The Kansas City Chiefs made a bold fourth-down decision in Thursday’s NFL season opener.
Faced with a 4th-and-25 from deep in its own territory near the two-minute warning, Kansas City chose to go for it instead of punting it away to Detroit.
Patrick Mahomes threw it past the first down marker but no receivers were able to haul it in and possession changed at the two-minute warning.
The Lions get the "stop" on 4th-and-25. pic.twitter.com/YNTDQC1pTl
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) September 8, 2023
In theory, what Kansas City was trying to do makes at least a little bit of sense. Had the Chiefs punted, they would have still needed to get the ball back to try and score, so going for it at least gives you a chance to get a first down and not have to worry about that. Additionally, turning it over that deep in the opponent’s territory would mean you could allow a quick touchdown or field goal and get the ball back even sooner.
Unfortunately for Kansas City, the decision backfired as Detroit was able to get a first down on their next drive and Kansas City ran out of timeouts, leading to the Lions’ 21-20 victory and propelling Detroit to 1-0 for the first time since 2017 when they knocked off Arizona to open the season. Kansas City falls to 0-1 for the first time since 2012 against the Atlanta Falcons.
The Detroit Lions get a first down on 3rd-and-2 and can enter the victory formation! pic.twitter.com/UnzyBIbcj4
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) September 8, 2023
Social media had plenty to say about the questionable decision.
Chiefs really went for it on 4th & 25… pic.twitter.com/mIVEljyk68
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 8, 2023
Going for it on 4th and 25 when 3 times outs and the two minute warning left pic.twitter.com/tuDCJsAlSx
— Hendo (@Hendo968) September 8, 2023
Andy Reid kicked a field goal on 4th and 2, kicked another field goal on 4th and 3, and punted on 4th and 4 twice, all so that he could go for it on 4th and 25
— Rany Jazayerli (@jazayerli) September 8, 2023
Going for it on 4th and 20 is an all time move by Andy Reid
Going for it again after a false start on 4th and 25 is even better
Best part is the Chiefs damn near should’ve had the first down
— Football (@BostonConnr) September 8, 2023
It says a lot about Patrick Mahomes that every Lions bettor in creation was terrified that the Chiefs went for it on 4th and 25.
— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) September 8, 2023
Going for it on 4th and 20 is an all time move by Andy Reid
Going for it again after a false start on 4th and 25 is even better
Best part is the Chiefs damn near should’ve had the first down
— Football (@BostonConnr) September 8, 2023
