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It did hurt but I'm satisfied with the effort except for one thing. It isn't that Sean Smith wasn't there, but that clearly hurt the team as any suspension does. Can't blame those on the organization. I don't expect perfect play calling and even perfect play or perfect coaching. However, there is one thing about divisional play, with Denver specifically, that KC coaches of all regimes persistently do not prepare for. One of the great things I like about the Marty era was his teams ability to strip the ball. So many times I would say to myself with the game on the line...time for the strip and bingo, there it was. Denver is noticeably more physical against the Chiefs than I've witnessed in virtually all other games. You see this in the way they attack and tackle on every play. Its as if you discover yourself praying there won't be fumble on each play, or simply waiting until there is one...and bingo, there it is. Now I know that coaches preach ball security all the time...but I don't think they convey to the team how Denver uses this strategy, repeatedly, to specifically drain the heart out of our team, more than they do to anybody else. It has become the 'Chiefs' plan for that organization. It goes way, way back. Marty had a Raider plan, the Jets a Miami plan...etc.
This team is a good one and I'm not going to complain. It's the best team we've had in 40 years. Denver played tough but we beat ourselves and the players know it. I still expect this team to win 11 ball games and win in the playoffs. But it still hurts. There is no excuse for a penalty deep in your own territory that gives the opposition 8 chances to get in. Third down penalties are game changers.
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