KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kenneth Walker delivered a three-touchdown performance as the Kansas City Chiefs ended their two-game losing streak with a convincing 35-12 victory over the New York Jets on Sunday.
Walker accounted for 143 yards from scrimmage, including 102 rushing yards and three total touchdowns. His two touchdown receptions helped Kansas City establish a halftime lead, while his third score extended the advantage in the second half.
Patrick Mahomes threw for 242 yards and two touchdowns despite briefly leaving the field after taking a painful hit to his right elbow. The quarterback returned after testing the injury on the sideline and continued playing.
“If I’m able to play, I’m going to play. That’s part of the game,” Mahomes said. “Once I threw the football, I knew I was OK.”
Mahomes received treatment from Chiefs trainer Julie Frymyer during halftime and was expected to undergo further testing after the game.
The victory moved Kansas City to 6-2, while New York fell to 2-7 after suffering its fourth consecutive defeat.
Walker Leads Kansas City's Offensive Response
Walker played a major role in keeping Kansas City's offense productive during a mistake-filled first half.
His first touchdown reception came on the opening play of the second quarter. He later caught a 25-yard screen pass, with offensive linemen Trey Smith and Kingsley Suamataia creating space downfield.
The Chiefs entered halftime with a 14-12 advantage despite losing two fumbles and seeing kicker Harrison Butker miss field goals.
Kansas City found its rhythm after the break. Walker helped lead a 60-yard scoring drive to open the second half, although the Chiefs ultimately reached the end zone on a fourth-and-goal play involving Mahomes and Travis Kelce near the goal line.
Walker struck again later in the third quarter, carrying the ball six times during an eight-play, 82-yard drive before scoring a touchdown to make it 28-12.
It was the third three-touchdown game of his career.
“Honestly, the first half we were making a lot of mistakes,” Walker said. “At halftime, we straightened everything out.”
Chiefs Defense Shuts Down the Jets
Kansas City's defense took control after halftime, limiting New York to minus-9 yards of offense in the third quarter.
The Chiefs finished with five sacks of Jets quarterback Geno Smith and prevented New York from scoring a touchdown throughout the game.
Smith completed the afternoon with 165 passing yards as the Jets managed just 229 total yards. He also continued to take heavy pressure, bringing his season total to 28 sacks for 236 yards lost.
New York was without leading receiver Garrett Wilson, who missed the game with a concussion. The Jets relied heavily on running backs Braelon Allen and Breece Hall, along with short passes to rookie Omar Cooper Jr.
Hall returned after missing five games with a quadriceps injury, but the Jets struggled to turn their offensive possessions into touchdowns.
Kicker Jason Sanders accounted for all 12 of New York's points, making four field goals in the first half.
Head coach Aaron Glenn acknowledged the team's second-half struggles.
“The second half we just didn’t play up to par,” Glenn said. “It is disappointing, and I told our players that. All we can do is go back to work.”
Butker's Struggles Add to Chiefs' Kicking Concerns
Kansas City's kicking situation remained a talking point after Harrison Butker missed two field-goal attempts in the first half.
Butker initially missed from 56 yards, then received another opportunity after a penalty. He missed the second attempt as well.
The Chiefs recently added former All-Pro kicker Justin Tucker to their practice squad, increasing attention on Butker's position.
Asked whether the team would make a decision about its kicking situation, head coach Andy Reid declined to discuss any immediate changes.
“No need to ask,” Reid said. “I'm not making any decisions about that today.”
Mahomes and Kelce Set NFL Record
Mahomes and Kelce also made NFL history during Sunday's victory.
The pair have now connected for 9,365 passing yards, moving past Philip Rivers and Pro Football Hall of Famer Antonio Gates, who combined for 9,352 yards with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Kelce finished with four receptions for 72 yards and added his third career rushing touchdown.
Injury Updates
Jets: Wide receiver Garrett Wilson was inactive because of a concussion.
Chiefs: Right tackle Jaylen Moore left with an ankle injury, while wide receiver Xavier Worthy exited in the closing minutes with a left hamstring injury.
The Chiefs will look to build on Sunday's performance when they travel to face the Atlanta Falcons next week. The Jets return home to host the Buffalo Bills as they attempt to end their four-game losing streak.
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