Perhaps the biggest surprise for the Chiefs’ offense was the supportive contributions of running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Starting in place of Isiah Pacheco, who had surgery this week on his right shoulder — the same injury the required surgery this past offseason — Edwards-Helaire produced his best performance of the season.

Edwards-Helaire finished with 101 all-purpose yards on 17 touches. His best play occurred in the third quarter, when he improvised in the end zone while quarterback Patrick Mahomes ad-libbed outside of the pocket, the play resulting in a 6-yard touchdown completion.

The fourth-year running back finished the play by making Kansas City’s best high-point catch of the season, as he elevated over linebacker Jahlani Tavai to make the reception in the back of the end zone.

Once again, the Chiefs’ defense wasn’t put in the best situations against the Patriots’ offense. Ten of New England’s 17 points were the byproduct of giveaways by Kansas City’s offense, two interceptions that were more about the pass catcher — tight end Blake Bell and receiver Kadarius Toney — than the quarterback.

But the Chiefs’ defense was solid throughout the second half to limit the Patriots to just 3.3 yards on 16 rushing attempts. Quarterback Bailey Zappe was sacked four times and was intercepted by linebacker Willie Gay, a play early in the third quarter that helped the Kansas City build a commanding lead.