5 things we learned from the Chiefs’ first win of the season

I almost forgot how fun it is to win a game — especially a game that was as painful as this one was during the first half. For the first two quarters of the Kansas City Chiefs’ matchup against the New York Giants on “Sunday Night Football,” it looked like a contest between two teams competing to see who could give the game away the fastest.

Thankfully, the Chiefs’ offense came out in the second half looking far more like the team of recent memory than the sputtering jalopy we had grown accustomed to watching during the first two games of the season. Paired with a dominant defensive performance, it was enough to give Kansas City a 22-9 victory — not only first of the year, but the first road win over the Giants in franchise history.

Here are five things we learned.

1. The offense can still do it… sometimes

The Chiefs’ offense was a hot mess heading into halftime. The offensive line could not keep pressure off quarterback Patrick Mahomes, resulting in multiple miscues and penalties that left the team in poor down-and-distance situations.

Going into halftime, head coach Andy Reid said he wanted his offense to have “juice” and get fired up. Out of the tunnel in the thrid quarter, Kansas City looked like a completely different team from the one we had seen in the first two weeks.

There was flow and continuity to the play-calling, as if each play built off the last. The result: a 74-yard march capped by a five-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Tyquan Thornton.

The offense was not perfect, but it was progress — and something to build upon as the Chiefs prepare for the Baltimore Ravens in Week 4.

2. Thornton was a steal

How the New England Patriots could cut Thornton — allowing the Chiefs scoop him up for nothing — is something that should be studied in economics classes. It is a textbook case of buying stock at too high a price, getting impatient, and selling at the first sign of trouble.

Drafted in the second round for his speed, Thornton struggled with injuries in New England before the Patriots cut bait. Kansas City is reaping the benefits of their shortsighted decision.

Thornton’s speed has always made him a reliable deep threat, but his ability to win contested catches and haul in 50-50 balls adds a new dimension to his game — and makes him a dangerous weapon for Mahomes.

3. Harrison Butker isn’t as automatic as he should be

When the Chiefs’ placekicker missed a field goal in each of the first two games, it was fair to wonder if he was fully healthy. But after missing a 40-yard attempt in this game — along with a very long point-after try — questions about his consistency are unavoidable.

Is it mechanics? Is he dealing with another injury? Whatever the reason, Kansas City cannot afford to leave points on the field — especially next week against the Ravens.

4. Steve Spagnuolo is still the GOAT

The veteran defensive coordinator came into this game with a masterful plan. His approach was simple: take Malik Nabers — the Giants’ only true superstar receiving threat — out of the equation.

The strategy worked. Russell Wilson spent most of the game frustrated, forcing throws into Nabers’ coverage. The result: two first-half interceptions.

5. Some guys need to ride the pine

There is an alternate timeline where the Chiefs lose this game. In that world, this column would be about how Mahomes could not overcome the mistakes of Isiah Pacheco and Jawaan Taylor.

For Taylor, it is the same old story: he doubts his ability to handle elite pass rushers, cheats his technique, and gets flagged for it.

For Pacheco, it is a mix of inefficiency and poor football IQ. Lack of vision and power as a runner is one thing, but blowing an assignment on a passing play — nearly causing two turnovers in the process — is something else entirely.

It is high time Kansas City looks at starting players who will not sabotage its chances in critical moments.