Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Ed Easton Jr.

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.

Buy Chiefs Tickets

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

Sep 17, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws a pass against Jacksonville Jaguars during the first quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-USA TODAY Sports

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

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JANUARY 07: Isiah Pacheco #10 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates after rushing for a touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders during the fourth quarter of the game at Allegiant Stadium on January 07, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)

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

Sep 17, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) warms up before a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

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

Feb 12, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, US; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) reacts after against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter of Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

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

Jul 24, 2023; St. Joseph, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Richie James (17) runs drills in the indoor practice facility during training camp at Missouri Western State University. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

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

Jul 24, 2023; St. Joseph, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor (74) and guard Trey Smith (65) and wide receiver Cornell Powell (14) run drills in the indoor practice facility during training camp at Missouri Western State University. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

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.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.