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Here’s what happened in our simulation:
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes started hot, rookie linebacker Nick Bolton shined and the offensive line looked good as the Kansas City Chiefs opened their 2021 season with a dominant victory over the Cleveland Browns.
That’s what we saw in the simulation of Sunday’s Chiefs-Browns game in Madden NFL 2022.
The Chiefs had the upper hand for the majority of the game. The only time the Browns had any momentum was in the third quarter, when cornerback Denzel Ward intercepted a Mahomes pass — but then the Browns went three-and-out. After Mahomes’ mistake, the Chiefs stepped up.
Even though he scrambled six times for 30 yards and a touchdown, Mahomes generally looked comfortable in the pocket. He was able to find two of his favorite targets, too. Tight end Travis Kelce had 10 receptions for 80 yards and a touchdown, while wide receiver Tyreek Hill had 5 catches for 69 yards and a touchdown.
Whenever the Chiefs needed to get a first down — whether it was on the ground or through the air — running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire could get the job done. He rushed 22 times for 110 yards and caught four passes for 32 yards.
Bolton played an important role in the game — especially before the end of the first half, when he forced a fumble while tackling quarterback Baker Mayfield on a scramble. Then in the fourth quarter, the rookie linebacker intercepted a Mayfield pass that eventually led to three Kansas City points. If this is how strongly the Chiefs defense will play week after week, the team will be almost impossible to beat.
Final score: Chiefs 33, Browns 20
For Week 2, the Chiefs will be on the road, facing the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday Night Football. Before then, we’ll check out how that game would play out in the EA Universe.
