Nate TaylorJohn KeimCloseJohn KeimESPN Staff WriterJohn Keim covers the Washington Commanders for ESPN. He joined ESPN in 2013 after a stint with the Washington Post. He started covering the team in 1994 for the Journal Newspapers and later for the Washington Examiner. He has authored/co-authored four books. You can also listen to him on ‘The John Keim Report’, which airs on ESPN Richmond radio.Follow on XOct 27, 2025, 11:48 PM ET
Jack Cochrane’s 1st-career INT seals Chiefs’ win (0:35)Jack Cochrane picks off Marcus Mariota late to help seal Kansas City’s win on “Monday Night Football.” (0:35)
From that moment on, Kelce put together a vintage performance, one that powered the Chiefs to a 28-7 victory. Kelce led the Chiefs with six receptions on eight targets for 99 yards for his best game of the season.
Most surprising performance: Defensive end Mike Danna has struggled for much of this season, but the five-year veteran had a night to remember. Danna ended the Commanders’ opening drive with an interception, the first of his career after quarterback Marcus Mariota’s pass bounced off the shoulder of receiver Deebo Samuel.
And just before the end of the third quarter, Danna collected his first sack of the season, a 10-yard loss on third down that pushed the Commanders out of field goal range.
The Commanders did what they could to beat the Chiefs. They moved the ball, at least in the first half, forced turnovers and were aggressive on fourth down.
Injuries have played a key role in the Commanders’ early stumbles. They played for a third game this season without quarterback Jayden Daniels, this time out because of a hamstring injury. They also lost left tackle Laremy Tunsil to a hamstring injury in the first half.
After Washington outgained Kansas City 195-156 in the first half, it finished with only 260 for the game. The Chiefs took over in the second half leading to more misery and questions for Washington.
What to make of the QB performance: It’s hard to put all blame for this one on Marcus Mariota, who completed 21-of-30 passes for 213 yards and one touchdown. He played with poise and kept his eyes downfield, allowing him to make plays on the move. But key drops, two interceptions and an inability to make plays on fourth down hurt.
Turning point: The first drive of the second half for each team was the difference. After Kansas City scored on its first possession for a 14-7 lead, Washington responded with returner Jaylin Lane muffing the kickoff and having to start from its own 2-yard line. Lane then dropped a pass on third down to kill the drive — and the Chiefs rolled.
Biggest hole in the game plan: The run game continues to struggle. Of Washington’s 60 yards rushing, Mariota led with 28. Rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt finished with only 25 yards on nine carries. Washington needs to revive the run game in a hurry. — John Keim
Jack Cochrane’s 1st-career INT seals Chiefs’ win (0:35)Jack Cochrane picks off Marcus Mariota late to help seal Kansas City’s win on “Monday Night Football.” (0:35)
Jack Cochrane picks off Marcus Mariota late to help seal Kansas City’s win on “Monday Night Football.” (0:35)
CloseJohn KeimESPN Staff WriterJohn Keim covers the Washington Commanders for ESPN. He joined ESPN in 2013 after a stint with the Washington Post. He started covering the team in 1994 for the Journal Newspapers and later for the Washington Examiner. He has authored/co-authored four books. You can also listen to him on ‘The John Keim Report’, which airs on ESPN Richmond radio.Follow on X
Kelce’s 10-yard touchdown late in the third quarter — which gave the Chiefs a 14-point lead — was also historic, as his 83rd career score tied former running back Priest Holmes for the most total touchdowns in Chiefs franchise history
Here are the most important things to know from Monday night for both teams:
Trend to watch: The Chiefs should have all of their projected defensive starters available for Sunday’s game against the Bills, and the group of linemen around pass rusher Chris Jones — defensive ends George Karlaftis, Charles Omenihu and Danna — are performing better than they did at the beginning of the season. — Nate Taylor
Next game: vs. Seattle Seahawks (8:20 p.m. ET, Sunday)
