chiefs in the game. His 44-yard field goal before halftime narrowed the gap, and his 21-yarder in the third quarter gave Kansas City the lead for good. A 53-yarder in the fourth quarter pushed the score to 19-17, setting the stage for the late defensive stands. Butker’s lone miss was an extra point after Smith-Schuster’s touchdown, but his 3-for-3 performance on field goals was clutch.

Atlanta Falcons: Offensive Player Stats

Kirk Cousins (Quarterback)

• Passing: 20/29, 230 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
• Rushing: 1 carry, -1 yard
• Passer Rating: 91.7

Kirk Cousins put together an efficient performance, completing 69% of his passes for 230 yards. His lone touchdown was a 14-yard strike to Drake London in the first quarter, capping a perfect opening drive (5/5, 70 yards). Cousins also connected with Kyle Pitts for a 50-yard gain in the second quarter, setting up a Bijan Robinson touchdown that put Atlanta ahead 14-7.

However, Cousins’ night was marred by a second-quarter interception—forced by Tershawn Wharton’s pressure—and an inability to convert in the clutch. Facing two fourth-down situations in the final minutes, he couldn’t get the Falcons over the hump, finishing with a respectable but not game-changing stat line.

Bijan Robinson (Running Back)

• Rushing: 16 carries, 31 yards, 1 TD
• Receiving: 4 receptions, 19 yards

Bijan Robinson’s stat line was underwhelming on the ground, averaging just 1.9 yards per carry. His 1-yard touchdown run in the second quarter gave the Falcons a 14-7 lead, but the Chiefs’ defensive front, led by Chris Jones and Bolton, stifled him otherwise. Robinson’s four catches for 19 yards added some value, but his 50 total yards from scrimmage fell short of expectations for the explosive second-year back.

Drake London (Wide Receiver)

• Receiving: 6 receptions, 67 yards, 1 TD
• Targets: 9

Drake London was Cousins’ go-to target, hauling in six of nine passes for 67 yards. His 14-yard touchdown in the first quarter marked his 150th career reception, making him the fastest Falcon to reach that milestone. London’s physicality and route-running kept drives alive, though he couldn’t break free for a game-altering play late.

Kyle Pitts (Tight End)

• Receiving: 2 receptions, 59 yards
• Targets: 5

Kyle Pitts had a boom-or-bust night, with a 50-yard catch-and-run in the second quarter setting up Robinson’s score. However, he managed just one other catch for 9 yards, and a controversial no-call on pass interference in the fourth quarter (against Chiefs safety Bryan Cook) denied him a potential game-tying opportunity in the end zone.

Atlanta Falcons: Defensive Player Stats

Justin Simmons (Safety)

• Tackles: 5
• Interceptions: 1

Justin Simmons, facing his former rival Mahomes for the 12th time, notched his first interception as a Falcon in the first quarter. His diving pick in the end zone thwarted an early Chiefs scoring chance and set the tone for Atlanta’s defense. Simmons’ five tackles tied for the team lead, reinforcing his value as a free-agent signing.

Jessie Bates III (Safety)

• Tackles: 5

Jessie Bates III was instrumental in limiting Travis Kelce, finishing with five tackles and strong coverage in the secondary. While he didn’t record a turnover, his presence helped keep the Chiefs’ passing game in check outside of Rice’s big night.

Key Statistical Takeaways

• Time of Possession: Chiefs 33:44, Falcons 26:16 – Kansas City’s ability to sustain drives, even without Pacheco, wore down Atlanta’s defense.
• Third-Down Efficiency: Chiefs 6/13 (46%), Falcons 4/9 (44%) – Both teams converted at a decent clip, but the Chiefs’ longer drives proved more impactful.
• Red-Zone Efficiency: Chiefs 2/3, Falcons 2/4 – Atlanta’s inability to finish drives late was a difference-maker.
• Sacks: Chiefs 2 (Cousins), Falcons 0 (Mahomes) – Kansas City’s pass rush disrupted Cousins, while Mahomes evaded pressure effectively.

Conclusion

The Kansas City Chiefs’ 22-17 win over the Atlanta Falcons on September 22, 2024, was a tale of standout individual efforts and collective resilience. Rashee Rice’s breakout performance, Nick Bolton’s clutch stop, and Harrison Butker’s kicking precision propelled the Chiefs to 3-0. For the Falcons, Kirk Cousins and Drake London showed promise, but defensive breakdowns and an anemic rushing attack left them at 1-2. The player stats from this game highlight the fine margins that define NFL battles, with Kansas City’s stars shining just bright enough to outlast a gritty Atlanta squad. As both teams move forward in the 2024 season, these numbers will serve as a benchmark for their evolving identities.