Chiefs Clunker against the Colts underscores concerns about Chiefs’ offense

**Tribal Warfare** · 12-22-2013, 11:52 PM

Clunker against the Colts underscores concerns about Chiefs’ offense
By VAHE GREGORIAN
The Kansas City Star

With quarterback Alex Smith suddenly surging from a sluggish start to the best season of his NFL career, with running back Jamaal Charles further ascending into superstardom, the Chiefs had hoarded 101 points in their previous two games.

And they seemed poised for a similar scoring spree against Indianapolis on Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium when Charles barged 31 yards for a touchdown less than four minutes into the game.

“Marching down the way we did,” Smith said, “it felt like things were going to be kind of the way they’ve been.”

So maybe the Chiefs just sagged in what crumbled into a 23-7 loss. Or maybe Indianapolis out of nowhere became really good on defense after giving up 133 points in its last four road games.

“We certainly didn’t match their emotion and execution today,” said Smith, who a week after having a “perfect game” with a 158.3 passer rating dipped to a 41.3 and committed three turnovers.

He added, “I don’t know if we thought they were going to lay down or lay over or what.”

Or maybe it was a sort of mulligan stew of miscues that wouldn’t necessarily converge again with a do-over. And for now, anyway, a rematch against the Colts is exactly what shapes up in the AFC wild-card playoff game in two weeks.

Whatever really happened, it diminishes any concrete conviction that the Chiefs offense and Smith are beyond concern.

Especially considering the Chiefs entered the day with much to play for: They were still in contention to win the AFC West, and they knew they were taking on their most likely first playoff opponent.

But for all it meant, the Chiefs showed only that they were capable of an uninspired overall effort and that their repertoire still features an offensive clunker.

In this case, weeks removed from managing just 80 points in four games, they gave the ball away a season-high four times and mustered just 228 yards after the fool’s gold of the opening drive.

As he is prone to, coach Andy Reid tried to protect his players, blaming himself for play-calling that “wasn’t putting the guys in the position I needed to.”

And to be sure, this was an entire approach that was out of sync.

Charles rushed for 106 yards on just 13 carries, meaning he was averaging more than 6 yards even without the 31-yard TD. Couldn’t he have carried the ball more?

Receivers had a hard time getting open, perhaps explaining some of Smith’s forced attempts as he connected on just 16 of 29 passes for 153 yards.

And Smith didn’t seem to get much chance to go downfield, either because receivers couldn’t shake free, play selection or sheer harassment: He was sacked four times and rushed repeatedly.

The Colts disrupted the Chiefs’ passing game by mixing coverages, pressures and personnel, said Smith, who acknowledged the Chiefs didn’t stretch the field as much as they had been until they had to.

“You’re trying to pick your shots to take shots,” he said.

But this day also was a regression for Smith, who came into the game with a career-high 23 TD passes, career bests of 3,160 passing yards and 384 rushing yards and just six interceptions.

For all the relatively gaudy numbers he’s been assembling as he’s exerted what Reid considers essential leadership of this team, Smith still has one prime directive:

First, do no harm.

As he has most of the season, he has to stay above the chaos around him -- not be susceptible to it as he was on Sunday.

It’s hard to blame Smith for the first interception he threw, the one that came with Robert Mathis crunching his arm as he released, and that set up Donald Brown’s 51-yard TD run two plays later.

But if you had to diagram the very play that Smith can’t mishandle, it was the underthrown ball intended for a well-covered Anthony Fasano in the end zone from the Indianapolis 15-yard line with 10:02 left.

Of course Smith was eager to make a play, as he was in the futile final minutes when he got “careless” and fumbled one away.

But that interception lingers.

After all, it was second down and time to exercise discretion, not desperation, and go to the next play. A TD there and a two-point conversion would have made it a one-possession game and changed the dynamic to put the onus on the Colts.

“I kind of lost vision and didn’t get it out there,” Smith said. “I was trying to give him the chance to go up and make a play, but it was just underthrown, a poor pass.”

Smith’s gracious, poised pocket presence with the news media is a reminder of his character and what makes him a respected leader. Believe he means it when he says this “stings” and he’ll learn from it.

That and what he’s done most of the season is why Smith figures to respond well next week at San Diego and do the things he’s wired to do first and foremost even as he’s expanded his game.

But now you can’t just assume it, not any more than that the Chiefs would score heaps more after their first touchdown on Sunday.

Carlota69 · 12-22-2013, 11:58 PM

Today's game was hands down the worst performance by this team this year. Every facet of the team sucked and had no heart, at all.

TambaBerry · 12-23-2013, 12:09 AM

That's the main reason, most of our player's didn't want to be out there it seemed like.

The thing I hate about Smith is, he gets happy feet, on one of his sacks today he had perfect protection, he then freaks out steps forward allowing Stephenson to get beat and Alex got sacked. If Alex stays where he was the pocket holds up for a couple more seconds and maybe a receiver gets open.

salame · 12-23-2013, 12:20 AM

some of these writers man

how do I get that job?

scho63 · 12-23-2013, 12:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tribal Warfare

As he is prone to, coach Andy Reid tried to protect his players, blaming himself for play-calling that “wasn’t putting the guys in the position I needed to.”

I'm really getting sick of this EXACT statement every time we lose!

chiefzilla1501 · 12-23-2013, 12:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carlota69

Today's game was hands down the worst performance by this team this year. Every facet of the team sucked and had no heart, at all.

Take away Kendrick ****ing Lewis and a day full of turnovers and 3-and-outs, and the defense played pretty well. They'll only play better when they add Houston.

The offense is the unit that laid the big goose egg.

Hammock Parties · 12-23-2013, 01:02 AM

i thought that alex was hitting his stride guys, chucking that pigskin down the field, happy days are here again right

MMXcalibur · 12-23-2013, 01:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pam Oliver's Forehead

i thought that alex was hitting his stride guys, chucking that pigskin down the field, happy days are here again right

Yup, you sure showed us.

Hammock Parties · 12-23-2013, 01:09 AM

We are 2-4 in our last six games....jesus

Discuss Thrower · 12-23-2013, 01:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by salame

some of these writers man

how do I get that job?

Freelance write high school stories until you can land a full time job as a sports writer for a small (less than 10,000 readers) paper.

Hope said paper doesn't fold or lay you off.

Work for 2-4 years while applying for jobs at papers in larger towns that hopefully have a college team playing in them.

Repeat step 3.

Apply for jobs at larger papers after working another 2-4 years..

**Baby Lee** · 12-23-2013, 01:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pam Oliver's Forehead

We are 2-4 in our last six games....jesus

you got a mouse in your pocket or something?

Hammock Parties · 12-23-2013, 01:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baby Lee

you got a mouse in your pocket or something?

yeah...i call him alex

ILChief · 12-23-2013, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pam Oliver's Forehead

i thought that alex was hitting his stride guys, chucking that pigskin down the field, happy days are here again right

Happy days will be here when you get banned again

BlackHelicopters · 12-23-2013, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carlota69

Today's game was hands down the worst performance by this team this year. Every facet of the team sucked and had no heart, at all.

Our punting was pretty good.

**wazu** · 12-23-2013, 07:50 AM

How can you play in Arrowhead, wearing a Chiefs uniform, and not match/exceed your opponent'a emotion? Makes you doubt that they even give a shit.

12-22-2013, 11:52 PM
Tribal Warfare The Boom Boom Room Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $952813	Clunker against the Colts underscores concerns about Chiefs’ offense Clunker against the Colts underscores concerns about Chiefs’ offense By VAHE GREGORIAN The Kansas City Star With quarterback Alex Smith suddenly surging from a sluggish start to the best season of his NFL career, with running back Jamaal Charles further ascending into superstardom, the Chiefs had hoarded 101 points in their previous two games. And they seemed poised for a similar scoring spree against Indianapolis on Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium when Charles barged 31 yards for a touchdown less than four minutes into the game. “Marching down the way we did,” Smith said, “it felt like things were going to be kind of the way they’ve been.” So maybe the Chiefs just sagged in what crumbled into a 23-7 loss. Or maybe Indianapolis out of nowhere became really good on defense after giving up 133 points in its last four road games. “We certainly didn’t match their emotion and execution today,” said Smith, who a week after having a “perfect game” with a 158.3 passer rating dipped to a 41.3 and committed three turnovers. He added, “I don’t know if we thought they were going to lay down or lay over or what.” Or maybe it was a sort of mulligan stew of miscues that wouldn’t necessarily converge again with a do-over. And for now, anyway, a rematch against the Colts is exactly what shapes up in the AFC wild-card playoff game in two weeks. Whatever really happened, it diminishes any concrete conviction that the Chiefs offense and Smith are beyond concern. Especially considering the Chiefs entered the day with much to play for: They were still in contention to win the AFC West, and they knew they were taking on their most likely first playoff opponent. But for all it meant, the Chiefs showed only that they were capable of an uninspired overall effort and that their repertoire still features an offensive clunker. In this case, weeks removed from managing just 80 points in four games, they gave the ball away a season-high four times and mustered just 228 yards after the fool’s gold of the opening drive. As he is prone to, coach Andy Reid tried to protect his players, blaming himself for play-calling that “wasn’t putting the guys in the position I needed to.” And to be sure, this was an entire approach that was out of sync. Charles rushed for 106 yards on just 13 carries, meaning he was averaging more than 6 yards even without the 31-yard TD. Couldn’t he have carried the ball more? Receivers had a hard time getting open, perhaps explaining some of Smith’s forced attempts as he connected on just 16 of 29 passes for 153 yards. And Smith didn’t seem to get much chance to go downfield, either because receivers couldn’t shake free, play selection or sheer harassment: He was sacked four times and rushed repeatedly. The Colts disrupted the Chiefs’ passing game by mixing coverages, pressures and personnel, said Smith, who acknowledged the Chiefs didn’t stretch the field as much as they had been until they had to. “You’re trying to pick your shots to take shots,” he said. But this day also was a regression for Smith, who came into the game with a career-high 23 TD passes, career bests of 3,160 passing yards and 384 rushing yards and just six interceptions. For all the relatively gaudy numbers he’s been assembling as he’s exerted what Reid considers essential leadership of this team, Smith still has one prime directive: First, do no harm. As he has most of the season, he has to stay above the chaos around him -- not be susceptible to it as he was on Sunday. It’s hard to blame Smith for the first interception he threw, the one that came with Robert Mathis crunching his arm as he released, and that set up Donald Brown’s 51-yard TD run two plays later. But if you had to diagram the very play that Smith can’t mishandle, it was the underthrown ball intended for a well-covered Anthony Fasano in the end zone from the Indianapolis 15-yard line with 10:02 left. Of course Smith was eager to make a play, as he was in the futile final minutes when he got “careless” and fumbled one away. But that interception lingers. After all, it was second down and time to exercise discretion, not desperation, and go to the next play. A TD there and a two-point conversion would have made it a one-possession game and changed the dynamic to put the onus on the Colts. “I kind of lost vision and didn’t get it out there,” Smith said. “I was trying to give him the chance to go up and make a play, but it was just underthrown, a poor pass.” Smith’s gracious, poised pocket presence with the news media is a reminder of his character and what makes him a respected leader. Believe he means it when he says this “stings” and he’ll learn from it. That and what he’s done most of the season is why Smith figures to respond well next week at San Diego and do the things he’s wired to do first and foremost even as he’s expanded his game. But now you can’t just assume it, not any more than that the Chiefs would score heaps more after their first touchdown on Sunday.
Posts: 42,033

12-22-2013, 11:58 PM	#2
Carlota69 MVP Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Las Vegas Casino cash: $9925282	Today's game was hands down the worst performance by this team this year. Every facet of the team sucked and had no heart, at all. __________________ Women want someone who can make them laugh and protect them. So basically a Clown Ninja.
Posts: 6,592

12-23-2013, 12:09 AM	#3
TambaBerry MVP Join Date: Jan 2013 Casino cash: $1715541	That's the main reason, most of our player's didn't want to be out there it seemed like. The thing I hate about Smith is, he gets happy feet, on one of his sacks today he had perfect protection, he then freaks out steps forward allowing Stephenson to get beat and Alex got sacked. If Alex stays where he was the pocket holds up for a couple more seconds and maybe a receiver gets open.
Posts: 10,597

12-23-2013, 12:20 AM	#4
salame Under the Sofa Join Date: Apr 2009 Casino cash: $10010607	some of these writers man how do I get that job?
Posts: 4,907

12-23-2013, 01:02 AM	#7
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $4750478	i thought that alex was hitting his stride guys, chucking that pigskin down the field, happy days are here again right __________________ Chiefs game films
Posts: 277,658

12-23-2013, 01:09 AM	#9
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $4750478	We are 2-4 in our last six games....jesus __________________ Chiefs game films
Posts: 277,658

12-23-2013, 07:50 AM	#15
wazu ... Join Date: May 2002 Location: Kansas City, MO Casino cash: $2242295 VARSITY	How can you play in Arrowhead, wearing a Chiefs uniform, and not match/exceed your opponent'a emotion? Makes you doubt that they even give a shit.
Posts: 27,716