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Kansas City Chiefs open the NFL season with a comfortable victory over the Houston Texans

Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (25) celebrates scoring a touchdown during the second half against the Houston Texans at Arrowhead Stadium.  - Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
  • Kansas City Chiefs 34 Houston Texans 20

The NFL season got underway at a partially-filled Arrowhead Stadium, with the Kansas City Chiefs securing a comfortable win over the Houston Texans.

Before kick-off, the Texans opted to stay in the dressing room during the national anthem, then joining the Chiefs on the field for a 'moment of unity', with the two sides linking arms ahead of the action getting underway  - a move not welcomed by all in the 15,000 strong crowd.

Last season’s Super Bowl Champions went behind in the first half before bouncing back to establish control of the contest. Rookie Clyde Edwards-Helaire demonstrated exactly why he was drafted in the first round, adding a dynamic and powerful running element to the Chiefs offense.

The Texans’ off-season was overshadowed by the DeAndre Hopkins trade. Their opening game did little to dispel thoughts of one of the league’s premier receivers as Deshaun Watson’s offensive options looked under-powered. However, the performance of David Johnson, who came the other way as part of the trade, looked sharp which could provide some consolation.

The Texans received the ball, failing to pick up a first down, and were forced to punt. Outstrode Patrick Mahomes for the first time since the Super Bowl in Miami, feeding Edwards-Helaire the ball with the Chiefs’ first play of the season.

Mahomes then launched the ball into the sky from half-way, Demarcus Robinson claiming a contested-catch in the end zone. On review, the touchdown was correctly overruled as Robinson fumbled before reclaiming the ball as he hit the ground. The Chiefs were forced to punt after Mahomes was sacked by Jacob Martin.

Houston progressed up the pitch with another new arrival, Brandin Cooks, making multiple catches before Johnson cut his way through the Chiefs defense to score the opening touchdown of the season. The 28-year-old illustrating that he still has plenty left in the tank.

Houston Texans running back David Johnson (31) beats Kansas City Chiefs safety L'Jarius Sneed (38) to the end zone as Johnson scores a touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 10, 2020, in Kansas City, Mo. - AP
Houston Texans running back David Johnson (31) beats Kansas City Chiefs safety L'Jarius Sneed (38) to the end zone as Johnson scores a touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 10, 2020, in Kansas City, Mo. - AP

The Chiefs came back immediately, successfully going for it on fourth down with just inches required. Travis Kelce and Sammy Watkins both picked up yards before the impressive Edwards-Helaire burst through the first tackle of many throughout the night.

It seems there was little or no rust to shake off for Mahomes who provided his receiving core with plenty of chances. He threw a delightful ball to Robinson who spilled in the end zone, only for Kelce to score from the next play, levelling the scores at 7-7.

A Chris Jones sack forced the Texans to hand the ball back to the home side, allowing Edwards-Helaire to come to the fore, picking up multiple first downs utilising his low centre of gravity. The Chiefs began to pick up yards with ease, working their way into the red zone.

Sammy Watkins came up just short, on review, but two plays later Watkins would not be denied, diving over from close range after taking a horizontal pass from Mahomes.

A 51-yard Texans field goal attempt drifted right of the posts, allowing the Chiefs the chance to work up the field. Andy Reid’s side obliged, converting a field goal to send the Chiefs into the break 17-7 up.

The Chiefs were out of the blocks quickly after half-time, Edwards-Helaire juking his way through the Texans defense to score his first touchdown in the NFL. Seventeen points down, the Texans were forced to chase the game. Watson unleashed a deep ball that was picked off by L’Jarius Sneed, who also impressed on his first appearance.

Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (25) scores a touchdown against Houston Texans linebacker Zach Cunningham (41) during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. - Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (25) scores a touchdown against Houston Texans linebacker Zach Cunningham (41) during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. - Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Kansas City capitalised on the field position, Mahomes finding Tyreek Hill in the corner of the end zone for the Chiefs' fourth score of the evening. There was no way back for the Texans, who scored two consolation touchdowns in the final quarter. The first came through tight end Jordan Akins and the second via Watson who strolled into the end zone, taking the score to 31-20.

Having failed to reclaim an onside kick, the Texans were pushed back towards their goal line. Houston's defense held strong, forcing the Chiefs to elect for a field goal which was duly slotted, securing victory by a 14-point margin.

Securing back-to-back Super Bowls is a notoriously difficult task - the last team to complete the feat were the New England Patriots in 2003 and 2004. However, the Chiefs took a decisive first step on the long road towards reclaiming the Vince Lombardi trophy. For the Texans, it will not get much easier in week two with the Baltimore Ravens next up on the schedule.