Chiefs A Broncos blogger's take on the Chiefs - Page 7

**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?

**DaneMcCloud** · 09-20-2013, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KcMizzou

I'm not talking about the entire roster. I'm just saying this new coaching staff has the talent that was already here (on defense) kicking ass.

I've been complaining about the scheme since Pioli was hired.

But it's also clear that Jordan, DeVito, Abdullah, Smith and Demps have been major contributors.

Parker hasn't sucked, either.

TomBarndtsTwin · 09-20-2013, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassel>Manning

That is not a very good post. The Broncos could have the highest scoring offense in NFL history, we are not easy to stop. We have far too much talent.

Oh, shut the **** up!

Yes, you have Peyton Manning and one of the better WR cores in football, but you have no consistent semblance of a running game. It will be hit and miss, week to week.

These Broncos are not the 99 Rams, the mid 90's Cowboys or the late 80's Niners.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

vailpass · 09-20-2013, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomBarndtsTwin

Oh, shut the **** up!

Yes, you have Peyton Manning and one of the better WR cores in football, but you have no consistent semblance of a running game. It will be hit and miss, week to week.

These Broncos are not the 99 Rams, the mid 90's Cowboys or the late 80's Niners.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

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

TomBarndtsTwin · 09-20-2013, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vailpass

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

Not saying your offense hasn't been impressive, I just don't think it has the ingredients to be 'historic', as your fellow Bronco homer seems to think, w/o a consistent running game.

Most of us all here understand Denver is still the team to beat. The gap may just not be quite as wide as we all originally thought.

vailpass · 09-20-2013, 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomBarndtsTwin

Not saying your offense hasn't been impressive, I just don't think it has the ingredients to be 'historic', as your fellow Bronco homer seems to think, w/o a consistent running game.

Most of us all here understand Denver is still the team to beat. The gap may just not be quite as wide as we all originally thought.

Agreed. You have the makings of a monster D.

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.

MagicHef · 09-21-2013, 01:18 AM

The Jags also had more success running against the Chiefs than they did in their other game against the Raiders.

**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.

keg in kc · 09-21-2013, 02:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MagicHef

The Jags also had more success running against the Chiefs than they did in their other game against the Raiders.

That could be the difference between MJD carrying it 15 times against us and 10 times against them. His ypc was slightly higher in our game (3.0 versus 2.7) but there's no telling what he'd have done with 5 more opportunities, had he not been injured. Maybe nothing. Hard to tell either way.

In any event, you have to try really hard to find fault with a rushing defense that allows 71 yards on 23 carries.

Simply Red · 09-21-2013, 02:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saul Good

Great write-up until the end. Zero chance of us going 8-0.

yeah.

themanwithnoname · 09-21-2013, 05:56 AM

I think our D could stand to be more stout against the run, and we'll see how the aggressiveness holds up, it has a way of biting teams in the ass some. I think the way to go after our defense is establish the run and then go after the secondary with play action, maybe screens although I think our defense would pick that up. That or bide your time and burn us deep like the Cowboys.

It will be interesting to see what gameplans both teams go with. Would it be crazy to put Flowers man up on Welker and have him try and shut him down like he did DeSean Jackson? I think the key for the Chiefs will be to jam the hell out of the Broncos WRs and TEs and try to take away their quick strike passing game.

BlackHelicopters · 09-21-2013, 06:25 AM

Good read

Chiefs=Champions · 09-21-2013, 06:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MagicHef

The Jags also had more success running against the Chiefs than they did in their other game against the Raiders.

Stick to the arcade, trolling isn't your thing.

Chiefs=Champions · 09-21-2013, 06:52 AM

Our defense is only going to get better. Poe has the potential to be the best DT in the nfl. Berry will start making more and more plays. Houston is going to start being chipped more than he already is. They wont be able to chip Tamba as much as they are currently. The talent of this defense has a very high ceiling.

Mother****erJones · 09-21-2013, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

I've been complaining about the scheme since Pioli was hired.

But it's also clear that Jordan, DeVito, Abdullah, Smith and Demps have been major contributors.

Parker hasn't sucked, either.

Parker got the strip fumble on Romo. Big play in that game. Took a possession from cowboys

09-20-2013, 01:55 PM
DaFace Kind of a mod Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Donkey Land Casino cash: $2046899	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?
Posts: 51,760

09-21-2013, 01:18 AM	#97
MagicHef The Seated Villain Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Seattle Casino cash: $2480247	The Jags also had more success running against the Chiefs than they did in their other game against the Raiders.
Posts: 10,536

09-21-2013, 05:56 AM	#101
themanwithnoname Starter Join Date: Apr 2012 Casino cash: $10004995	I think our D could stand to be more stout against the run, and we'll see how the aggressiveness holds up, it has a way of biting teams in the ass some. I think the way to go after our defense is establish the run and then go after the secondary with play action, maybe screens although I think our defense would pick that up. That or bide your time and burn us deep like the Cowboys. It will be interesting to see what gameplans both teams go with. Would it be crazy to put Flowers man up on Welker and have him try and shut him down like he did DeSean Jackson? I think the key for the Chiefs will be to jam the hell out of the Broncos WRs and TEs and try to take away their quick strike passing game.
Posts: 252

09-21-2013, 06:25 AM	#102
BlackHelicopters Spiraling down the Drain Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Dante's Ninth Circle Casino cash: $2730588	Good read __________________ "We're both part of the same hypocrisy, Senator, but never think it applies to my family." "Fredo. You are my brother, and I love you. But never take sides against the Family again. Ever." 2019 Adopt a Chief - Travis Kelce #87
Posts: 31,663

09-21-2013, 06:52 AM	#104
Chiefs=Champions Training Camp Hero Join Date: Oct 2006 Casino cash: $8504801	Our defense is only going to get better. Poe has the potential to be the best DT in the nfl. Berry will start making more and more plays. Houston is going to start being chipped more than he already is. They wont be able to chip Tamba as much as they are currently. The talent of this defense has a very high ceiling.
Posts: 5,996