Chiefs Strong Second Half Push Them Past Commanders

by Jake Lax, October 28, 2025

Source: AP Photo

Week 8 in the NFL wrapped up on Monday Night Football with the Washington Commanders taking on the Kansas City Chiefs. The Commanders came into Monday night at 3-4 and still missing their starting quarterback, Jayden Daniels, who is out with a hamstring strain. Kansas City came in at 4-3, following a complete beatdown of the Las Vegas Raiders last week, 31-0.

Early Turnover Troubles

The action got underway with the Kansas City Chiefs kicking off to the Washington Commanders. Quarterback Marcus Mariota opened the game with a series of short completions to wide receiver Deebo Samuel, helping Washington move the chains and find an early rhythm. Running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt chipped in with a few runs to bring the Commanders deep into Kansas City territory. However, just as the Commanders reached the red zone, disaster struck. On a pass intended for Samuel, Mariota’s throw was tipped off Samuel’s hands and intercepted by defensive end Mike Danna, halting the Commanders’ promising opening possession and giving the Chiefs early momentum.

After the interception, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs looked ready to strike quickly. Mahomes connected with wide receiver Xavier Worthy on a 27-yard pass to move near midfield. As Kansas City entered scoring range, Mahomes took a deep throw to Hollywood Brown, and it was picked off by cornerback Marshon Lattimore at the 7-yard line, giving the ball right back to Washington. On the next drive for Washington, Mariota found Jeremy McNichols for 24 yards and connected with Luke McCaffrey for another 17 to move the Commanders downfield. But the drive stalled inside Chiefs territory when defensive end George Karlaftis sacked Mariota on 3rd-and-3. Facing 4th down, Mariota hit tight end Zach Ertz for a short gain, but the play came up a yard shy, turning the ball over on downs.

The Chiefs had the ball to start the second quarter, looking to find some offense. Mahomes completed a few short passes to move the chains, but his troubles continued when a throw intended for tight end Travis Kelce was intercepted by veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner. It marked Mahomes’ second interception in as many drives, giving the Commanders the ball right back.

After another turnover on downs by Washington, the Chiefs finally took advantage. The drive opened with a pair of runs before Mahomes connected with Travis Kelce for gains of 11 and 31 yards, setting Kansas City up deep in the Commanders’ territory. The Chiefs pounded the ball down to the 8-yard line, where Rashee Rice took a direct snap and stretched for the end zone but was ruled down just short after review. On the next play, Kareem Hunt punched it in to give Kansas City a 7–0 lead through the second quarter.

Washington answered right back with an impressive drive led by Marcus Mariota. He hit tight end Ben Sinnott for 22 yards, then found Jeremy McNichols for another 18 to push the Commanders into the red zone. On 3rd down, Mariota delivered a perfect 11-yard strike to Terry McLaurin, who made a beautiful toe-tap grab in the corner of the end zone to tie the game at 7–7 going into halftime.

Chiefs Light Up Second Half

Kansas City opened the second half with an 80-yard scoring drive, which got going with a 38-yard catch from Travis Kelce down the middle of the field. The Chiefs worked their way to the goal line before facing a crucial 4th-and-goal. Mahomes came through, finding Kareem Hunt on a 2-yard touchdown pass to put Kansas City back in front, 14–7.

After the Chiefs’ defense forced a quick punt, Mahomes went right back to work. He spread the ball around to four different receivers throughout the drive. Near the goal line, Mahomes connected with Travis Kelce on a 10-yard touchdown pass, extending Kansas City’s lead to 21–7 late in the third quarter.

Washington’s offense continued to struggle, punting again to give Kansas City the ball to start the fourth quarter. The Chiefs balanced a mix of runs and short passes to move steadily down the field. Mahomes capped the drive with an 18-yard touchdown strike to wide receiver Rashee Rice, pushing the lead to 28–7. The fourth quarter would end with both teams trading punts. While the time was winding down, Marcus Mariota threw an interception to seal it. Chiefs 28, Commanders 7.

Final Stats and Takeaways

• Patrick Mahomes: 299 Passing Yards, 3 TDS, 2 INTS
• Travis Kelce: 6 Receptions, 99 yards, 1 TD
• Terry McLaurin: 5 Receptions, 54 yards, 1 TD
• Bobby Wagner: 10 Tackles, 1 INT

The Chiefs improve to 5-3 on the season, tied for second place in the AFC West. Kansas City will travel to Buffalo to play the Bills in a rematch of last season’s AFC Championship game. For Washington, they fall to 3-5 and move to third place in the NFC East. They will be back at home next week to take on the Seahawks, where the Commanders hope to have Jayden Daniels back in action.