Chiefs Chiefs' Timid, Depleted Offense Needs to Wake Up Ahead of Divisional Round - Page 21

oaklandhater · 01-09-2016, 08:03 PM

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2...visional-round

n paper, the results from their Saturday Wild Card victory over the Houston Texans indicate that the Kansas City Chiefs are a force to be reckoned with entering the NFL's Divisional playoffs.

The Chiefs, after all, are coming off a 30-0 first-round win, extending their winning streak to 11. On the road against a division winner, that sure looks impressive.

Most lopsided road playoff wins
Year Game
1940 Bears 73, Redskins 0
1968 Colts 34, Browns 0
1987 Vikings 44, Saints 10
2015 Chiefs 30, Texans 0
1975 Cowboys 37, Rams 7
1978 Cowboys 28, Rams 0
1943 Redskins 28, Giants 0
Pro Football Reference

But don't be fooled, because this was the type of game in which the real winners were the rest of Kansas City's competition in the AFC.

The Chiefs were actually extremely lucky that the Texans didn't show up on Saturday.

Houston's best defensive player, J.J. Watt, wasn't a factor even before leaving with a groin injury, the Texans turned the ball over five times, and the Kansas City offense was buoyed by a way-too-easy 106-yard kickoff return to start the game.

Quarterback Alex Smith didn't have to break a sweat.

Against the Denver Broncos or New England Patriots, he won't be so lucky.

The Chiefs offense—which scored two touchdowns against a toothless Texans defense in the second half but went out of its way to keep Houston hanging around before that—lacked energy before and after losing star wide receiver Jeremy Maclin to a knee injury in the third quarter.

That injury looked serious, which means Andy Reid's team—already without stud running back Jamaal Charles and starting center Mitch Morse—may not have its regular-season touchdown leader the rest of the way.

They're not out of hope. Kansas City's opportunistic defense—which ranked third in football in terms of points allowed in the regular season—still had to unwrap the gifts Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer was throwing their way.

According to the ESPN broadcast, this was the first shutout we've had in the playoffs in a decade and the third-most-lopsided playoff road shutout win in NFL history.

Worst home playoff passer ratings this century
Quarterback Year Rating Result
Brian Hoyer 2015 15.9 Lost to Chiefs
Shane Matthews 2001 17.9 Lost to Eagles
Donovan Mcnabb 2003 19.3 Lost to Panthers
Matt Cassel 2010 20.4 Lost to Ravens
Rich Gannon 2000 22.0 Lost to Ravens
Pro Football Reference

But Smith will have to do more next Saturday, and he'll likely have to do it without his only receiver who had more than two touchdowns this season.

Against Houston, especially in the first half, we saw far too many of those overly-conservative, short-of-the-sticks third-down plays the Chiefs have become famous for. And it was a flawed performance beyond that.

Smith missed on a wide-open deep ball that should have been a first-half touchdown and had an uncharacteristic interception in the first quarter, and they also settled for long field goals rather than gambling on 4th-and-1 twice, which actually defies logic and precedents and can cripple an offense under more difficult circumstances.

Next week, they'll undoubtedly face more difficult circumstances.

You'd be crazy to argue that a team that hasn't lost since the middle of October can't rise to that occasion, but Saturday's performance wasn't nearly as impressive as the final score might indicate.

"Confidence and momentum are real", Smith told Evan Washburn on CBS Sports following the game. And on Saturday, confidence and momentum were enough to beat a Texans team that did everything in its power to lose.

The Patriots will likely have more than 112 net passing yards next week, and it's been seven years since New England has turned the ball over as often as Houston did Saturday.

Denver's dominant defense will likely feast on an offense lacking its best two players, and the Broncos have lost just three home playoff games since 1997.

Pick your poison.

Hate to rain on a parade 22 years in the making, but if the depleted Chiefs want to keep rolling and resisting the law of averages, they'll have to be much better in the Divisional Playoffs.

**Baby Lee** · 01-10-2016, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnV

Well those threads are going to come up after all the threads trying to praise Alex

Chicken and egg. If you don't see the trolls incessantly trying to make the case that Alex sucks and we need to completely blow up the offense imnmediately, you're blind.

Given the choice, at least the Alex 'ball washers' are wishing the best for the team.

I disagree that most of them are ONLY fans of Alex, they're just sick to death of the Alex sucks crowd and have ample evidence to counter their arguments.

As for me personally, I defy you to find a stronger proponent of the team oriented approach to success on here. I've been the voice in the wilderness saying, during our early losing streak that talent and Alex weren't our problem, planning and mentality was. I've been the voice saying win however you win. I've been the voice saying embrace your strengths and stop moping about your drawbacks. Your drawbacks are obstacles to overcome, not excuses for failure [or reasons to start over at square one for that matter].

**BigMeatballDave** · 01-10-2016, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnV

Yes, what I'm saying is you guys are all about Alex. Every thing that goes well is because of Alex, everything that doesn't is on everyone else. People are tired of it. Chiefs make all the plays, Alex just doesn't fk up. They willing to give him that credit, but with all the Alex turned it around and Alex is rated higher than these guys, it's like you guys want to turn all the attention back to your boy instead of praising the strength of the team. And i can see why that would make so many turn sour to Alex.

You are not smart.

CapsLockKey · 01-10-2016, 01:26 PM

So is this writer going to write the exact same article about ever other playoff team? I haven't seen GB and Wash play yet, but so far no one else is lighting up scoreboards. It's playoff football, it's difficult to score in the postseason, especially when it's filled with top tier defenses.

BlackOp · 01-10-2016, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdchiefsfan

I've never seen a team so consistent at scoring close to 30 points, but do it in such an unconventional way. Defensive TDs, ST returns, field goals, and the offense occasionally clicks and gets it in. Yes, the offense may stall and sputter, but I'll be damned if we don't get points on the board regardless. I dont think I've seen a more team-oriented team.

That's how NE did it in Brady's first few years...efficient, mistake free football with excellent defense, special teams. It's not flashy...and people that only understand offense dont get it.

stevieray · 01-10-2016, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnV

Quote me saying your defense would lose

Pitting the squads against each other isn't an argument.

Troll.

Offense won
Defense won
ST's won.

**RealSNR** · 01-10-2016, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandy Cheeks

Well that speaks volumes on how impressionable and pitiful these people's opinions really are then. If "your" opinion of a player/coach/etc. is altered because of such external, unrelated factors? Then "your" opinion is shit to begin with.

You're annoying ****ing assholes who tell us how to behave, act, feel, think, and cheer for our team that we've stuck with through a 22-year playoff win drought, while you just showed up a couple years ago because you think the QB we traded for is sexy and a nice guy.

You and your kind will always be turgid pools of diarrhea. As much as you try to assimilate to our forum, you never will be able to because you can't keep your mouth ****ing shut in areas that aren't any of your mother****ing business. That's why everybody ****ing hates you.

JohnV · 01-10-2016, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevieray

Pitting the squads against each other isn't an argument.

Troll.

Offense won
Defense won
ST's won.

Not making an argument, just asking you to support your statement. Where did i say Chiefs would lose?

**Mav** · 01-10-2016, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnV

That's the thing, their opinions aren't altered in any way. They see Alex for what he is. It becomes a problem when you guys get pissed that they don't wanna give Alex unjust credit.

I don't think a single Alex fan did any propping. If you look at who most saw as the MVP of the game was I know my self credited the defense.

temper11 · 01-10-2016, 04:08 PM

Wait... Did I dream the chiefs winning yesterday? Why is everyone so pissed off today?

Duckhunt85 · 01-10-2016, 04:14 PM

What wins you games is a full circle complete team. We are showing that we can have solid special teams, methodical offense, and stellar defense. With all three parts meshing together, it's hard to lose. Someone is always going to point out pieces to get fan bases going but true Chiefs fans understand what we have. Time to go beat those cheaters like we did last year.

**mlyonsd** · 01-10-2016, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by temper11

Wait... Did I dream the chiefs winning yesterday? Why is everyone so pissed off today?

Too many years without a playoff victory makes lots of enemies. I guess. Or something.

milkman · 01-10-2016, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by temper11

Wait... Did I dream the chiefs winning yesterday? Why is everyone so pissed off today?

Because winning doesn't cure stupidity.

**BigRedChief** · 01-10-2016, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Dole

Bob Dole thinks some people here just like to complain.

You should send a PM to Bob Dole. I hear that works.

oaklandhater · 01-16-2016, 05:38 PM

**Baby Lee** · 01-16-2016, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oaklandhater

dumb

FYP

01-09-2016, 08:03 PM
oaklandhater future chiefs fans Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: oakland california Casino cash: $5888993	Chiefs' Timid, Depleted Offense Needs to Wake Up Ahead of Divisional Round http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2...visional-round n paper, the results from their Saturday Wild Card victory over the Houston Texans indicate that the Kansas City Chiefs are a force to be reckoned with entering the NFL's Divisional playoffs. The Chiefs, after all, are coming off a 30-0 first-round win, extending their winning streak to 11. On the road against a division winner, that sure looks impressive. Most lopsided road playoff wins Year Game 1940 Bears 73, Redskins 0 1968 Colts 34, Browns 0 1987 Vikings 44, Saints 10 2015 Chiefs 30, Texans 0 1975 Cowboys 37, Rams 7 1978 Cowboys 28, Rams 0 1943 Redskins 28, Giants 0 Pro Football Reference But don't be fooled, because this was the type of game in which the real winners were the rest of Kansas City's competition in the AFC. The Chiefs were actually extremely lucky that the Texans didn't show up on Saturday. Houston's best defensive player, J.J. Watt, wasn't a factor even before leaving with a groin injury, the Texans turned the ball over five times, and the Kansas City offense was buoyed by a way-too-easy 106-yard kickoff return to start the game. Quarterback Alex Smith didn't have to break a sweat. Against the Denver Broncos or New England Patriots, he won't be so lucky. The Chiefs offense—which scored two touchdowns against a toothless Texans defense in the second half but went out of its way to keep Houston hanging around before that—lacked energy before and after losing star wide receiver Jeremy Maclin to a knee injury in the third quarter. That injury looked serious, which means Andy Reid's team—already without stud running back Jamaal Charles and starting center Mitch Morse—may not have its regular-season touchdown leader the rest of the way. They're not out of hope. Kansas City's opportunistic defense—which ranked third in football in terms of points allowed in the regular season—still had to unwrap the gifts Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer was throwing their way. According to the ESPN broadcast, this was the first shutout we've had in the playoffs in a decade and the third-most-lopsided playoff road shutout win in NFL history. Worst home playoff passer ratings this century Quarterback Year Rating Result Brian Hoyer 2015 15.9 Lost to Chiefs Shane Matthews 2001 17.9 Lost to Eagles Donovan Mcnabb 2003 19.3 Lost to Panthers Matt Cassel 2010 20.4 Lost to Ravens Rich Gannon 2000 22.0 Lost to Ravens Pro Football Reference But Smith will have to do more next Saturday, and he'll likely have to do it without his only receiver who had more than two touchdowns this season. Against Houston, especially in the first half, we saw far too many of those overly-conservative, short-of-the-sticks third-down plays the Chiefs have become famous for. And it was a flawed performance beyond that. Smith missed on a wide-open deep ball that should have been a first-half touchdown and had an uncharacteristic interception in the first quarter, and they also settled for long field goals rather than gambling on 4th-and-1 twice, which actually defies logic and precedents and can cripple an offense under more difficult circumstances. Next week, they'll undoubtedly face more difficult circumstances. You'd be crazy to argue that a team that hasn't lost since the middle of October can't rise to that occasion, but Saturday's performance wasn't nearly as impressive as the final score might indicate. "Confidence and momentum are real", Smith told Evan Washburn on CBS Sports following the game. And on Saturday, confidence and momentum were enough to beat a Texans team that did everything in its power to lose. The Patriots will likely have more than 112 net passing yards next week, and it's been seven years since New England has turned the ball over as often as Houston did Saturday. Denver's dominant defense will likely feast on an offense lacking its best two players, and the Broncos have lost just three home playoff games since 1997. Pick your poison. Hate to rain on a parade 22 years in the making, but if the depleted Chiefs want to keep rolling and resisting the law of averages, they'll have to be much better in the Divisional Playoffs.
Posts: 24,003

01-10-2016, 01:26 PM	#303
CapsLockKey Starter Join Date: Feb 2009 Casino cash: $-1608555	So is this writer going to write the exact same article about ever other playoff team? I haven't seen GB and Wash play yet, but so far no one else is lighting up scoreboards. It's playoff football, it's difficult to score in the postseason, especially when it's filled with top tier defenses.
Posts: 946

01-10-2016, 04:08 PM	#309
temper11 Veteran Join Date: Nov 2013 Casino cash: $10014156	Wait... Did I dream the chiefs winning yesterday? Why is everyone so pissed off today? __________________ **disclaimer. Nothing in this post was meant to offend, or in any way slander the good people of Kansas City or the obviously passionate fans of the KC Chiefs.
Posts: 2,763

01-10-2016, 04:14 PM	#310
Duckhunt85 Rookie Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Kansas City, MO Casino cash: $10000400	What wins you games is a full circle complete team. We are showing that we can have solid special teams, methodical offense, and stellar defense. With all three parts meshing together, it's hard to lose. Someone is always going to point out pieces to get fan bases going but true Chiefs fans understand what we have. Time to go beat those cheaters like we did last year.
Posts: 2

01-16-2016, 05:38 PM	#314
oaklandhater future chiefs fans Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: oakland california Casino cash: $5888993	bump
Posts: 24,003