Monday Night Football at Arrowhead Stadium delivered an overtime thriller that kept Kansas City’s perfect season alive at 8-0. The Buccaneers fell 30-24 despite dominating several efficiency metrics in this November 4, 2024 clash.
Quick Stats Summary
| Final Score | Kansas City Chiefs 30, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24 (OT) |
| Key Stat | Chiefs ran 83 plays vs Bucs’ 52 |
| Game MVP | Kareem Hunt (106 rushing yards, game-winning TD) |
| Turning Point | Chiefs’ 12/18 third-down conversions |
Key Takeaways:
- Chiefs won despite lower efficiency metrics (4.6 yards per play vs TB’s 5.5)
- All three Mahomes TD passes came on third down
- Tampa Bay’s defense played 84 snaps, leading to late-game fatigue
- Kareem Hunt’s revenge game: 27 carries against his former team
Quarterback Performances: Contrasting Styles, Similar Results
Patrick Mahomes and Baker Mayfield delivered quality performances through vastly different approaches.
Patrick Mahomes Performance Breakdown
| Stat Category | Performance |
|---|---|
| Completions/Attempts | 34/44 |
| Completion Percentage | 77.3% |
| Passing Yards | 291 |
| Touchdowns | 3 |
| Interceptions | 0 |
| Passer Rating | 116.8 |
| Sacks Taken | 4 for 31 yards |
| Third Down Conversions | 12/18 (66.7%) |
Mahomes averaged just 6.6 yards per attempt, focusing on methodical drives rather than explosive plays. Pro Football Focus graded his performance at 84.9, noting his toughness after briefly leaving with an ankle injury before returning to lead the go-ahead scoring drive. His third-down excellence proved decisive: Kansas City converted 66.7% on the money down.
Baker Mayfield’s Efficient Night
| Stat Category | Performance |
|---|---|
| Completions/Attempts | 23/31 |
| Completion Percentage | 74.2% |
| Passing Yards | 200 |
| Touchdowns | 2 |
| Interceptions | 0 |
| Passer Rating | 112.3 |
| Sacks Taken | 2 for 11 yards |
| EPA per Play | 0.124 |
Operating without Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, Mayfield maximized his available weapons. Tampa Bay’s offense posted superior efficiency numbers: 5.5 yards per play and an Expected Points Added (EPA) of 0.124 compared to Kansas City’s 0.011. Despite these advantages, limited possessions prevented the Buccaneers from capitalizing.
Ground Game Analysis
Chiefs Rushing Attack
| Player | Carries | Yards | Average | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kareem Hunt | 27 | 106 | 3.9 | 1 |
| Samaje Perine | 1 | 10 | 10.0 | 0 |
| Patrick Mahomes | 2 | 9 | 4.5 | 0 |
| Carson Steele | 3 | 9 | 3.0 | 0 |
Hunt carried the offensive load against his former team, grinding out tough yards throughout the contest. His overtime touchdown came after 27 punishing carries, including a crucial fourth-and-one conversion in the fourth quarter that extended Kansas City’s 8-minute, 26-second scoring drive.
Buccaneers Running Game
| Player | Carries | Yards | Average | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bucky Irving | 7 | 24 | 3.4 | 0 |
| Sterling Shepard | 2 | 21 | 10.5 | 0 |
| Baker Mayfield | 4 | 20 | 5.0 | 0 |
| Rachaad White | 3 | 19 | 6.3 | 1 |
Tampa Bay’s committee approach yielded 5.0 yards per carry, with Sterling Shepard’s jet sweeps providing explosive plays. Limited opportunities (19 rushes vs KC’s 35) prevented sustained ground success.
Receiving Production
Kansas City Pass Catchers
| Player | Receptions | Targets | Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travis Kelce | 14 | 16 | 100 | 0 |
| DeAndre Hopkins | 8 | 9 | 86 | 2 |
| Justin Watson | 3 | 4 | 43 | 0 |
| Samaje Perine | 4 | 5 | 25 | 1 |
Kelce served as Mahomes’ primary target, though his second-quarter fumble temporarily halted momentum. Hopkins proved clutch with two third-down touchdowns, including a 35-yard reception that Next Gen Stats calculated had just a 12.3% catch probability.
Tampa Bay Receiving Corps
| Player | Receptions | Targets | Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cade Otton | 8 | 11 | 77 | 1 |
| Sterling Shepard | 4 | 5 | 48 | 0 |
| Trey Palmer | 2 | 4 | 33 | 0 |
| Ryan Miller | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
Cade Otton emerged as Mayfield’s primary weapon, consistently finding openings in Kansas City’s defense. Ryan Miller’s first career touchdown tied the game with 27 seconds remaining, forcing overtime.
Defensive Performances
Tampa Bay Defensive Leaders
| Player | Total Tackles | Sacks | QB Hits | Forced Fumbles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antoine Winfield Jr. | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vita Vea | 10 | 2.0 | 3 | 0 |
| Tykee Smith | 9 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| K.J. Britt | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Vita Vea dominated the interior, recording two sacks and three QB hits. The defensive unit’s effectiveness diminished as snap counts mounted: Vea played 60 snaps, Calijah Kancey 58, while Lavonte David and Zyon McCollum endured all 84 defensive plays.
Kansas City Defensive Contributors
| Player | Total Tackles | Sacks | Tackles for Loss | QB Hits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drue Tranquill | 7 | 0.5 | 0 | 1 |
| Bryan Cook | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Christian Roland-Wallace | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| George Karlaftis | 4 | 1.0 | 1 | 1 |
Pro Football Focus rated Chris Jones as the game’s best player (89.1 grade) despite recording just two tackles. Kansas City committed only 3 penalties for 30 yards compared to Tampa’s 6 for 50.
Special Teams Impact
Kicking Game Comparison
| Team | Kicker | Field Goals | Extra Points | Total Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City | Harrison Butker | 1/1 (40 yards) | 3/3 | 6 |
| Tampa Bay | Chase McLaughlin | 1/1 (47 yards) | 3/3 | 6 |
Field Position Battle
| Team | Punter | Punts | Average | Inside 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City | Matt Araiza | 4 | 42.8 | 1 |
| Tampa Bay | Trenton Gill | 5 | 43.2 | 2 |
Mecole Hardman’s 30-yard punt return provided Kansas City excellent field position leading to points. Bucky Irving answered with a 46-yard kickoff return to open the second half.
Game-Defining Factors
Three decisive elements shaped the outcome:
1. Time of Possession
The 15-minute disparity reflected Kansas City’s ball-control strategy and third-down success.
2. Third Down Excellence
Mahomes delivered on critical downs, with all three touchdown passes coming on third down.
3. Red Zone Execution
Tampa Bay’s perfect red zone efficiency couldn’t overcome limited opportunities.
The Overtime Sequence
Kansas City won the coin toss and never relinquished possession. Their 10-play, 70-yard drive consumed 5:52, with Mahomes completing all five pass attempts for 52 yards. Hunt’s 2-yard touchdown run ended Tampa Bay’s hopes without their offense touching the ball.
Strategic Decisions and Impact
Todd Bowles faced a critical choice after Ryan Miller’s game-tying touchdown. ESPN’s analytics suggested going for two offered better win probability given Tampa’s defensive fatigue and overtime rules.
Andy Reid’s approach emphasized possession and third-down execution. Kansas City’s 15-play, 78-yard fourth-quarter touchdown drive exemplified this strategy, as detailed in the official NFL game summary. The drive featured three third-down conversions and Hunt’s crucial fourth-and-one plunge.
Context and Statistical Comparisons
For comprehensive breakdowns of how these individual performances compare to season averages and historical matchups between these teams, UK-based Match Player Stats provides detailed statistical analysis and player performance trends throughout the 2024 NFL season.
Kansas City’s ability to win despite inferior efficiency metrics demonstrates championship mettle. Their methodical approach contrasts with previous seasons’ explosive offenses but proves equally effective.
Tampa Bay competed admirably without their top receivers. Mayfield’s leadership and the emergence of role players like Otton suggest resilience moving forward, though defensive depth remains a concern after this grueling contest.
Individual Performance Analysis
The statistical paradox defines this game. Tampa Bay’s offense generated more value per play (0.124 EPA vs 0.011) yet couldn’t overcome Kansas City’s volume advantage.
Patrick Mahomes managed the game masterfully, prioritizing third-down conversions over explosive plays. His three touchdown passes all came on third down, sustaining drives that exhausted Tampa’s defense.
Baker Mayfield maximized limited possessions, completing 74.2% of his passes while spreading targets among available receivers. His late-game execution nearly forced a massive upset.
Kareem Hunt’s workload against his former team proved decisive. Beyond his 106 rushing yards, his presence in short-yardage situations converted critical downs throughout the contest.
The defensive fronts battled intensely, with Tampa Bay generating more pressure (4 sacks) but ultimately succumbing to fatigue. Kansas City’s defense bent frequently but delivered crucial stops when needed.
Player Stats Comparison and Game Impact
Both teams featured standout individual efforts that shaped the contest’s flow. Travis Kelce’s 14 receptions on 16 targets exemplified Kansas City’s possession-based approach, while Cade Otton’s emergence with 8 catches for Tampa Bay showcased offensive adaptability.
The rushing statistics underscore contrasting philosophies. Kansas City’s 35 attempts doubled as both offensive weapon and defensive strategy, controlling tempo while limiting Tampa Bay’s possessions. The Buccaneers’ 19 rushing attempts reflected their trailing position and need for quick scores.
Special teams contributions proved subtle but significant. Harrison Butker and Chase McLaughlin both converted all kicks, maintaining pressure throughout. Field position battles favored Kansas City slightly, with Hardman’s punt return setting up scoring position.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kareem Hunt earned game MVP honors with 106 rushing yards on 27 carries and the game-winning touchdown in overtime.
Mahomes completed 34 of 44 passes for 291 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions with a 116.8 passer rating.
Kansas City dominated time of possession (40:42 to 25:10) and third-down conversions (12/18), running 31 more offensive plays than Tampa Bay.
Travis Kelce led Kansas City with 14 catches for 100 yards, while Cade Otton paced Tampa Bay with 8 receptions for 77 yards and a touchdown.
Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30-24 in overtime at Arrowhead Stadium.
For more NFL player stat breakdowns, check out our coverage of the Detroit Lions vs Dallas Cowboys match player stats.
This Monday night clash between Tampa Bay and Kansas City showcased how football outcomes transcend individual metrics. The Chiefs’ systematic approach to possession, third-down success, and physical attrition proved more valuable than the Buccaneers’ superior efficiency, keeping Kansas City’s perfect season intact through disciplined execution and championship experience.
Source: Official NFL game statistics and play-by-play data
Statistical analysis based on NFL Next Gen Stats and Pro Football Focus metrics
