Kansas City tied the score with a touchdown on the first drive of the second quarter, which was similar to the Falcons’ opening drive in the first quarter.

The Chiefs took longer than the Falcons, leading 14:36 ​​to 6:39 in time of possession after their scoring drive. This was largely due to Kansas City’s ability to keep drives alive through third-down conversions. The Chiefs had already converted four of their five opportunities at that point, while the Falcons had only converted one of their two attempts.

Regardless, Kansas City scored its touchdown on a 13-yard pass from Mahomes to wide receiver Rashee Rice. Falcons cornerback Dee Alford was behind Rice when he caught the ball.

Atlanta answered with its next drive, and again quite quickly. The Falcons needed just five plays for 70 net yards to score their second touchdown. The majority of those 70 yards came from Kyle Pitts, who caught a 50-yard pass and pulled Chiefs safety Justin Reid to the 1-yard line. On the next play, running back Bijan Robinson broke into the end zone with a 1-yard run. INJURY (7:56): During this drive, Falcons right tackle Kaleb McGary was escorted off the field by trainers. Storm Norton took his place.

The Falcons defense then held the Chiefs to their shortest drive to that point – seven plays for 34 yards. Kicker Harrison Butker made a 53-yard goal after Kansas City failed to convert a third-and-2 attempt at Atlanta’s 35-yard line. Chiefs running back Samaje Perine was stopped at the line of scrimmage by Falcons defensive tackles Grady Jarrett and David Onyemata.

Atlanta couldn’t extend its lead from there and became the first team in the game to lose three yards. It could have been worse, though, considering Cousins ​​dropped the ball after scoring on second-and-8. Luckily for the Falcons, Robinson was able to kick the ball out of bounds before anyone from the Chiefs could catch it. That cost the Falcons a 10-yard penalty, but prevented a turnover.

INJURY (2:43): During the Falcons’ drive, center Drew Dalman hopped off the field without putting any weight on his left leg. Ryan Neuzil took his place. … The Falcons announced that Dalman’s injury was an ankle injury and his return was questionable.

Kansas City had the ball 1:37 minutes before halftime.

The Chiefs also failed to throw three balls. Mahomes’ pass to Rice on third down was incomplete and was nearly intercepted by Falcons safety Jessie Bates III.

This defensive play by the Falcons was crucial, preventing the Chiefs from taking a last-minute lead before heading to the locker room.

The positive momentum was short-lived, however. A pass from Cousins ​​intended for London was deflected by Chiefs defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton, caught by safety Chamarri Conner and then passed to cornerback Jaylen Watson, who returned the ball to the Falcons’ 34-yard line with 32 seconds left.

The Chiefs were unable to gain more than 8 yards, but they were close enough for Butker to kick a 44-yard field goal.

The Falcons went into the locker room with just a one-point lead.

Chiefs: 13-yard pass from Patrick Mahomes to Rashee Rice; PAT good … 7-7, ALL
Falcons: Bijan Robinson 1-yard run; PAT well…14-7, ATL
Chiefs: 53-yard field goal by Harrison Butker…14-10, ATL
Chiefs: 44-yard field goal by Harrison Butker…14-13, ATL

HALF TIME: Falcons 14, Chiefs 13