The Kansas City Chiefs

3 Chiefs heroes who deserve game balls from a gutsy win over the 49ers

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After the Chiefs iced their Week 7 matchup in San Francisco, moving to 6-0 to become the lone undefeated team in the NFL, there were plenty of players who deserved a game ball for stepping up when the team needed them most. However, three players stood out above the rest, including one who typically sits lower on the depth chart when everyone is healthy.

Kansas City Chiefs v San Francisco 49ers

Well, the Kansas City Chiefs are 6-0, have won their last 12 games (including the postseason), are arguably the most banged-up offense in the league, and still manage to find ways to win games in amazing fashion.

On Sunday, the Chiefs put up 28 points—a season-high—against what has been one of the best defenses in the NFL over the past half-decade. What’s even more amazing is that they did it without their WR1, WR2, RB1, and (after the first drive of the game) WR3 when JuJu Smith-Schuster left due to a hamstring.

It’s obvious that everybody needs to step up and rock the “next man up” mentality that might as well be placed on the walls in the Chiefs’ facility like Ted Lasso’s “BELIEVE” poster in the AFC Richmond locker room. That was more true than ever after the Chiefs’ opening drive when they were forced to play against a stout San Francisco defense with a very depleted depth chart and a running back who was on his couch just one month ago.

Those who stepped up the most deserve high praise, and a very select few deserve some Week 7 game balls from Kansas City’s 28-18 win over the San Francisco 49ers.

Game Ball #1: Mecole Hardman, WR

This is a more obvious choice compared to the last few Chiefs’ game ball recipients, but it is also one of the most deserved game balls so far this season. Mecole Hardman not only earned it for the spark he brought to a needy Chiefs’ offense but also for once again providing a top-tier performance against the 49ers.

Hardman, who was the savior at the end of Super Bowl LVIII, once again brought his “A” game with a 17-yard reception and two jet sweeps that worked to perfection with one ending up in the end zone to put the game away.

Not only did he score the game-clinching touchdown (again) against San Francisco, but he shook off some of the rust on a huge punt return in the middle of the second quarter when the game was still close.

Plays like Hardman’s 55-yard punt return and his first jet sweep bring a dynamic upside to a team that is consistently let down by injuries or the likes of fellow wideout Skyy Moore.

With performances like this, it’s hard to bet against Hardman with the depth chart above him so heavily depleted.

Game Ball #2: Trent McDuffie, CB

Sure, there were plenty of defensive performances today that could be deemed game-ball-worthy: Jaden Hicks and Christian Roland-Wallace both grabbed their first career interceptions, Justin Reid also nabbed one and played great in press coverage, but McDuffie proved once again that he is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL today (if not the best).

McDuffie was targeted 4 times in this game while in man coverage, typically at the 49ers’ WR1, and he only allowed just 1 reception for 15 yards.

McDuffie was draped over Brandon Aiyuk before he left with an injury, and when he was covering the rest of the 49ers depth chart, it was obvious that Purdy did not want to throw anywhere near his direction if he could help it.

Oh, and the winningest quarterback in NFL history Tom Brady called McDuffie the “best in the league” after he knocked the ball out of a receiver’s hands on the sideline late in the game.

Needless to say, McDuffie is proving why he’s an All-Pro and why the Chiefs were comfortable letting L’Jarius Sneed leave for Tennessee.

Game Ball #3: George Karlaftis, DE

Karlaftis, a third-year defensive end out of Purdue, turned in another big performance that stands out even more than his impressive stat sheet.

That stat sheet included not one, but two quarterback hits along with three tackles, a sack, and a tackle for a loss. He was constantly in Brock Purdy’s face behind the offensive line and he was also heavily praised by Tom Brady up in the broadcasting booth.

He was instrumental in forcing Purdy’s third interception of the game, applying heavy pressure from the right side before clipping his arm as the ball was being released into the end zone. Not only that, but he earned another great grade by PFF for what seems like the millionth time since he entered the league back in 2022.

And to add even more shine on Karlaftis’ performance, it’s because of him that Purdy threw his first interception of the season just six minutes into the game.

All-in-all, Karlaftis may have had one of the best games of his young career this week, and that’s saying a lot considering how many memorable performances he’s put in for Steve Spagnuolo.

Honorable Mentions:

Kareem Hunt, RB – This seems too obvious, especially after such an amazing game last week as well. His two touchdowns and nose-smashing play in the first half set the tone of the game and proved that the Chiefs don’t just need Mahomes’ magic and arm to win the game.

Patrick Mahomes, QB – The back-to-back Super Bowl MVP and Super Bowl champion was on one today. Despite the two interceptions, one of which being a tipped pass at the line, he went off for 33 yards on one rushing play and managed to end up as the Chiefs’ second-highest rush yards on the day behind Hunt (78).

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