'MNF' takeaways: Stout defensive effort leads Chiefs to decisive win over Commanders

The Kansas City Chiefs remained hot with their fifth win in six games, defeating the Washington Commanders, 28-7, on "Monday Night Football."

Here is our initial reaction from the game, which saw Kansas City keep pace in the AFC West and Washington slip further out of the NFC's playoff picture.

Key takeaway: Season is slipping away from the Commanders

The future looked bright for the Commanders a season ago after they earned the franchise's first NFC championship game appearance since 1991. But Washington is beginning to look like a one-year wonder.

After a promising start against the Chiefs, the Commanders (3-5) were outscored 21-0 in the second half, giving up three consecutive touchdowns after the break. While it was always going to be tough for backup quarterback Marcus Mariota, starting in place of Jayden Daniels (hamstring), to keep pace with Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the performance still highlighted concerns that can crop up against other teams.

According to the ESPN broadcast, Mahomes threw a career-high three touchdowns with four-plus seconds to throw, indicative of Washington's inability to generate consistent pressure. The secondary, while coming away with two interceptions, allowed several big plays, with Mahomes averaging 8.8 yards per attempt and connecting with four different pass-catchers on gains of at least 20 yards.

Washington entered the season with the league's oldest roster, and its age is starting to show, particularly on the defensive side, where it looks a step slower than in 2024.

As rough as things are going in the nation's capital, relief isn't on the way. Three of Washington's next four games are against the Seattle Seahawks (5-2), Detroit Lions (5-2) and Denver Broncos (6-2).

Game MVP: Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Mike Danna

The six-year veteran broke out of his season-long slump in a huge way. Not only did the 2020 fifth-rounder notch his first sack of the season in his sixth game, but he also recorded his first career interception on a tipped ball during Washington's first offensive possession.

Both of Danna's biggest plays came in massive moments. His pick ended a Commanders drive that reached Kansas City's 18-yard line, taking a potential touchdown off the board. In the second half, Danna sacked Mariota on a 3rd-and-11, forcing Washington to punt.