Chiefs Fall to 0-2 for First Time in Mahomes Era After Super Bowl Rematch Loss

For the first time in the Patrick Mahomes era, the Kansas City Chiefs have started a season 0-2. The defending Super Bowl champions fell to the Philadelphia Eagles 20-17 on Sunday, in a painful Super Bowl rematch that saw a crucial turnover and the Eagles' controversial "tush push" play seal their fate.

The turning point came early in the fourth quarter with the Chiefs trailing 13-10 and driving deep into Eagles territory. On second-and-goal from the 6-yard line, a pass from Mahomes glanced off the hands of Travis Kelce and was intercepted by Eagles rookie Andrew Mukuba. The interception was a devastating blow, halting a potential go-ahead touchdown drive. "I threw it a tad too early," Mahomes said after the game. "If I could put it on his body, he can catch it, take the hit and get into the end zone."

The Eagles capitalized immediately. Jalen Hurts delivered a key 28-yard pass to DeVonta Smith, setting up a touchdown to extend their lead to 10 points. That touchdown, along with another game-sealing first down, came on the Eagles' now-infamous "tush push" quarterback sneak. Despite visible frustration from the Chiefs' defense, led by Chris Jones, the play was never called for a false start.

"You know, sometimes you can't get all the calls right," Jones said, acknowledging that the Chiefs couldn't use the play as an excuse. "We think [Eagles offensive linemen] jumped multiple times. So the official didn't see it, we just gotta play the next down."

The Chiefs, who hadn't started a season 0-2 since 2014, now find themselves in uncharted territory. The team had not lost a one-possession game since late in 2023, but they have now lost two straight to open the season. Head coach Andy Reid took responsibility for the loss, but the team will need to find answers quickly to turn the season around. The path won't get any easier as they look for their first win of the season.