Chiefs A Broncos blogger's take on the Chiefs

**DaFace** · 09-20-2013, 01:55 PM

http://www.itsalloverfatman.com/bron...as-city-chiefs

Beware the Kansas City Chiefs
Ted Bartlett Sep 20, 2013 3:30 PM

Happy Friday, friends. I still haven’t had the four hours or so necessary to watch the All-22 of the Broncos-Giants game, and then write an article on it. I’m planning to do that tomorrow, so check the site on a Saturday. (I know you all have the capability.) I actually planned to watch the film last night, but I got caught up watching the Chiefs-Eagles game instead.

You’re not going to like this, but I thought it was time that we all came to the realization that the Chiefs are legitimate. Briefly, today, I’ll share some thoughts on this most regrettable of topics.

For Kansas City, it all starts with their ability to play defense, specifically man-to-man coverage on defense. They have two above-average man corners in Brandon Flowers and Sean Smith, and they also have safety Eric Berry, who’s proving to be very capable at covering TEs man-to-man.

When you can play man coverage (like the Broncos can, as well), you get more options tactically than you’d have if your guys could only hold up in zone. If you can play 5-on-5, with one high safety, you’re left with a free guy, to either use as an extra rusher, or as a robber type of player in coverage.

What’s maybe even more impressive about the Chiefs is that they’re getting dominant play off both edges (Justin Houston and Tamba Hali) and on the nose, with the vastly improved Dontari Poe. This Chiefs team can really generate some pressure on the QB, and that dovetails nicely with being able to lock down good receivers outside.

I saw some comments in the Lard today saying that the Chiefs looked like an average team. I don’t agree with that. As I watched them, I thought they looked a good deal like the 2011 49ers, and that team probably should have been in the Super Bowl.

Alex Smith has been doing an excellent job of managing the game, and the Chiefs have zero turnovers through three games. At this point, nobody can say that Smith is a fluke when it comes to protecting the football. In 2011, his interception rate was 1.1%, which led the NFL. In 2012, it was 2.3%, which tied with Matt Ryan for tenth. This year, obviously, it’s zero. He is good at not throwing the ball to the other team.

Smith isn’t really a big play guy, but with the defense Kansas City has, he doesn’t have to be. He can matriculate the ball down the field, and do well enough by getting the ball to the open guy short. He’s also added 115 rushing yards in three games, which is a good amount for a QB.

There’s a way to win in the NFL, by playing good defense (particularly against the pass), and by winning the turnover battle. That’s what the 49ers did the last couple years, and that’s what this year’s Chiefs team is doing.

I said in an email to the other IAOFM guys yesterday that the Chiefs were probably destined to regress to the mean on turnovers, but the more I think about it, the less I think they will. Smith is huge in that regard, as mentioned, but it’s notable that the team has only even fumbled the ball once in three games. (That was credited to Smith.)

Recovering fumbles is random, and highly dependent on luck, but not fumbling the ball isn’t random. It’s a skill, and a discipline, and a coaching priority. So far, it looks like this is another skill that the Chiefs have going for them.

I know what some of you are thinking - they haven't played anybody yet! How do you know? Is it fully clear yet who is a good team and who's a bad team? I'll grant you that Jacksonville is in rough shape this year. Dallas, though, has the talent to compete with anybody in the NFL. The fact that KC's corners mostly won against Dallas's WRs is compelling evidence of the quality of the Chiefs defense. As for Philadelphia, they have pretty good offensive talent too, and their scheme makes that talent a step better. (Admittedly, their defense isn't good.)

I don’t necessarily think that the Chiefs are ready to win a Super Bowl this year, but I do think they’ll give anybody they play a hard time on any given Sunday. To beat their defense, you have to run the ball well, and beat up on their nickel CB with good play from the slot. Philly got them for 260 yards rushing, and 9.3 yards per carry, and it's clear that the Chiefs can still be run on.

To beat their offense, it’s helpful to bottle up the running game, and to keep Smith in long yardage situations. If you let him get to 3rd-and-4 very often, he’s going to beat you. Over the long run of a game, Smith makes up for not being great at drilling the 20-yard deep out by almost always finding the right receiver on 3rd-and-4, and almost always putting the short throw right where it needs to be.

I would say that the Chiefs are probably the second-most impressive team I’ve seen in the AFC so far this season. It’s a credit to Andy Reid, and the smart moves they made, like keeping LT Branden Albert, signing Sean Smith and DE Mike DeVito, trading for Alex Smith, and picking up Donnie Avery (who has skills) off the scrap heap. I think they may have erred in taking RT Eric Fisher first overall (I thought the best players in the class were DT Star Lotulelei and OLB Jarvis Jones), but Fisher is still likely going to be a good player.

It’s early, but we should watch out for the Chiefs. If they can beat Houston at home in Week 7, there’s a pretty good chance we could see 8-0 Kansas City visiting Denver on November 17th (coming off a bye) to play a 9-0 Broncos team. How exciting would that be?

**The Franchise** · 09-20-2013, 01:58 PM

Playing Vick always skews the rushing yards allowed stat.

**ptlyon** · 09-20-2013, 02:00 PM

FFS...

Chiefshrink · 09-21-2013, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pestilence

Playing Vick always skews the rushing yards allowed stat.

Exactly ! 2 McCoy runs and Vick scrambling

But did you see them banging out 5-8 yd runs over and over all game ? NO !

Nobody will run on us this year. This was the only thing I really disagreed with him in this article and I thought he was right on comparing us to the 2011 9ers at this point assuming we keep the injuries to a minimum

milkman · 09-21-2013, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pestilence

Playing Vick always skews the rushing yards allowed stat.

Vick does impact things, but Chip Kelly's offense really subcribes to the orignal design of spread concepts.

Spread the defense and widen gaps to create bigger lanes to run the ball.

The Eagles are going to run the ball on everyone.
Shady McCoy might lead the league in rushing.

Michael Vick, with his inaccuracy as a passer, is actually the weak link and likely the reason that the Eagles will struggle to win games on offense.

Chiefshrink · 09-21-2013, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman

Vick does impact things, but Chip Kelly's offense really subcribes to the orignal design of spread concepts.

Spread the defense and widen gaps to create bigger lanes to run the ball.

The Eagles are going to run the ball on everyone.
Shady McCoy might lead the league in rushing.

Michael Vick, with his inaccuracy as a passer, is actually the weak link and likely the reason that the Eagles will struggle to win games on offense.

This and especially Vick being the weak link !! I never felt once a bit of anxiety about Vick because you knew he was going to turn it over at some point at the worst time.

**AustinChief** · 09-20-2013, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaFace

As I watched them, I thought they looked a good deal like the 2011 49ers

A buddy (who is not at all a Chiefs fan) texted me this exact same thing during the game.

The one part of this blog I disagree on is the "Chiefs can be run on" bit. Sure VICK can run on us, but that's really it. I think we'll continue to dominate on rush D when playing teams that don't have a running QB.

**Mav** · 09-20-2013, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AustinChief

A buddy (who is not at all a Chiefs fan) texted me this exact same thing during the game.

The one part of this blog I disagree on is the "Chiefs can be run on" bit. Sure VICK can run on us, but that's really it. I think we'll continue to dominate on rush D when playing teams that don't have a running QB.

Geeeeee.

Ill get crushed for beating my chest here, and im not really, but that's the exact thing that I said that bringing in Sutton, and Alex Smith was going to do for the chiefs. They were shaping up to be exactly like them.

And they are. id even wager at this point of the season, this defense looks a HELL of a lot better than sf's at that same point.

Ceej · 09-20-2013, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mavericks Ace

Geeeeee.

Ill get crushed for beating my chest here, and im not really, but that's the exact thing that I said that bringing in Sutton, and Alex Smith was going to do for the chiefs. They were shaping up to be exactly like them.

And they are. id even wager at this point of the season, this defense looks a HELL of a lot better than sf's at that same point.

Thanks Mecca.

**Mav** · 09-20-2013, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ceej

Thanks Mecca.

Awww, now im a know it all because I explained how things were shaping up to work out by the moves that were made, and people trashed thrashed and degraded me?

Now, im not allowed to point out that I was actually NOT trolling, and was trying to be informative?

Cool.

I didn't know that with as much shit as I took for trying to be positive about the Chiefs, that when it all blew back and hit those same dudes in the faces, that I wasn't allowed to say shit about it.

My bad......

**Easy 6** · 09-20-2013, 03:00 PM

That was a well reasoned piece, if things keep up like this our rivalry will have teeth again.

Ceej · 09-20-2013, 03:00 PM

"I'm not trying to pound my chest, but let me pound my chest."

GTFO.

Beef Supreme · 09-20-2013, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AustinChief

A buddy (who is not at all a Chiefs fan) texted me this exact same thing during the game.

The one part of this blog I disagree on is the "Chiefs can be run on" bit. Sure VICK can run on us, but that's really it. I think we'll continue to dominate on rush D when playing teams that don't have a running QB.

I agree, but I am content to let the Broncos think they can run on us.

T-post Tom · 09-21-2013, 12:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AustinChief

A buddy (who is not at all a Chiefs fan) texted me this exact same thing during the game.

The one part of this blog I disagree on is the "Chiefs can be run on" bit. Sure VICK can run on us, but that's really it. I think we'll continue to dominate on rush D when playing teams that don't have a running QB.

Yeppers. Peyton "Fivehead" Manning isn't going to run for 99 yards on anyone.

**Mav** · 09-21-2013, 01:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassel>Manning

Last time we played them we won 38-3 and Brock played the last few series. I wouldn't say it's out of the question, even if KC's defense is improved

Oh cool. Gonna bring that up? Unless Romeo, and Pioli, drug Reid, and Dorsey, and take control, that's about as relevant as me saying I could play qb better than any of the qbs for the chiefs last year.

Quote:

Originally Posted by vailpass

I see your point but 90 points in 2 games is impressive.

Of course it is. One problem. Clady is gone. Second problem. The Chiefs aren't going to commit the fatal flaw that both the Giants, and Ravens tried.

They tried to play scoreboard with the Broncos. The Chiefs, wont try to play score board, they will play keep away. Broncos cant score if they don't have the ball.....

Very few teams, are going to go toe to toe with the Broncos if that is the plan.

09-20-2013, 01:55 PM	Topic Starter
DaFace Kind of a mod Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Donkey Land Casino cash: $2036899	A Broncos blogger's take on the Chiefs http://www.itsalloverfatman.com/bron...as-city-chiefs Beware the Kansas City Chiefs Ted Bartlett Sep 20, 2013 3:30 PM Happy Friday, friends. I still haven’t had the four hours or so necessary to watch the All-22 of the Broncos-Giants game, and then write an article on it. I’m planning to do that tomorrow, so check the site on a Saturday. (I know you all have the capability.) I actually planned to watch the film last night, but I got caught up watching the Chiefs-Eagles game instead. You’re not going to like this, but I thought it was time that we all came to the realization that the Chiefs are legitimate. Briefly, today, I’ll share some thoughts on this most regrettable of topics. For Kansas City, it all starts with their ability to play defense, specifically man-to-man coverage on defense. They have two above-average man corners in Brandon Flowers and Sean Smith, and they also have safety Eric Berry, who’s proving to be very capable at covering TEs man-to-man. When you can play man coverage (like the Broncos can, as well), you get more options tactically than you’d have if your guys could only hold up in zone. If you can play 5-on-5, with one high safety, you’re left with a free guy, to either use as an extra rusher, or as a robber type of player in coverage. What’s maybe even more impressive about the Chiefs is that they’re getting dominant play off both edges (Justin Houston and Tamba Hali) and on the nose, with the vastly improved Dontari Poe. This Chiefs team can really generate some pressure on the QB, and that dovetails nicely with being able to lock down good receivers outside. I saw some comments in the Lard today saying that the Chiefs looked like an average team. I don’t agree with that. As I watched them, I thought they looked a good deal like the 2011 49ers, and that team probably should have been in the Super Bowl. Alex Smith has been doing an excellent job of managing the game, and the Chiefs have zero turnovers through three games. At this point, nobody can say that Smith is a fluke when it comes to protecting the football. In 2011, his interception rate was 1.1%, which led the NFL. In 2012, it was 2.3%, which tied with Matt Ryan for tenth. This year, obviously, it’s zero. He is good at not throwing the ball to the other team. Smith isn’t really a big play guy, but with the defense Kansas City has, he doesn’t have to be. He can matriculate the ball down the field, and do well enough by getting the ball to the open guy short. He’s also added 115 rushing yards in three games, which is a good amount for a QB. There’s a way to win in the NFL, by playing good defense (particularly against the pass), and by winning the turnover battle. That’s what the 49ers did the last couple years, and that’s what this year’s Chiefs team is doing. I said in an email to the other IAOFM guys yesterday that the Chiefs were probably destined to regress to the mean on turnovers, but the more I think about it, the less I think they will. Smith is huge in that regard, as mentioned, but it’s notable that the team has only even fumbled the ball once in three games. (That was credited to Smith.) Recovering fumbles is random, and highly dependent on luck, but not fumbling the ball isn’t random. It’s a skill, and a discipline, and a coaching priority. So far, it looks like this is another skill that the Chiefs have going for them. I know what some of you are thinking - they haven't played anybody yet! How do you know? Is it fully clear yet who is a good team and who's a bad team? I'll grant you that Jacksonville is in rough shape this year. Dallas, though, has the talent to compete with anybody in the NFL. The fact that KC's corners mostly won against Dallas's WRs is compelling evidence of the quality of the Chiefs defense. As for Philadelphia, they have pretty good offensive talent too, and their scheme makes that talent a step better. (Admittedly, their defense isn't good.) I don’t necessarily think that the Chiefs are ready to win a Super Bowl this year, but I do think they’ll give anybody they play a hard time on any given Sunday. To beat their defense, you have to run the ball well, and beat up on their nickel CB with good play from the slot. Philly got them for 260 yards rushing, and 9.3 yards per carry, and it's clear that the Chiefs can still be run on. To beat their offense, it’s helpful to bottle up the running game, and to keep Smith in long yardage situations. If you let him get to 3rd-and-4 very often, he’s going to beat you. Over the long run of a game, Smith makes up for not being great at drilling the 20-yard deep out by almost always finding the right receiver on 3rd-and-4, and almost always putting the short throw right where it needs to be. I would say that the Chiefs are probably the second-most impressive team I’ve seen in the AFC so far this season. It’s a credit to Andy Reid, and the smart moves they made, like keeping LT Branden Albert, signing Sean Smith and DE Mike DeVito, trading for Alex Smith, and picking up Donnie Avery (who has skills) off the scrap heap. I think they may have erred in taking RT Eric Fisher first overall (I thought the best players in the class were DT Star Lotulelei and OLB Jarvis Jones), but Fisher is still likely going to be a good player. It’s early, but we should watch out for the Chiefs. If they can beat Houston at home in Week 7, there’s a pretty good chance we could see 8-0 Kansas City visiting Denver on November 17th (coming off a bye) to play a 9-0 Broncos team. How exciting would that be?
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09-20-2013, 01:58 PM	#2
The Franchise Most Valuable Villain Join Date: Dec 2006 Casino cash: $3115047	Playing Vick always skews the rushing yards allowed stat.
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09-20-2013, 02:00 PM	#3
ptlyon Bono & Grbac wasn't enough Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Sioux City, IA Casino cash: $13113829	FFS... __________________ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Advertise here: $19.99 a month
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09-20-2013, 03:00 PM	#11
Easy 6 pie is never free Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: the drivers seat Casino cash: $3737775	That was a well reasoned piece, if things keep up like this our rivalry will have teeth again.
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09-20-2013, 03:00 PM	#12
Ceej BOOM!1! Join Date: Aug 2004 Casino cash: $9485541	"I'm not trying to pound my chest, but let me pound my chest." GTFO.
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