But there were so many penalties, an uncharacteristic turnover, game management errors, and general mistakes that the Chiefs offense is lucky they got out with a win.
And now that Denver is becoming my #1 rival, and considering the beatdown they gave the Chiefs four weeks ago, I was hoping for an offensive explosion. I wanted fireworks.
Instead I got sparklers.
What Went Wrong
Up 7-0 in the second quarter, Haley faced a 4th and 5 from the Denver 33. To me, if you don't think you can make the field goal, you go for it. From the 33, there's a decent chance that a punt only nets you 13 yards of field position. Later in the half, Succop easily makes a field goal from the Denver 29. You can't say that Succop would have made the 51-yarder, but I don't see how punting makes any sense.
First drive of the third quarter, up 10-3. On 2nd and goal from the 2, Charles runs into the end zone. Called back because Moeaki lined up a foot behind the line of scrimmage. It has to be called, but it's not a like a holding penalty that helped the play, just a frustrating mistake. On 2nd and 7, we run for four yards, but on 3rd and 3 there's a false start penalty. On 3rd down from the 8, we run Charles to the 2.
Now it's 4th and 2. This is not a 35-28 shootout. We are up 10-3. Take the points. Go up 10 in the second half. It's a no brainer. OR if you must go for it, go up and over the top and at worst Denver gets the ball at the 1. Instead Cassel drops back and gets sacked at the Denver 16.
Next drive, McCluster runs for 57 yards down to the Denver 9, but it's called back for holding by a receiver. Borderline call that could have gone either way. Chiefs punt.
Next drive, McCluster fumbles. Leads to a Denver field goal. 10-6.
Next drive, 3 and out.
Next drive, Bowe offensive interference, 3 and out.
Next drive, Chiefs get a first down then fumble a bad snap. Chiefs punt.
Next drive, Chiefs run some clock, then punt with 20 seconds left.
What Went Right
After giving up seven touchdowns at Mile High, the Chiefs kept the Broncos out of the endzone.
Limited Orton to 9/28 and 86 net passing yards (minus sacks).
With 10 minutes left, down 6-10 the Broncos had the ball at the KC 29. Tamba Hali came in sacked Orton, stripped the ball, and recovered it.
The Broncos had 10 real possessions: 7 punts, 1 fumble, 2 field goals.
The Chiefs didn't let Denver get in the red zone in the second half.
Looking Forward
Thanks to the Chargers blowing a home game, the Chiefs control their own destiny. The next game is the biggest of the season--a win would almost secure the AFC West. But even with a loss at San Diego, the Chiefs could beat the Rams on the road, and then win two more home games and finish 11-5 and division leaders.
#3: Jamaal Charles
A ho-hum 116-yard performance by Charles. Despite the offense committing mistakes and penalties, Charles again shined and gave our defense time to rest.#2: Brandon Carr
His name doesn't show up in the nfl.com box score. He didn't record a tackle or an INT. But on a day when our #1 corner (Flowers) was banged up, Carr was all over the field making plays. He had 5 deflected passes and Lloyd only had 31 receiving yards.#1: Romeo Crennel
Simply put, this a win for the defense. Holding an explosive offense to 6 points, forcing a turnover, coming up big in the 4th quarter.
The biggest difference in the Chiefs from 2009 to 2010?
Last year, Chiefs were 29th in points allowed.
This year, Chiefs are 9th in points allowed.
If Romeo doesn't deserve the credit, I don't know who does.
O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo!
No comments:
Post a Comment