NFL 2017: Rookie Steals Show in Season Opener

The New England Patriots hosted the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL 2017 season opener. 

Defending champions, the New England Patriots were stunned by the Kansas City Chiefs in the opening match of the 2017 NFL season.

Forty-year-old quarter back Tom Brady failed to register a touchdown pass, in his opening match in pursuit of his sixth super bowl ring.

It was the first time the Patriots lost a game at home after leading in the first half in 82 games. Kansas City rookie, Kareem Hunt, started off his rookie season with a fumble, a feat he had never acheived throughout his College career.

New England scored the first touchdown as Mike Gillislee reached the end zone before Demetrius Harris hit back for the Chiefs. The Patriots looked in firm control after leading 17 – 7 in the 2nd quarter. Kareem Hunt brought his team back into the game as he scored late in the second quarter.

The third and fourth quarters belonged to the Chiefs as Alex Smith threw a huge 75-yard pass that landed in Tyreek Hill’s hands to score and take the lead for the Chiefs 21 – 17.
New England regained the lead as Mike Gillislee scored his second touchdown after he rushed through to score, 24 – 21.

After a 60-yard throw from veteran, Tom Brady landed in Brandin Cooks hands, the Patriots gained some valuable territory and New England opted for a field goal at the 32-yard line which they landed to bring their lead to 27 – 21.

Last quarter to go and Kansas City silenced the home crowd when Alex Smith’s 60-yard pass found Kareem Hunt who picked up on the run and ran 20 yards to score for the best play of the game. 28 – 27. With 5 minutes to play in the fourth quarter rookie, Kareem Hunt ran around the defence to score literally in the corner to increase the Chiefs lead to 35 – 27.

The Patriots were shut out as a long pass from Brady was blocked by Terence Mitchell. The final nail in the coffin was a touchdown from Charcandrick West who sliced through the middle to register the first season win for the Kansas City Chiefs on the New England Patriots home turf.

Kareem Hunt’s debut was incredible to witness as he ran 246 yards and scored three touchdowns a feat no rookie has achieved since 1970.