Ten Things About Last Night's Game

[gblowfish]

Ten Things About Last Night's Game
(Greetings from the Cube Farm) Everybody look busy, it's a work day....

10. You didn't expect them to go undefeated, did you? Yesterday's game day routine was different, because of the Sunday Night game. I got up, cleaned up the garage, tried to rake leaves, but the prevailing 40 mph wind gusts kept blowing the neighbor's leaves into my yard, and blew my Chiefs flag right off the flagpole. That was not a good sign. Neither was Peeholi showing up on the NBC pre-game show. Asking Peeholi for insight into the 2013 Chiefs is like asking Ike Turner how to stop domestic violence. I was pretty much Peyton'ed out by NBC, so I turned on Lenny and Mitch, and of course, drank every time Lenny said "penetration." That certainly took the edge off.

9. Nothing like coming out and playing with your nut sack in your throat. Brandon Albert, who is allegedly our most gifted and experienced lineman, jumps offside on the very first play. He continually leaves his man upright the entire game, and gives up multiple batted balls at the line of scrimmage. Sad thing is, he had the best game on the entire front line. Denver's defensive front won the match up, hands down. They had three sacks and multiple batted balls. Mister first pick Fisher remains a maddening enigma. He held Von Miller in check, but then lost to everyone else who lined up on him. He got torched especially bad by Wolfe, giving up a crucial 16-yard sack to knock KC out of field goal range. Phillips beat every KC lineman he lined up against. By far, KC's offensive line was the weak link in the match up. Our offensive line play has gotten worse over the past three weeks, and that is worrisome. If there is a silver lining, it seems as if when they brought in Schwartz and Stephenson in the fourth quarter, they didn't play any worse than the guys they replaced. They may be better players anyway.

8. Receivers also came out with their nuts in their throat. Avery drops a big ball early. Charles drops one that was a perfectly set up screen. Bowe was targeted fourteen times and only caught four. Charles was targeted eight times, and catches two for a yardage total of negative six yards. Our receivers are poor at getting separation. On the quick slants they are never open. The tight ends tend to do a little better, when Alex Smith doesn't overthrow them. Even the final TD Smith threw was overthrown. He was lucky that Fasano came down in bounds on his hip, or we lose by 17 instead of 10.

7. Alex Smith is looking more Cassel-like week by week. The difference between the two QBs is, Smith can run out of trouble, and Smith doesn't fumble or throw picks. Otherwise, they're basically the same guy. Smith's alleged accuracy is not evident. He tends to overthrow, which means he's having to get rid of the ball fast, and is not stepping into the throw. Very seldom does he have a clean pocket with no pressure, and when he does, his receivers can't separate. Bottom line is, KC lacks skill position players that can be game changers. When Dexter McMidget is your leading receiver, that's a problem.

6. If you want to look through rose colored glasses, Smith threw twice as many TD's as Manning. Manning threw for 100 more yards, but 70 of that was when Cooper got torched by Thomas. The main difference was, Manning was rarely under pressure to unload, where Smith was constantly under pressure to unload. Smith took a couple of sacks that were unnecessary. Usually he's good at unloading the ball and avoiding sacks, but he ate a couple that were on him.

5. Peyton Manning is basically the 2013 version of John Elway. All those years we matched up against Horse Face, the prevailing wisdom was, if you settle for field goals against Elway, you will lose. Same is true with Manning. When you are first and goal from the two, and end up settling for a field goal, you are going to lose. And, if you have first and goal from the two, and can't punch it in, you DESERVE to lose. There's some second guessing we can do with some of Andy's decisions as well. Why not kick off to Denver to start the game? That way, you put the defense on the field, let them establish themselves and deny Manning an additional possession in the second half, when he seems to hit his stride? Why are you punting when down two scores in the fourth quarter with the clock under ten minutes? Why are you only giving Charles 16 carries when he clearly isn't getting it done in the passing game? The challenge on Fasano's TD was a good decision. Reid seems to be wise in his challenge choices.

4. Hali and Poe should be ashamed of themselves. They were owned. Period. Poe was better on run support, but both guys only had three tackles each and put no real pressure on Manning all night long. Houston led the team in tackles, so he was active, and got some pressure on Manning a couple times. But zero sacks will not get it done against an elite QB. More worrisome, KC now has had only one sack in their last three games. Pressure on the QB is a huge part of the winning formula to this point, and if that is taken away by opposing offenses, we can expect more losses.

3. The fumble trade off was unfortunate. The sad thing was, at the point in the game where Denver fumbled, if KC can sustain a drive, they're right back into the thick of the game. I don't really fault Sherman for fumbling. He got blasted hard twice on that play, held the ball on the first blast then lost it on the second blast. We shouldn't be reduced to having to throw passes to the fullback to move the ball anyway. If our wide receivers were more reliable, we wouldn't have to use Sherman in that fashion. Right after that play, Manning hits on one of the few long passes of the night, suckering a rookie (Cooper) and flipping the field. Then we're down by two possessions, which was the case for most of the evening. I guess the silver lining is, Cooper played pretty well after that, until he allowed Decker to get a big first down by the nose hair of the football -icing the game in the fourth quarter.

2. Vegas had Denver as an eight point favorite, and we lost by ten. If Denver doesn't miss a field goal because of a low snap, they hang thirty on us. This game was never close, and Denver controlled the game from the very beginning. All in all, except for lack of pass rush, the defense didn't play that bad. Giving up 27 in Denver is not bad. Denver averaged less than three yards per rushing play, and that's good run defense. Starting the second half, the defense got three straight three and outs on Manning. Our offense did nothing with the opportunity. Bottom line is, Denver was just better on this night, and deserved to win. And for their efforts, they are now tied with us for the lead in the AFC West with a road game to New England staring them in the face. Let's hope the Hoodie beats them, and beats them up before the rematch in Arrowhead.

1. Last night I was dozing off to some of the post game shows. This game went about the way I expected it to, but it was amusing to listen to the Chicken Little's screaming about Smith, and Reid, and Dorsey not going after Tony Gonzalez at the trade deadline, and we're going to get exposed in the playoffs, and this team is a fraud and blah blah blah. One year ago, The Chiefs were 1-10 after losing at home to the Bengals 28-6. Quinn was our QB, Moeaki was our leading receiver. That was the infamous "Blackout" game. A year later, the team is 9-1, tied for first in the AFC West, battling for the division and home field advantage in the playoffs. With Denver having to go to New England, and then to Arrowhead, it's not out of the question that they could lose both of those games. Now is the time to focus, and focus hard, on San Diego and Phyllis Rivers. Last year KC lost at Arrowhead to Rivers 37-20. Time to make that right, because if we don't win Sunday, what happens against Denver the week after doesn't matter nearly as much.

Game pictures from the Star are here:
http://www.kansascity.com/2013/11/17...mile-high.html

[Pablo]

Originally Posted by bricks

I think Smiths yard per completion are low mainly because of the system itself.

Remember, this a west coast style of offense that revolves around a short passing game. Because he is so accustomed and dependent on throwing short, his yards per completion suffers. That is my guess.

But that is fine. The yards per completion stuff doesn't really bother me. All I care about is execution really. If he is going to throw short, I want our receivers to execute. In the end, that is all that matters anyway.

And this system is ****ing awful so far. When you're throwing passes behind the LOS with 3 minutes left and a huge deficit; then you're just going through the motions out there.

Alex actually took some pretty good shots down field in this game. That back shoulder throw to Avery in the first was his best throw yet as a Chief. But overall; his lack of accuracy, our WR's inability to catch or separate, a porous OL, and a neutered offensive scheme won't beat the Broncos, Saints, or the Patriots.

[bricks]

Originally Posted by Buehler445

One thing I forgot to mention, and I'm surprised it didn't make the list, but I was ecstatic about Flowers' flat out nasty attitude towards dealing with Welker.

That's awesome. Welker doesn't like to take hits, so hit him, even if the play is away from him, jack him up. The damn game is too soft on the WRs anyway, so rough him up. Make him know you're there. Welker has started sliding like a pussy on some plays anyway. I love that strategy. And for the most part, Welker didn't really burn us too bad. He had one where he punked flowers and one where they ran a really nice pick play (for once not an illegal one) for a first, but Welker was quiet for the most part. 8 for 72 no TDs isn't bad.

I like that these guys are nasty. Especially in the age where they all try to be friends. I'm not really in favor of dirty or trying to hurt people, but that doesn't mean we have to make it comfortable.

It was kind of surprising to see Flowers jacking him up away from the play like that since not many players do that anymore, but I like it. Get in that little honkey's head.

This.

I loved the nastiness Flowers brought in yesterdays game.

Defense is all about attitude. Being nasty and getting in guys faces is part of the overall character of defense. Thats what I like to see, but in this day and age, especially last night I thought there just isn't enough of it going on anymore.

[Rain Man]

Does anyone else wonder sometimes if there were really only eight things about the game, and we're getting fed some filler? Or that there were twelve and we're getting shortchanged?

[Sorter]

Originally Posted by Rain Man

Does anyone else wonder sometimes if there were really only eight things about the game, and we're getting fed some filler? Or that there were twelve and we're getting shortchanged?

Conspiracy Keanu does.

[scho63]

Originally Posted by gblowfish

Ten Things About Last Night's Game
(Greetings from the Cube Farm) Everybody look busy, it's a work day....

10. You didn't expect them to go undefeated, did you? 40 mph wind gusts kept blowing the neighbor's leaves into my yard, and blew my Chiefs flag right off the flagpole. That was not a good sign. Neither was Peeholi showing up on the NBC pre-game show. Asking Peeholi for insight into the 2013 Chiefs is like asking Ike Turner how to stop domestic violence.

I had this game as a likely loss with a little hope for a miracle. when I saw Peeholi's mug on TV, I knew we were jinxed.

9. Nothing like coming out and playing with your nut sack in your throat. Brandon Albert, who is allegedly our most gifted and experienced lineman, jumps offside on the very first play. Mister first pick Fisher remains a maddening enigma. If there is a silver lining, it seems as if when they brought in Schwartz and Stephenson in the fourth quarter
After the bye week, I had a feeling they would have a lot of nervous energy and pent up aggression but I didn't expect the first play and drive to be such a clusterf***! Our O-line seems to have peaked in week 1 and the injuries to Fisher and Asamoah brought in the backups, who played better IMHO.

8. Receivers-Avery drops-Charles drops-Bowe targeted fourteen caught four. Our receivers are poor at getting separation.
DROPS, DROPS, DROPS, AND MORE DROPS!!!
I keep repeating this is in all the other threads but our receivers look like they are running in quicksand. Bowe was so sloooooww across the middle and Cromartie was in his pocket the whole game. Alex Smith needs to start showing some anger at these guys for these drops-they are KILLING us. I wish we just had AJ Jenkins run a post or something.

7. Alex Smith is looking more Cassel-like week by week.
I'm going to disagree with you on this one. While he is no Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers or any of the other elite QBs, he is a ton better than Cassel. People keep picking on Smith's arm strength but I don't see it. His accuracy has slipped but he is also having piss poor protection. If he had the protection that Manning had last night, he would have had a much better game and he can't make the catches for our stupid receivers. They are killing his stats.

6. Smith took a couple of sacks that were unnecessary. Usually he's good at unloading the ball and avoiding sacks, but he ate a couple that were on him.
He had 4 or more seconds on a two of those sacks-he can't expect an unlimited time limit to unload a pass. The one that took us out of FG range was a killer.

5. Peyton Manning is basically the 2013 version of John Elway. If you settle for field goals against Elway, you will lose. Why not kick off to Denver to start the game? Why are you punting when down two scores in the fourth quarter with the clock under ten minutes? Why are you only giving Charles 16 carries when he clearly isn't getting it done in the passing game? The challenge on Fasano's TD was a good decision. Reid seems to be wise in his challenge choices.

• I think Reid didn't want Manning to come out and immediately score on the first drive and have the crowd dominate the game with the Chiefs on their heels.
• Not only did we punt, we punted in pretty good field position and Colquitt SUCKED last night. I think it netted 28 yards.
• Charles seemed lost last night-not sure why.
• Reid has only lost one challenge I think-he is excellent with it.

4. Hali and Poe were owned. But zero sacks will not get it done against an elite QB. More worrisome, KC now has had only one sack in their last three games.
Sutton needs to change things up. Denver formed a very tight pocket on their pass plays and with Manning getting rid of the ball in 2-2.5 seconds, we had little chance. We didn't hit Manning ONCE, which is stunning to me.

3. The fumble trade off was unfortunate. Cooper played pretty well after that, until he allowed Decker to get a big first down by the nose hair of the football -icing the game in the fourth quarter.
That fumble was like a stab in the heart of the defense and it seemed to give them energy and deflate us-then Manning hits the pass to Thomas over Cooper and it's off to the races.
I still don't think Decker got the first down and that is a STUPID rule when you are 2 feet out of bounds and THEN you stick the ball out. I call bullshit on the refs there. Bad call IMHO.

2. Bottom line is, Denver was just better on this night, and deserved to win. Road game to New England staring them in the face. Let's hope the Hoodie beats them, and beats them up before the rematch in Arrowhead.
They sure did outplay us in all facets of the game yet we still had so many chances, especially at the start of the 3rd QTR when we got three 3 and outs against Manning but our offense shit the bed as usual!
I'm going to be rooting for Tom Brady and sending Giselle Bundchen some money to make sure Tom is well taken cafe of!

1. One year ago, The Chiefs were 1-10 after losing at home to the Bengals 28-6. Quinn was our QB, Moeaki was our leading receiver. That was the infamous "Blackout" game. A year later, the team is 9-1, tied for first in the AFC West, battling for the division and home field advantage in the playoffs.

I'm going to enjoy this as much as possible and realize our limitations on offense so I don't expect too much. If we achieve ANYTHING in the playoffs, I will consider it a success. I would love to get to the Super Bowl but when I look at playing New England in their place or Denver in Mile High, I realize our limitations. I'm not afraid of the Bengals or Colts.....

Game pictures from the Star are here:
http://www.kansascity.com/2013/11/17...mile-high.html

When I first logged onto CP this morning and didn't see your Ten Things, I got nervous and upset. Don't tease me like that as it's the only reason I can stomach a loss!

Another fine write up with a nice variety of valid points Gblowfish!

[Easy 6]

Nailed it once again gb, Smith had a few muffs but overall i put this on the O line and receivers, both units suck serious ass.

Maybe Andy Heck should start coaching in Canada or something, the guy sucks and i've never liked him.

[rabblerouser]

Originally Posted by Pablo

And this system is ****ing awful so far. When you're throwing passes behind the LOS with 3 minutes left and a huge deficit; then you're just going through the motions out there.

Alex actually took some pretty good shots down field in this game. That back shoulder throw to Avery in the first was his best throw yet as a Chief. But overall; his lack of accuracy, our WR's inability to catch or separate, a porous OL, and a neutered offensive scheme won't beat the Broncos, Saints, or the Patriots.

exactly what I said in the 'bandwagon' thread...but I really think it's Reid and Pederson who need to nut up and start slinging the ball.

this bs about using the pass as an 'extended handoff' and controlling the field w/short passes is fine against the Oaklands, Houstons, J-villes, Buffalos and Clevelands of the world.

Not against the Pats, Saints, Broncos, etc.

gotta nut up and strike deep.

[Rain Man]

Originally Posted by Sorter

Conspiracy Keanu does.

What is the 11th thing, Gblowfish? WHAT IS THE 11TH THING?

[Sorter]

Originally Posted by Rain Man

What is the 11th thing, Gblowfish? WHAT IS THE 11TH THING?

[bricks]

Originally Posted by Pablo

And this system is ****ing awful so far. When you're throwing passes behind the LOS with 3 minutes left and a huge deficit; then you're just going through the motions out there.

Alex actually took some pretty good shots down field in this game. That back shoulder throw to Avery in the first was his best throw yet as a Chief. But overall; his lack of accuracy, our WR's inability to catch or separate, a porous OL, and a neutered offensive scheme won't beat the Broncos, Saints, or the Patriots.

You've just pretty much summed up our offense and the reason we won't succeed in a nutshell.

Im not a big fan of this system either. It is what it is and it will be here for a while. It's tough to accept but we have no other choice. Im trying to be optimistic by being hopeful.

I hope we get some more skilled players/playmakers on offense because it is clear, like george said, we don't have enough of those. if we could do that, everything else will take care of itself.

[InChiefsHeaven]

Was anyone else surprised by the amount of laundry thrown against the Donks? I was pleasantly surprised. The Refs seemed to call a pretty good game, I didn't see anything that was total BS. They did miss a hold against Hali, the commentators even mentioned it, but they always miss those.

They got flagged at least 3 times for holding on the receivers, which tells me that they were being seriously physically aggressive. Perhaps another reason why we looked so slow, because they were jamming and hitting our receivers who could not overcome that.

Their Defense was a lot better than anticipated. Looks like the Donks are coming on at the right time for them in all phases. We'll see what happens down the road, but the way they pretty much handled the Chiefs all night...doesn't bode well for KC.

[Groves]

Here's an idea for fan confidence, in addition to the the obvious ones like "catch balls", and "score points":

Don't muff the opening kickoff. In some aborigine cultures, that decides the entire game.

[ThaVirus]

I felt the no-calls on the Hali holds, Demaryius Thomas push off for the big gain, defensive hold on Bowe in a crucial 3rd down situation were total bullshit, as was the DPI called on Flowers in the endzone.

We got one back on Bowe's push off for our first TD.

I won't bitch about officiating in a game where we did everything to beat ourselves.

[Sandy Vagina]

Briefly grinded teeth over the Cassel part, but as always, agreed and enjoyed most of it.

[Straight, No Chaser]

Originally Posted by scott free

Nailed it once again gb, Smith had a few muffs but overall i put this on the O line and receivers, both units suck serious ass.

Maybe Andy Heck should start coaching in Canada or something, the guy sucks and i've never liked him.

After Smiffy looks at the tape, he may realize taking those sacks and not throwing to Jamal when he was matched up against Travathian is not good QB play against anyone