Chiefs 4-2, Chargers 2-5

Through week 7, the Chiefs are

#1 in rushing yards/game
#6 in net points
#1 in sacks given up
#7 in defense points allowed/game
the Vegas favorite for winning the AFC West


This game was closer than the final score suggests. And yes, the Chiefs were playing Todd Bouman, 3rd-stringer for the Jaguars.

But hey, Chiefs score 6 touchdowns, limit Jags to 2. On to the game balls...

Hon. Mention: Matt Cassel

Not a huge game, but did what the Chiefs needed him to. 13/18 for 193, with two touchdowns and no interceptions. Chiefs were 6/11 on 3rd down.

#3: Derrick Johnson


Jaguars were only down 20-21 with the ball late in the third when Johnson picked one off and ran it back for six. He has a nose for the ball and insert other tired cliche here.


#2: Dwayne Bowe


Only 3 catches, but two touchdowns. One was a deep one that he turned into a 53-yard score with good moves after the catch. His celebration move was spike that didn't come out of his hand, because now his hands are so secure--perhaps a bit premature, but I like the confidence.

#1: Rushing Attack (Offensive Line, Thomas Jones, Jamaal Charles, Dexter McCluster)


When the Chiefs had the number one offense in the early 2000's, a well-known factor was the stout offensive line. During the Herm era, that line crumbled and the Chiefs couldn't run the ball or protect the passer. Last year, they were 27th in sacks allowed and 10th in rush yards per attempt. This year, they are 1st in sacks allowed and 2nd in rush yards per attempt.

I don't know how they're doing it--they have the same offensive line coach and I think the same players. Credit Charlie Weis? I don't know.

But the #1 rushing attack in the league starts with great blocking and ends with not 2, but 3 explosive running backs that can be elusive and run with power.

Now this team has an identity. A top-10 defense, top rushing attack, with aggressive play calling and winning the turnover & penalty battles. It's not enough to win the Super Bowl yet, but it's a start.