There wasn’t much to like about Kansas City’s performance, although the defense did shut down Malik Nabers and made Russell Wilson look less than stellar, while offensively, things didn’t quite click in the way many had hoped.

Still, a win is a win, and a big reason for it was the play of receiver Tyquan Thornton.

Patrick Mahomes’ deep weapon with no Xavier Worthy, Thornton was a menace in the second half, going deep often as he finished his night with 71 yards and a touchdown from his five receptions.

But it was on the Chiefs’ drive in the fourth quarter where Thornton stepped up.

A 21-yard reception got things started before a 34-yard touchdown catch to put the Chiefs up two scores with only seven minutes remaining. That was the sealer.

Thornton has been a solid contributor in his first three weeks, totaling 41, 59, and now 71 yards to become a key part of Andy Reid’s offense, and he made sure that when his team needed him the most at MetLife, he stood up.

Chiefs’ playoff hopes still alive

Granted, this one won’t win any awards for aesthetics because all the Chiefs had to do was win; it didn’t matter how it looked or by how much. With 0-3 staring them in the face, victory was all that was needed.

And yes, the win doesn’t dispel any of the questions aimed at Kansas City, specifically from an offensive standpoint, but at least it has its teeth into the season now.

But things don’t get any easier because up next is the Baltimore Ravens, and the Chiefs have a genuine chance to remind the NFL world that they are to be counted when it comes to the Super Bowl.

Because beating the Giants is one thing, but Baltimore? Yeah, the league will take notice, and thanks to Thornton’s play in the fourth quarter, Kansas City’s season, which was on life support, now has a breath of fresh air…for now.