Postgame Handshake Between Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert Captures Attention

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated Dec 8, 2024 11:44 PM ET

Once again, the Kansas City Chiefs found themselves in a tight, one-score game that came down to the wire. As they've done all season long, they found a way to win, marching down the field and executing a perfect final drive that set them up for a chip-shot, 31-yard game-winning field goal which hit the upright and still went in leaving the Chiefs with a 19-17 win over the Los Angeles Chargers in Arrowhead Stadium. .

With the win, the Chiefs officially clinched the AFC West for the ninth straight season, improving to 12-1 overall and remaining atop the AFC.

Kansas City has followed a familiar formula for success all season: an explosive offense and, when needed, clutch performances from Patrick Mahomes. If you give him the ball with a chance to win the game at the end, it's nearly impossible to stop him. Mahomes proved that once again on "Sunday Night Football".

Following the game, the respect between two of the league's best quarterbacks, Mahomes and Justin Herbert, was evident. Their postgame handshake garnered plenty of attention, as both players exchanged mutual respect after a hard-fought divisional battle.

Check it out:

1️⃣5️⃣ pic.twitter.com/orJ79iJ0JL
— NFL (@NFL) December 9, 2024

Mahomes finished the game completing 24 of his 37 passing attempts for 210 passing yards, one touchdown, and rushed four times for 17 yards. Herbert, who was without his top wide receiver Ladd McConkey, tallied 213 yards, one touchdown, and completed 21 of 30 passes. The two quarterbacks had nearly identical production on the stat sheet.

However, when you play the Chiefs, settling for field goals—especially late in the game—leaves the door open for Andy Reid and the Kansas City offense to methodically move down the field, draining the clock. Even with Matthew Wright nearly missing a 31-yard attempt, it was Kansas City once again, crowning themselves as AFC West Champions.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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