Kansas City Chiefs vs Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats

Hey there, football fans! If you’re anything like me, Sundays in the fall are all about that gridiron action. The 2024 NFL season has been packed with surprises, and the Kansas City Chiefs vs Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats on September 22 was no exception. Played under the lights at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, this game had everything: big plays, heart-stopping moments, and a nail-biter finish that left everyone talking. The Chiefs edged out the Falcons 22-17, staying perfect at 3-0, while Atlanta dropped to 1-2 after a gritty fight.

What made this game so special? It wasn’t just the score—it was the individual performances that turned the tide. We’re talking about quarterback duels between Patrick Mahomes and Kirk Cousins, breakout games from young stars like Rashee Rice, and defensive heroes who stepped up when it mattered most. In this article, I’ll break down the Kansas City Chiefs vs Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats in a way that’s easy to follow, like chatting with a buddy over wings. We’ll look at the key numbers, highlight top performers, and even throw in some tables to make those stats pop. Whether you’re a die-hard Chiefs Kingdom member or a Falcons fan hoping for that next big win, let’s dive into the details.

The Game Setup: Why This Matchup Mattered

Before we get into the player stats, a quick recap for context. The Chiefs, fresh off back-to-back Super Bowl titles, were looking to keep their dynasty rolling without star running back Isiah Pacheco, who was sidelined with a broken leg. On the other side, the Falcons were riding high from an upset win over the Eagles in Week 2, with new QB Kirk Cousins bringing veteran savvy to a young offense led by Bijan Robinson and Drake London.

From the opening kickoff, it felt like a classic. Atlanta struck first with a touchdown drive, but Kansas City clawed back with field goals and scores of their own. Turnovers and injuries played huge roles—both teams threw interceptions, and the Falcons lost two offensive linemen early, which hampered their protection. By the fourth quarter, it was a defensive battle, with the Chiefs stopping Atlanta twice on fourth down to seal the deal. Now, let’s talk about the players who made it happen. I’ll focus on the offensive and defensive stars, using stats from the box score to show just how close this one was.

Offensive Fireworks: Quarterbacks Leading the Charge

No NFL game is complete without the signal-callers stealing the show, and this one delivered. Patrick Mahomes and Kirk Cousins both had solid outings, but Mahomes’ ability to shake off mistakes gave the Chiefs the edge.

Starting with Mahomes, the Kansas City QB completed 26 of 36 passes for 217 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. That’s classic Mahomes—efficient when it counts, even if he wasn’t lighting up the scoreboard like in his MVP days. His first TD went to Rashee Rice for 13 yards in the second quarter, tying the game at 7-7. Later, he found JuJu Smith-Schuster for another 13-yard score in the third, putting KC up 19-14 (after a missed extra point). Mahomes spread the ball around, avoiding over-reliance on Travis Kelce, who was quiet with just four catches for 30 yards.

Over in Atlanta’s huddle, Kirk Cousins was sharp early, going 5-for-5 on the opening drive, including a 14-yard TD strike to Drake London that gave the Falcons a quick 7-0 lead. For the game, Cousins finished 20 of 29 for 230 yards, one TD, and one pick. He had some wow moments, like a 50-yard bomb to Kyle Pitts that set up Bijan Robinson’s 1-yard rushing score, making it 14-10 Falcons at halftime. But the injuries to his line hurt—Cousins took two sacks and 10 hits, leading to that wobbly pass intercepted by Chamarri Conner. Still, his 230 yards showed why Atlanta signed him: poise under pressure.

To compare these two pros side-by-side, check out this simple table of their passing stats. It’s straightforward—no fancy jargon, just the numbers that tell the story.

See how close they were? Yards and ratings neck-and-neck, but Mahomes’ two TDs made the difference in a low-scoring affair.

Running Backs Battle: Ground Games That Grinded It Out

Running backs often fly under the radar in pass-happy NFL games, but not here. With Pacheco out, the Chiefs leaned on a committee, while Atlanta’s Bijan Robinson tried to carry the load despite a battered line.

For Kansas City, rookie Carson Steele stepped up big time. The undrafted free agent from Ball State had 17 carries for 72 yards, averaging a solid 4.2 yards per pop. He was bruising and patient, converting key first downs in the second half. Samaje Perine added six carries for 25 yards and three receptions for 15 more, showing versatility out of the backfield. Together, they helped KC rush for 128 yards on 29 attempts—crucial for controlling the clock in those final minutes.

Atlanta’s Bijan Robinson, the 2023 first-round pick, had a tougher night. He rushed 16 times for 31 yards (1.9 YPC), including that 1-yard TD. A 50-yard completion to Pitts opened things up for him, but the Chiefs’ front seven stuffed him repeatedly. Tyler Allgeier chipped in with seven carries for 21 yards. The Falcons managed just 60 rushing yards total, which limited their balance against KC’s defense.

Here’s a quick table breaking down the rushing leaders—easy to scan and see who powered their teams.

Steele’s breakout was a highlight for Chiefs fans—proof that depth can win games.

Receivers and Tight Ends: Big Catches in a Tight Game

This game featured some electric receiving performances, especially from Kansas City’s wideouts. Rashee Rice was the MVP of the night, hauling in 12 catches for 110 yards and a touchdown. His 13-yard score in the second quarter was a thing of beauty—a slant route that burned the Falcons’ secondary. Rice was Mahomes’ go-to guy on third downs, converting four first downs and reaching 100+ yards for the second time this season. JuJu Smith-Schuster added three receptions for 49 yards and his first TD of the year, a 13-yard grab late in the third.

For Atlanta, Drake London continued his hot start with nine catches for 77 yards and a 14-yard TD on the opening drive. He was Cousins’ safety valve, especially on that busted coverage play. Kyle Pitts had a monster 50-yard catch that sparked the second Falcons score, finishing with three receptions for 64 yards. Darnell Mooney added four for 39 yards. Tight end Pitts’ deep ball was a game-changer, but drops and coverage limited bigger days.

Travis Kelce? Not his best—four catches, 30 yards—but he did draw penalties that helped extend drives. Let’s table the top receivers for clarity:

Rice’s 12 catches were a career high— the kid’s arriving.

Defensive Stars: The Unsung Heroes Who Sealed the Win

Defense wins championships, right? In this game, it won the Chiefs the victory. Kansas City’s unit forced two key turnovers and made those clutch fourth-down stops.

Nick Bolton was everywhere, finishing with 10 tackles, one tackle for loss, and that game-saving stuff on Bijan Robinson for a 3-yard loss on fourth-and-1 with under a minute left. Chamarri Conner had the pick-six setup, intercepting Cousins and lateral to Jaylen Watson, leading to a field goal. Jaylen Watson tallied seven tackles and a pass deflection. The Chiefs sacked Cousins twice and held Atlanta to 17 points.

Atlanta’s defense had its moments too. Justin Simmons, in his Falcons debut, picked off Mahomes in the end zone on a red-zone drive, his sixth career INT off the Chiefs QB. He finished with five tackles. A.J. Terrell had six tackles, but couldn’t contain Rice. The Falcons sacked Mahomes once but struggled with run defense, allowing 128 rushing yards.

Defensive stats table for the leaders:

Bolton’s instincts were spot-on—he called his shot pre-snap.

Special Teams: Kickers and Punters Making Their Mark

Special teams don’t always get the glory, but Harrison Butker was huge for KC. He nailed field goals from 53, 44, and 21 yards, accounting for nine points. His 53-yarder trimmed Atlanta’s lead early, and the 44-yard boot before halftime made it 14-13. Butker missed the extra point after Smith-Schuster’s TD, keeping it close.

Atlanta didn’t attempt any field goals— they went for it on fourth down late, which backfired. Punter Ryan Doyle averaged 45 yards on three punts for the Falcons, while KC’s Tommy Townsend boomed four for 52 yards average. No return touchdowns, but Avery Williams had a 20-yard kick return to start drives.

Overall Team Stats: A Battle of Balance

To wrap up the numbers, here’s a high-level team comparison. The Chiefs dominated time of possession (32:45 to 27:15) and third downs (7/14 vs. 4/11), which wore down Atlanta.

These stats show why KC pulled it out—balance and clock control.

What the Stats Tell Us: Key Takeaways from Kansas City Chiefs vs Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats

Looking back, the Kansas City Chiefs vs Atlanta Falcons Match Player Stats highlight a few big lessons. First, depth matters. With injuries on both sides, backups like Steele and Perine stepped up for KC, while Atlanta’s line woes exposed Cousins. Second, young talent shone—Rice’s 110 yards and London’s TD show the future is bright. Third, defense travels. Bolton and Conner’s plays were as valuable as any Mahomes magic.