How the KC Chiefs stole the show in Sunday’s clash against Dallas Cowboys at Arrowhead

The Chiefs needed a big defensive performance Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys at Arrowhead Stadium.

And they received it.

The Chiefs grabbed three turnovers — including an end-zone interception of Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott by Chiefs cornerback Charvarius Ward — and five sacks en route to a dominating 19-9 victory.

Dallas entered the game as the No. 1 offense in the league, averaging 433.9 yards per game, but on Sunday the Cowboys gained just 276. They’d also been averaging 31.6 points and fell short of that mark by 22.6.

The Cowboys punted six times in 12 possessions after failing to sustain a drive against the Chiefs’ swarming defense. Chiefs defensive end Frank Clark had a sack and forced a fumble, which Chris Jones recovered.

Jones also recorded a team-high 3 1/2 sacks.

“Defensively, what a game,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “I mean, that’s the No. 1 offense in the National Football League and I just though our defense brought it every snap — in particular our defensive line against a heck of an offensive line. I’m proud of the guys for that.”

With their defense rolling, the Chiefs’ offense didn’t need to carry the game. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes completed 23 of 37 passes for 260 yards — no touchdowns and one interception — for a 71.9 passer rating.

He helped guide the Chiefs to two touchdowns on runs by Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Travis Kelce. The Chiefs added a field goal and thus scored on their first three possessions.

“Offensively, we had some ups and downs,” Reid said. “Started off right, had a couple of nice drives.”

The Chiefs have now won four straight and are 7-4 entering this week’s bye.

DEFENSE ON HOT STREAK

For a fourth straight game, the Chiefs limited an opponent to less than 20 points. And they weren’t facing just any quarterback in Week 11.

Prescott, a two-time Pro Bowler, and the Cowboys’ passing game came in ranking fourth in the league at 294.3 yards per game through the air. On Sunday, he threw for just 216.

How else did the Chiefs’ defense dominate Sunday?

Cowboys running backs Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard anchored what previously was the NFL’s fourth-ranked ground attack. The Chiefs bottled up both, and limited Elliott, a three-time Pro Bowler, to just 32 yards on nine carries. As a team, the Cowboys managed just 82 yards rushing on 16 carries.

With the run game going nowhere, the Cowboys struggled on third down, converting just five of 15 attempts. Dallas entered with a 45.7% conversion rate on third down. They averaged a paltry 4.3 yards per play against the Chiefs.

The Chiefs’ defensive performances over the past month have been magnificent and are one reason they’ve turned things around since starting the season 3-4.

“I can’t say enough,” Reid said.

CEH MAKES IMPACT IN RETURN

The Chiefs had missed Edwards-Helaire’s dynamic playmaking abilities.

In his first game back after five on injured reserve, the second-year pro factored heavily into Kansas City’s game plan.

Edwards-Helaire opened the Chiefs’ first possession of Sunday’s game with three straight touches: two rushes for 14 yards and a 1-yard catch.

He didn’t show any signs of rust, and he finished with 76 total yards — including a 1-yard touchdown run followed by a questionable taunting penalty. An official didn’t like that Edwards-Helaire pointed at Cowboys linebacker Luke Gifford before crossing the goal line.

“Good to have No. 25 back,” Reid said. “Clyde played well and just stayed aggressive, covered the ball in traffic, was patient, all the things you need to be to make the thing work.”

The Chiefs’ backfield is at 100% strength for the first time since Week 5. And the offense should continue to make strides with its starting running back in the mix alongside Darrel Williams, who totaled 26 yards Sunday.

TURNOVERS REAPPEAR

The Chiefs’ win will overshadow a problem that reared its head again Sunday after being absent for two straight games.

Mahomes accounted for two turnovers (interception, lost fumble). He has 11 picks and three lost fumbles through 11 games.

Unlike the first half of the season, though, when turnovers contributed heavily to the Chiefs’ woeful start, those giveaways didn’t end up hurting the Chiefs Sunday.

But turnovers can’t continue to be a problem after the bye ... not when this team has the postseason in mind.

ANOTHER STRONG SNEED SHOWING

Second-year cornerback L’Jarius Sneed has been a standout on defense this season with his ball-hawking and tackling skills.

He punished the Cowboys’ offense with six tackles, including one for a loss, three passes defensed and the game-sealing interception.

One of his more memorable plays occurred in the second quarter. On third down, Prescott found wide receiver CeeDee Lamb on the left side of the field. The play had a chance to net positive yardage, but Sneed shed his blocker, got free and stopped Lamb before he could gain any momentum.

Sneed treated a national audience to what most in Midwest already knew from his body of work in 2021: He’s worthy of a Pro Bowl selection and is making a good case for All-Pro consideration.

INJURIES

Running back Jerick McKinnon suffered a hamstring injury in the first quarter and did not return.

“We’ll just see,” Reid said. “We’ll get an MRI and check it out.”

Reid said cornerback Rashad Fenton “landed on his knee” and is scheduled Monday for an MRI.

INACTIVES

Right tackle Lucas Niang (ribs), defensive tackle Khalen Saunders, cornerback Deandre Baker, quarterback Shane Buechele and running back Derrick Gore were not dressed for the game.

UP NEXT

The Chiefs are off next weekend, Week 12, before playing host to the Denver Broncos Dec. 5 at Arrowhead Stadium.