The Chiefs did exactly what they had to do to beat the New Orleans Saints this week. In my prediction, I said that in order for them to keep the game close they would need to get pressure on Drew Brees, force him to turn the ball over, and run the ball successfully. They did all three, and they were able to run the ball so well that they were able to pull out a tightly contested overtime game.
The pressure up the middle disrupted Brees' timing. Since he's so short he was forced out of the pocket where he either was caught and sacked or had to throw the ball away. After a first drive in which the Saints averaged over ten yards per play, the defense tightened up and, for the most part, neutralized the big plays.
While Romeo had the defense doing its thing the offense was struggling to find big plays just like New Orleans. At the half the Saints led 10-6 with Succop providing the two field goals needed to keep the game close.
In the second half the Chiefs found their source of big plays. After rushing for three yards on six carries last week, Jamaal Charles had a breakout week, reminding people of his 2010 campaign. The former Texas track star sliced through holes hard and fast and when he got into the open he used that track speed well. He ran for 233 yards and also had 55 yards receiving and a touchdown.
The defense was impressive in the second half. An interception by the newly acquired Stanford Routt (our first of the season) halted what looked like a scoring drive, and the emergence of the young Justin Houston was a huge bright spot. Houston accounted for three of the team's four sacks on the day, including one safety that completely flipped the momentum of the game and brought the game within a field goal.
After Mr. Irrelevant, Succop, kicked his fifth field goal in regulation the game was tied entering overtime. After a few drives by both teams, that all resulted in punts, the Chiefs finally got back into field goal range. Mr. Irrelevant put his sixth three-pointer through the uprights for the win as the Chiefs finally got their first win and handed the Saints their third "bounty era" loss.
Players of the Game:
Chiefs
Offense - Jamaal Charles. He looked fast, quick, and determined after a feeble effort against the Bills. He accounted for 288 total yards and the Chiefs only touchdown (a 91 yard run) as we relied heavily on Succop and the defense for the rest of our scoring.
Defense - Justin Houston. The second year outside linebacker had a breakout game with three sacks and a safety. Drew Brees felt him all day.
Saints
Darren Sproles - The little, big play machine, was just that for the Saints. He had two long kick returns, as well as two long runs and a few short receptions. He always seems to be there when he's needed.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Monday, September 17, 2012
Week 2 - Embarrassing
First of all, I apologize for not making my prediction for the game this week. Rest assured there will be one this week.
However, it's a good thing I didn't make a prediction because I would have be completely incorrect. After watching the Buffalo Bills get torched by a Jet's team, who's biggest off-season acquisition was a punt protector, I was expecting the Chiefs who, on paper, have a MUCH better offense to do the same. I don't mean to be a pessimist but there was literally not a single encouraging thing that happened in the game.
The offensive line couldn't block which meant we couldn't run or throw the ball. After a fairly impressive week one, Jamaal Charles had just three yards on six carries. Some people may say, "But Matt Cassel threw for over 300 yards and had two touchdowns!" While the numbers may look decent, the performance was not at all. Most of that yardage and both touchdowns came against the NFL equivalent of the Bills' JV team. Not only did we not perform but Kevin Boss, who seemed to have a connection with Cassel, and Jamaal Charles left the game with injuries. Charles play sporadically when needed but Boss was not able to return with an apparent head injury.
Two of the three starters that were out last week (Brandon Flowers, Tamba Hali, and Kendrick Lewis) returned in week two. Brandon Flowers played okay, only allowing one catch over ten yards, but Tamba Hali's return was just sad. He was easily blocked and most of the time you weren't even aware he was on the field. With Lewis still out Abram Elam started again, and once again disappointed with his coverage skills, especially in the red zone. Everyone played poorly, but one person stood out to me. Derrick Johnson, my favorite defensive player for the Chiefs, looked pathetic. He got driven backwards by offensive linemen multiple times, failing to get off of blocks, and leaving huge holes in the second level of the D. I expect a much better game from him next week.
The Bills ran over, around, and through us all day with a backup running back. With pro-bowler Fred Jackson injured CJ Spiller came in for the second week in a row and embarrassed the Chiefs. He had 170 total yards and two touchdowns, mostly in the first half. The final score was 35-17 but anyone watching knows it was much worse than the final indicates.
Players of the Game :
Bills: CJ Spiller - The backup had 170 total yards and was most of the Bill's offense, accounting for their first two touchdowns and a deflated Chiefs defense.
Chiefs: Peyton Hillis - Since I have to pick someone I guess I'll pick him. While he didn't have great stats he did have one run that impressed me in particular. He ran over Terrence McGee and almost took his helmet off twice with two violent stiff-arms. I love his toughness and violence he runs with even if it only gains eight yards.
However, it's a good thing I didn't make a prediction because I would have be completely incorrect. After watching the Buffalo Bills get torched by a Jet's team, who's biggest off-season acquisition was a punt protector, I was expecting the Chiefs who, on paper, have a MUCH better offense to do the same. I don't mean to be a pessimist but there was literally not a single encouraging thing that happened in the game.
The offensive line couldn't block which meant we couldn't run or throw the ball. After a fairly impressive week one, Jamaal Charles had just three yards on six carries. Some people may say, "But Matt Cassel threw for over 300 yards and had two touchdowns!" While the numbers may look decent, the performance was not at all. Most of that yardage and both touchdowns came against the NFL equivalent of the Bills' JV team. Not only did we not perform but Kevin Boss, who seemed to have a connection with Cassel, and Jamaal Charles left the game with injuries. Charles play sporadically when needed but Boss was not able to return with an apparent head injury.
Two of the three starters that were out last week (Brandon Flowers, Tamba Hali, and Kendrick Lewis) returned in week two. Brandon Flowers played okay, only allowing one catch over ten yards, but Tamba Hali's return was just sad. He was easily blocked and most of the time you weren't even aware he was on the field. With Lewis still out Abram Elam started again, and once again disappointed with his coverage skills, especially in the red zone. Everyone played poorly, but one person stood out to me. Derrick Johnson, my favorite defensive player for the Chiefs, looked pathetic. He got driven backwards by offensive linemen multiple times, failing to get off of blocks, and leaving huge holes in the second level of the D. I expect a much better game from him next week.
The Bills ran over, around, and through us all day with a backup running back. With pro-bowler Fred Jackson injured CJ Spiller came in for the second week in a row and embarrassed the Chiefs. He had 170 total yards and two touchdowns, mostly in the first half. The final score was 35-17 but anyone watching knows it was much worse than the final indicates.
Players of the Game :
Bills: CJ Spiller - The backup had 170 total yards and was most of the Bill's offense, accounting for their first two touchdowns and a deflated Chiefs defense.
Chiefs: Peyton Hillis - Since I have to pick someone I guess I'll pick him. While he didn't have great stats he did have one run that impressed me in particular. He ran over Terrence McGee and almost took his helmet off twice with two violent stiff-arms. I love his toughness and violence he runs with even if it only gains eight yards.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Week 1 - Firepower
The Atlanta Falcons' offense will be one of the top five offenses in the NFL this season. While the Chiefs may have been missing several key defensive players (Kendrick Lewis, Brandon Flowers, and Tamba Hali) the Falcons torched our D through the air in the first half, and in the second half just did whatever they wanted.
We put up a pretty good fight in the first half with Jamaal Charles ripping off a couple long runs and Matt Cassel looking like he did when he played for the Patriots, slinging the ball around finding multiple receivers all over the field. The biggest surprise in the game to me was Dexter McCluster. Cassel and "Run DMC" seemed to have found a connection over the offseason as he looked for him anytime he was in trouble. That seemed to be a good idea because McCluster came up clutch on third down several times, breaking tackles and juking defenders, doing whatever he had to do, to get the first down.
The second half was a whole different story. The offense stalled, not only losing the ability to move the ball, but all also losing the ability to take care of the ball. Cassel turned the ball over three times with two picks and a fumble. The Falcons took advantage of them scoring points off of all them.
Any Chiefs fan that watched the Mizzou game the day before saw almost two identical performances from their Missouri teams. Both held their own against a superior team until it was crunch time. The better team is always decided late in games. The Falcons hopefully gave the Chiefs a wake-up call with a 40-24 shellacking.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Preseason Week 4 - Smashmouth
The starters for both the Chiefs and Packers only played a few drives but it did show me a little bit of what I think we've been lacking in recent years. When looking at some of the best teams in the NFL over the past 50 years like the 49ers, Steelers, and recently the Ravens, you notice one thing: they won't back down from anyone. They look to impose their will both offensively and defensively and, most of the time, do just that.
Last night the Chiefs started the game with 9 consecutive running plays from three different running backs. After two first downs the drive eventually stalled and ended with a field goal but seeing the prospective "thunder and lightning" idea play out as planned was nice to see. Jamal Charles put his speed on display after returning from tearing his ACL last year was encouraging, and watching Peyton Hillis run through and over defenders provided the old school feel.
As if seeing the White Rhino (Hillis) truck people wasn't refreshing enough, seeing Nate Eachus continue what he started last week just added to my excitement. Last week I commented that Eachus may struggle to make the final roster of 53 players but this week it seemed that he was the third string running back and had a good chance of not only making the team, but playing in the regular season.
I hope that what we saw out of the Chiefs continues over the course of the season, because I think the ability to impose your will on the other team is a very important aspect of almost every good team in the NFL. When a team can consistently challenge your defense by running the ball down your throat it's very hard to not get demoralized. If it does continue, which would be harder against a better run defense like the Broncos, I think we have a decent chance of winning our division in 2013.
Last night the Chiefs started the game with 9 consecutive running plays from three different running backs. After two first downs the drive eventually stalled and ended with a field goal but seeing the prospective "thunder and lightning" idea play out as planned was nice to see. Jamal Charles put his speed on display after returning from tearing his ACL last year was encouraging, and watching Peyton Hillis run through and over defenders provided the old school feel.
As if seeing the White Rhino (Hillis) truck people wasn't refreshing enough, seeing Nate Eachus continue what he started last week just added to my excitement. Last week I commented that Eachus may struggle to make the final roster of 53 players but this week it seemed that he was the third string running back and had a good chance of not only making the team, but playing in the regular season.
I hope that what we saw out of the Chiefs continues over the course of the season, because I think the ability to impose your will on the other team is a very important aspect of almost every good team in the NFL. When a team can consistently challenge your defense by running the ball down your throat it's very hard to not get demoralized. If it does continue, which would be harder against a better run defense like the Broncos, I think we have a decent chance of winning our division in 2013.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Preseason Week 3 - Game of Inches
In the Chiefs third preseason game they showed flashes of what the team should be built on, as well as a lot of what has kept them from being consistent and winning a playoff game since 1993. Bad field position was the main culprit tonight. It seemed like the Seahawks started every drive on their own forty leaving the defense helpless with its back almost immediately against the red zone.
The first quarter was pathetic offensively but fairly impressive defensively considering how often and quickly they were on the field. The first drive set the tone for the rest of the night with three consecutive negative plays, including a sack on third down, followed by a punt from inside their own 20. Anytime you find yourself punting from there you're inevitably going to give the other team the advantage. As a defensive player myself, I know that it is hard to stay in the mindset of keeping them from scoring when they only need 20 to 30 yards to be in field goal range. However, the defense did do a good job in the first quarter, allowing only two mid-range 3 pointers. The offense had only 3 yards.
The second quarter saw the momentum shift as the defense became visibly gassed, which lead to some embarrassingly undiciplined play. Rookie QB Russell Wilson took advantage of the D completely losing containment with 31 and 27 yard runs on back-to-back drives. The exhaustion became very clear as - after some shoddy tackling on a run by rookie Robert Turbin (93 yards and a TD) - Wilson rushed them to the line and found a wide open Kellen Winslow in the end zone. The Chiefs looked lost and ready to get off the field. The very next drive was more of the same with two roughing the passer penalties on Tamba Hali and three long passes. With the exception of one long drive, on which Cassel methodically moved the team down the field with short completions. The offense was mostly to blame for the performance of both themselves and the defense with only 102 yards.
At the half, the game was already decided and following a fumble and interception from Cassel on the first two drives, and a terrible first drive by the defense the backups entered. Anyone watching the game learned a new name in Nate Eachus. While he may struggle to make the final cut down to 53 players next week he was the only shining star in this game. In the backfield he ran hard and finished every run right with two hands on the ball and his pads down. He ended the game with 98 yards and a touchdown right before time expired with a final score of 44 to 14. While we are deep at the running back position, I would be disappointed to see him go. As he jogged to the sideline and sat on the bench, you could see the excitement and it looked like that was one of the greatest moments of his life.
Follow him on twitter @Nate_Eachus
Picture by standardspeaker.com
The first quarter was pathetic offensively but fairly impressive defensively considering how often and quickly they were on the field. The first drive set the tone for the rest of the night with three consecutive negative plays, including a sack on third down, followed by a punt from inside their own 20. Anytime you find yourself punting from there you're inevitably going to give the other team the advantage. As a defensive player myself, I know that it is hard to stay in the mindset of keeping them from scoring when they only need 20 to 30 yards to be in field goal range. However, the defense did do a good job in the first quarter, allowing only two mid-range 3 pointers. The offense had only 3 yards.
The second quarter saw the momentum shift as the defense became visibly gassed, which lead to some embarrassingly undiciplined play. Rookie QB Russell Wilson took advantage of the D completely losing containment with 31 and 27 yard runs on back-to-back drives. The exhaustion became very clear as - after some shoddy tackling on a run by rookie Robert Turbin (93 yards and a TD) - Wilson rushed them to the line and found a wide open Kellen Winslow in the end zone. The Chiefs looked lost and ready to get off the field. The very next drive was more of the same with two roughing the passer penalties on Tamba Hali and three long passes. With the exception of one long drive, on which Cassel methodically moved the team down the field with short completions. The offense was mostly to blame for the performance of both themselves and the defense with only 102 yards.
At the half, the game was already decided and following a fumble and interception from Cassel on the first two drives, and a terrible first drive by the defense the backups entered. Anyone watching the game learned a new name in Nate Eachus. While he may struggle to make the final cut down to 53 players next week he was the only shining star in this game. In the backfield he ran hard and finished every run right with two hands on the ball and his pads down. He ended the game with 98 yards and a touchdown right before time expired with a final score of 44 to 14. While we are deep at the running back position, I would be disappointed to see him go. As he jogged to the sideline and sat on the bench, you could see the excitement and it looked like that was one of the greatest moments of his life.
Follow him on twitter @Nate_Eachus
Picture by standardspeaker.com
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