When Patrick Mahomes, quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs spun on the field and slipped a ball to rookie wideout Xavier Worthy, the stadium buzzed with the promise of a game‑changing drive. The play—dubbed a "razzle‑dazzle" by the offensive staff—unearthed a 9‑yard pickup that momentarily tilted the momentum in Kansas City’s favor. Yet, three weeks later, the same Chiefs found themselves on the wrong side of a dramatic finish that handed the Jacksonville Jaguars a 31‑28 upset on Sunday night.
Playbook Creativity: The Mahomes‑Worthy Connection
During Week 5 of the 2025 NFL seasonArrowhead Stadium, Mahomes capitalized on his trademark improvisation. After evading a blitz, he executed a rapid 360‑degree turn and delivered a quick‑pitch to Worthy, who sprinted into the flat for a tidy 9‑yard gain. Less than five minutes later, Mahomes mixed it up again, launching a sidearm sideline throw that found Worthy streaking down the right hash for a 19‑yard reception. The rookie, a former first‑round pick (28th overall in 2024), turned those flashes into his first multi‑catch day in a Chiefs uniform.
Other Offensive Highlights
Mahomes wasn’t the only arm in Kansas City that night. Isiah Pacheco broke free for a 16‑yard rush—his longest carry of the season—showcasing the backfield’s burst. The quarterback himself added a 9‑yard touchdown scramble, slipping through a thin seam between defensive ends and raising the score to 24‑21. That rush marked Mahomes’ 25th career rushing TD, a milestone he barely noticed amid the fast‑paced offense.
Jaguars’ Heroics and Lawrence’s Game‑Winner
While Kansas City lit up the scoreboard, the Jacksonville Jaguars stayed within striking distance. Their own playmaker, Trevor Lawrence, engineered a methodical drive that set up a 34‑yard pass to wideout Calvin Ridley, closing the gap to three points.
With 23 seconds left, Lawrence dropped back, scrambled past the line of scrimmage, stumbled, and then—defying instinct—bounced back up to cross the goal line for a 1‑yard touchdown. The run, occurring after a brief trip, left the Chiefs’ defense gaping and the home crowd stunned. The Jaguars’ victory, their first over the Chiefs since 2019, snapped a three‑game winning streak for Kansas City and ignited a frenzy of post‑game analysis.
What the Upset Means for the Chiefs’ Playoff Hopes
From a standings perspective, the loss drops Kansas City to a .500 record (3‑3) and hands Jacksonville a crucial three‑point boost in the AFC South race. More telling, however, is the strategic takeaway. The "razzle‑dazzle" play that drew applause also exposed a reliance on improvisation over consistent yardage. Defensive coordinators across the league will study the footage, looking for patterns that can be wrapped with tighter coverage.
Head coach Andy Reid praised his quarterbacks’ ingenuity but admitted, "We need to finish the drives. Creative plays are great, but they have to translate into points when the clock runs down." The locker‑room buzz suggests a possible re‑tooling of the third‑down package, possibly integrating more tight‑end rotations to stabilize the passing attack.
Historical Context: Chiefs‑Jaguars Matchups
The two franchises have met 35 times since 1995, with Kansas City holding a 21‑14 edge. Notable past clashes include the 2018 playoff overtime where Mahomes threw the game‑winning TD to Tyreek Hill. The recent upset marks only the third time Jacksonville has beaten Kansas City in the last decade, and the first under head coach Doug Pederson since he took the reins in 2021.
Statistically, the Chiefs have averaged 28.4 points per game this season, while the Jaguars sit at 24.1. Yet the turnover differential flips dramatically in Jacksonville’s favor for the game—three giveaways versus Kansas City’s single fumble, a factor that analysts say swung the win in the final minute.
Looking Ahead: Week 6 Preview
Next up, the Chiefs travel to Dallas to face the Cowboys, a game that could either solidify their playoff trajectory or plunge them deeper into the AFC scramble. Meanwhile, the Jaguars return home to host the Titans, hoping to build on Lawrence’s clutch performance.
For Mahomes, the spotlight remains bright—but the margin for error has narrowed. The upcoming weeks will test whether his improvisational flair can coexist with the disciplined execution that wins championships.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Chiefs’ new play call affect Xavier Worthy’s role?
The spin‑and‑pitch play highlighted Worthy’s versatility, giving him his first NFL reception of over ten yards. Coaches say they’ll incorporate more designed pitches to leverage his speed, potentially increasing his target share by 15‑20% in upcoming games.
What does Trevor Lawrence’s last‑second touchdown mean for the Jaguars?
Lawrence’s scramble cemented his reputation as a clutch performer. The win pushes Jacksonville to 4‑2, narrowing the gap with the division leader and boosting team morale heading into a critical stretch of games.
Can the Chiefs recover from this upset and still make the playoffs?
Yes. With a 12‑team playoff format, a 3‑3 record still leaves Kansas City in the hunt, especially if they win the remaining divisional games. However, they’ll likely need to win at least five of their next six to avoid a wild‑card scramble.
What adjustments might Andy Reid make after the loss?
Reid hinted at tightening third‑down efficiency, possibly by adding a hybrid tight end to create mismatch opportunities. Defensive coordinators may also emphasize disciplined pass‑rush lanes to reduce big‑play opportunities for opponents.
How does this game rank among past Chiefs‑Jaguars upsets?
It’s the most recent of only three upsets in ten years, joining the 2019 31‑24 loss and a 2022 nail‑biter. Each upset has prompted strategic revisions for the Chiefs, and this one is likely to spark a renewed focus on closing out tight games.