By james art
ROB MAADDY Associated Press
Patrick Mahomes is having his worst season statistically and the Chiefs continue to lose playmakers to injuries.
The two-time Super Bowl champions are 6-0 anyway.
Kansas City is the only undefeated team in the NFL after an ugly 28-18 victory over San Francisco in a Super Bowl rematch on Sunday that felt more like a preseason game.
Mahomes, a two-time NFL MVP and three-time Super Bowl MVP, threw two picks and posted a career-worst 44.4 passer rating against the 49ers, but made enough plays, including a terrific 33-yard run, to lead the Chiefs to their 12th straight victory dating back to last year.
Mahomes has more interceptions (eight) than touchdowns (six) this season and a career-low 82.5 passer rating. But a modest defense and strong running game led the way for Kansas City, which lost cornerback Jalen Watson and receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster to injuries in the last win.
The Chiefs are now without No. 1 receiver Rashee Rice and top running back Isiah Pacheco, plus Marquise “Hollywood” Brown has yet to play.
However, the Chiefs keep winning. That’s a testament to coach Andy Reid and defensive coordinator Steve Spanuolo.
“It’s about us getting better as the year goes on and how we can continue to get better than our last game up until now,” Travis Kelce said. “There’s a lot of doubt about what we can do offensively right now with the guys we have and I think we showed everybody that we can score points today.”
Unlike Kansas City, Brock Purdy and the 49ers (3-4) have not overcome a number of injuries to several key players. They were erratic, error-prone and barely resembled the team that reached the NFC title game each of the last three seasons.
Purdy threw three interceptions against Kansas City and had a career-worst 36.7 passer rating.
Now the 49ers have to deal with another big blow. Receiver Brandon Ayuk suffered a knee injury that coach Kyle Shanahan fears is a season-ending torn ligament. Deebo Samuel was limited to four snaps against Kansas City due to illness and Jauan Jennings was sidelined with a hip injury. Pro running back Christian McCaffrey has not played this season.
“Is there more pressure for me to put on a Superman cape and do more? No,” Purdy said. “I think the ones that we have and the players that we have that step up to those positions, they’ve done a great job and in my eyes we have a lot of talent. It’s up to me and we’re all just going to continue to grow and fight this journey together.”
An injury-filled week 7
Deshaun Watson is done for the season. Jaden Daniels’ sensational New Year has been postponed. Aidan O’Connell is also out.
There have been several serious injuries in the league.
Watson tore his Achilles tendon in Cleveland’s loss to Cincinnati. The Browns (1-6) made the playoffs last year after Watson went down for the season, but have no chance this season.
Daniels, who is having an outstanding rookie season, injured his ribs in Washington’s win over Carolina. He is scheduled for testing Monday, but the NFC East-leading Chiefs (5-2) should bring him back at some point.
O’Connell left his first start of the season with a thumb injury and the Raiders lost to the Rams. He will be out indefinitely as Las Vegas (2-5) returns to Gardner Minshew.
Statement made
The NFC North still goes through Detroit.
Jared Goff had another stellar game to lead the Lions (5-1) to a 31-29 victory at Minnesota, handing the Vikings their first loss of the season.
Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameer Gibbs were sensational in the NFC North matchup, and Detroit’s defense stepped up in its first game without Aidan Hutchinson.
Russ cooked
Many analysts, including former players, questioned Mike Tomlin’s decision to start Russell Wilson after Justin Fields helped the Steelers to a 4-2 start.
Wilson silenced the doubters with an impressive performance in his Pittsburgh debut.
Shaking off some early rust in his first start since Dec. 24, Wilson threw for 264 yards and two touchdowns, ran for a score and posted a 109.0 passer rating to lead the Steelers (5-2) to a 37-15 victory over New York Jets.
Wilson, who lacks Fields’ speed and tackling ability, threw some perfect deep balls and lobs to George Pickens and other receivers.