Chiefs stock watch: Which players impressed during Week 2 vs. Jaguars
The Kansas City Chiefs are back in the win column in Week 2 after defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Chiefs offense started slow but began to find their groove after being held scoreless in the first quarter. The veteran All-Pro presence of Chris Jones on defense and Travis Kelce on offense helped propel the team during mini-slumps throughout the day.
The defense continues to impress by keeping the Jaguars out of the end zone and holding firm during critical goal-line situations. There’s plenty to work on before next week, but the positives outweighed the negatives, and now the Chiefs are in the winner’s circle.
The Chiefs showed resiliency, bouncing back after a brutal opening night loss and reminding the league they are still the team to beat.
Here’s a look at how the stock is trending for some players after the Week 2 victory at EverBank Stadium:
Stock Up: Patrick Mahomes
The Chiefs’ star quarterback had no problem spreading the ball around as he connected with 12 different receivers in the win, one of whom was offensive lineman Donovan Smith. Mahomes finished 29 of 41 for 305 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He also rushed for 30 yards on seven attempts.
Stock Up: Isiah Pacheco
A solid second half of tough running made the difference for the Chiefs in sealing their first victory. Pacheco finished with 70 yards on 12 carries, averaging 5.8 per rush. He found ways to wear down the defense and open up passing opportunities late in the game.
Stock Up: Travis Kelce
The Chiefs All-Pro tight end showed little effects of the knee injury that sidelined him in Week 1. Kelce played with little worry about his injury as he was physical with the Jaguars defense, drawing penalties in the process but catching four passes for 26 yards and a touchdown, becoming an emotional spark throughout the game.
Stock Up: Chris Jones
Jones reminded the football world why he’s one of the best defensive linemen in football with a dominant performance—in only his first game back from his lengthy holdout, and Jones supplied plenty of pressure on Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence. He recorded a sack and a half, tipped pass and knockdowns on Lawrence, helping to secure the Chiefs victory.
Stock Down: Richie James
James earned a good reputation in his past stops and during training camp. The veteran receiver fumbled away a punt return in the first half, leading to a Jaguars field goal. He also dropped a catchable pass. The second half finished the game with no catches and eight yards on three punt return attempts.
Stock Down: Jawaan Taylor
A week after being called out for his exaggerated blocking stance, Taylor didn’t help his case on Sunday. Taylor was, at times, a liability at right tackle, with four penalties costing the team field position in critical situations.
