The Kansas City Chiefs ended their losing streak at last by defeating the New York Giants 22-9, earning their first victory of the 2025 season. However, the Chiefs were not at their best, with mistakes and penalties almost playing spoilsport. Patrick Mahomes himself took time to get into rhythm. Yet, Andy Reid’s men managed to turn things around before it was too late.

Here are five key takeaways from the game on Sunday.

Patrick Mahomes and Tyquan Thornton connect well

Tyquan Thornton, a disappointment last season with the New England Patriots, stepped up big time in the absence of fellow WR Xavier Worthy. Thornton led the team with five catches for 71 yards, which included a touchdown pass from Mahomes, and a 33-yard reception in the fourth quarter that set up Kareem Hunt‘s game-sealing 1-yard touchdown.

In fact, Thornton also ended up grabbing a pass that Mahomes never intended for him. The QB himself revealed that the wide receiver’s 21-yard reception on a third-and-6 was actually a Hail Mary that he threw after he saw his intended target, Hollywood Brown, being shadowed by Dexter Lawrence.

Penalties galore

While the New York Giants conceded 7 penalties for 82 yards, the Chiefs managed to be even worse, at 8 penalties for 85 yards. The Chiefs’ OT Josh Simmons was first to get on the referee’s book with an offensive holding penalty for 10 yards in the first quarter. Things, however, really got messy in the second quarter with back-to-back penalty calls on George Karlaftis (15 yards) and Chris Jones (5 yards) each resulting in a first down, and ultimately led to Cam Skattebo rushing for a 13-yard score.

Cam Skattebo shines

Rookie RB Cam Skattebo made the most of some extra playing time in the absence of Tyrone Tracy, scoring the Giants’ only touchdown of the game. Skattebo, cheered on by the MetLife Stadium every time he touched the ball, finished with 121 yards, which he split between 10 carries and 6 receptions.

Russell Wilson falters again, fans call for Jaxson Dart

However, quarterback Russell Wilson struggled. The 2018 Pro Bowler was far from the quarterback who threw for 450 yards in Week 2, and more like the one who went 17 of 37 for just 168 yards and two sacks in the opening week.

Against Kansas City, Wilson was 18-for-32 for 160 yards and two interceptions. What added insult to injury was that following his second pick close to the end of the first half, the MetLife Stadium echoed with the chant, “We want Dart.”

Malik Nabers hangs his head: “Can’t do [anything] about it”

Malik Nabers, who had 14 receptions for 238 yards and a couple of touchdowns in the opening two weeks, had the worst game in terms of production on Sunday. He finished with just two receptions for 13 yards, with his first grab coming as late as the fourth quarter.

“It’s just how the game went,’’ Nabers said. “Can’t do [anything] about it.” 

He also had to leave the field after a helmet-to-helmet contact with the Chiefs’ Nohl Williams, before returning to the game later.

The Giants, now 0-3, will go up against the Chargers next, looking to salvage their season, while the Chiefs will welcome Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens to Arrowhead Stadium in Week 4.