1. Kareem Hunt had a record-breaking debut
Rookie running back Kareem Hunt had an NFL debut for the ages on Thursday night, tallying 246 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns.
Kareem Hunt had 246 yards from scrimmage Thursday, the most by a player in his NFL debut.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) September 8, 2017
More from @EliasSports: https://t.co/dmF3EHbRo9 pic.twitter.com/9sAFuLrs8P
Kareem Hunt is just the third player since 1950 to score 3+ TDs in his first career game, joining Marshall Faulk ('94) and Billy Sims ('80).
— Matt McMullen (@KCChiefs_Matt) September 8, 2017
Also per @PFF, Kareem Hunt saw 68 of his 148 rushing yards come after contact while forcing 5 missed tackles. pic.twitter.com/UkQNu25eYX
— BJ Kissel (@ChiefsReporter) September 8, 2017
2. Alex Smith posted one of the best games of his career
Alex Smith's 148.6 passer rating tonight ranks as the fourth-best of his career, and his second-best with Kansas City (158.3 in '13 at OAK).
— Matt McMullen (@KCChiefs_Matt) September 8, 2017
His 368 yards passing are the third-most of his career, trailing only the 2015 game at Cincinnati and the playoff game at Indy in 2014. https://t.co/kNQOV3xh1j
— Matt McMullen (@KCChiefs_Matt) September 8, 2017
Per @PFF, the #Patriots blitzed Alex Smith on 10 of his drop-backs, and he went 8-10 for 179 yards and 3 TDs on those plays. pic.twitter.com/fNvbJBtTjN
— BJ Kissel (@ChiefsReporter) September 8, 2017
Players with 300+ pass yards, 4+ passing TD and 0 INT against a Bill Belichick defense:
— NFL Research (@NFLResearch) September 8, 2017
Drew Brees (2009)
Alex Smith (tonight)
Alex Smith of @Chiefs is 1st QB in more than half century with 2 TD passes of 75+ yards on Kickoff Weekend #KCvsNE pic.twitter.com/DeV078QCCK
— Michael Signora (@NFLfootballinfo) September 8, 2017
3. The Chiefs' offense as a whole was clicking on all cylinders
The Chiefs' 537 total yards of offense tonight were their most since January 1, 2006 vs. Cincinnati (also 537).
— Matt McMullen (@KCChiefs_Matt) September 8, 2017
The #Chiefs averaged 8.3 yards per play against the #Patriots.
— BJ Kissel (@ChiefsReporter) September 8, 2017
From 2013-16, the Patriots allowed 0 90-yard TD drives at home ...
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) September 8, 2017
The Chiefs had 2 90-yard TD drives in the 1st half tonight.
4. The Patriots don't lose like that very often, especially at home
The last time the Patriots allowed 41+ points was Sept. 29, 2014 against....Kansas City.
— Matt McMullen (@KCChiefs_Matt) September 8, 2017
42 points -- Most points allowed by a Bill Belichick-coached Patriots team (307th game including playoffs).
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) September 8, 2017
Most points allowed by the the Patriots (Belichick era) ⬇️
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) September 8, 2017
📺 | @NFLTotalAccess pic.twitter.com/4Xt2gkMgkL
This is the most points the Patriots have allowed at home since Oct. 21, 1984. https://t.co/Yl1AFv4beg
— Matt McMullen (@KCChiefs_Matt) September 8, 2017
5. In fact, the Patriots don't lose much at home at all
That's it. Chiefs beat the Patriots 42-27, and hand Pats only their second loss at home to an AFC opponent since 2007
— Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) September 8, 2017
Chiefs are the first AFC team to beat Tom Brady at home in which he played the whole game since the Jets in Week 10 of 2006. pic.twitter.com/3E5DmkHzgI
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) September 8, 2017
6. Tyreek Hill made a big play, as usual
Tyreek Hill has now scored a 65+ yard TD in 5 consecutive regular-season games pic.twitter.com/mTbAmZcdsp
— Randall Liu (@RLiuCBS) September 8, 2017
#Chiefs' Tyreek Hill now has 11 career touchdowns, and he's averaged 47 yards per play on them.
— BJ Kissel (@ChiefsReporter) September 8, 2017
That's ridiculous.
Smith hits Hunt for a 78-yard TOUCHDOWN, putting Kansas City back in front, 28-27.
— Matt McMullen (@KCChiefs_Matt) September 8, 2017
What a night for the rookie out of Toledo.
Tyreek Hill recorded the 2 fastest times by a ball carrier last season, reaching max speeds of 23.24 MPH & 22.77 MPH (both on KR) pic.twitter.com/7kpbJbupID
— Randall Liu (@RLiuCBS) September 8, 2017
Chiefs had 1 offensive play go for 75+ yards last season. They have 2 TD of 75 yards in this game pic.twitter.com/raQCQXJsQH
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) September 8, 2017
7. Kansas City has been tough to beat on the road recently
The Chiefs have won 7 road games in a row over some tough competition. pic.twitter.com/NdgghyE4Cn
— SNF on NBC (@SNFonNBC) September 8, 2017
The @Chiefs have won 7 straight road games, including wins over all 4 teams from the last 2 Super Bowls (CAR, DEN, ATL, NE)
— NFL Research (@NFLResearch) September 8, 2017
8. It's just one game, but winning the opener is indicative of future success
Last year, 75% of NFL playoff teams started the season with a win in their opener.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) September 8, 2017
Among playoff teams since 1990, 68% started 1-0.
9. The defense made some big plays in some critical moments
Justin Houston was a force in his return pic.twitter.com/KieiYXaPPg
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) September 8, 2017
Per @PFF, Terrance Mitchell was targeted 9 times & allowed 2 catches, which went for 76 yards.
— BJ Kissel (@ChiefsReporter) September 8, 2017
Had this key pass breakup late in the game. pic.twitter.com/RWTPUWDBsk
10. The Chiefs' offensive line was at its best
How the Chiefs O-line held up against New England pic.twitter.com/AtJhfX0KFL
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) September 8, 2017