Showing posts with label red and gold kool-aid. Show all posts
Showing posts with label red and gold kool-aid. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 26, 2020
Tuesday, February 12, 2019
A Super Bowl Caliber Team
In a given year, there might be 4 or 5 Super Bowl Caliber teams for only 2 spots. Last season, I think it's safe to say there were 4 SB Caliber teams. The two that made it, plus the Saints and Chiefs were both one play away. The Bears were a kicker away from finding out if they were in the conversation. The Chargers were more than a few plays away. (The year before, the Eagles and Pats were SB Caliber, but also the Jags and Saints were one play away.)
Which goes to show that you can build a Super Bowl Caliber team, but that doesn't mean you're going to win it or even make the game. The Saints have seen their Super Bowl hopes end on fluke plays in back to back years. But the goal is to do what the Patriots have done. If you have a SB Caliber team for 4 years, hopefully you make at least 2 and win at least 1. If you can build a SB Caliber team for almost 20 years, that's how you build a dynasty.
When you think of building a SB Caliber team on paper, usually we think of what the Rams did last year, bringing in multiple great free agents. Sometimes that doesn't work (Eagles 2011 Dream Team) but last year, the Rams won the offseason and then went to the Super Bowl. But another way of building a top team is through the coaches. The Patriots success belongs to Brady's Offense and Belichick's defense. Usually they're both pretty great. Sometimes one is hall of fame level, which can carry the other side.
- - -
First they got the DL coach from the Patriots, Brendan Daly. You know, the defense that just won the Super Bowl by allowing 3 points.
And DB coach Merritt, who's also won Super Bowls.
I don't claim to be an expert on defensive fronts, but I like what I see:
Based on this, I feel like Chiefs could absolutely be a top 15, maybe top 10 defense next year. That might sound crazy from where we were last year, but the Chiefs D has good players. I think these coaches will make a serious difference.
You pair that with a top 5 offense (last year Chiefs were #1) and that's a Super Bowl Caliber team. Doesn't guarantee they make it or win it. But you have a chance.
- - -
The Chiefs are going to the Super Bowl.
Which goes to show that you can build a Super Bowl Caliber team, but that doesn't mean you're going to win it or even make the game. The Saints have seen their Super Bowl hopes end on fluke plays in back to back years. But the goal is to do what the Patriots have done. If you have a SB Caliber team for 4 years, hopefully you make at least 2 and win at least 1. If you can build a SB Caliber team for almost 20 years, that's how you build a dynasty.
When you think of building a SB Caliber team on paper, usually we think of what the Rams did last year, bringing in multiple great free agents. Sometimes that doesn't work (Eagles 2011 Dream Team) but last year, the Rams won the offseason and then went to the Super Bowl. But another way of building a top team is through the coaches. The Patriots success belongs to Brady's Offense and Belichick's defense. Usually they're both pretty great. Sometimes one is hall of fame level, which can carry the other side.
- - -
A couple weeks ago, I wrote about the Chiefs new DC Spags. I noted that while he's not an up and coming younger guy, he brings a lot to the table. Well, Spags has brought in up and coming guys who were sought-after candidates for Defensive Coordinator positions.
And DB coach Merritt, who's also won Super Bowls.
And then they added Matt House, the guy that turned around Kentucky's defense.
I don't claim to be an expert on defensive fronts, but I like what I see:
Based on this, I feel like Chiefs could absolutely be a top 15, maybe top 10 defense next year. That might sound crazy from where we were last year, but the Chiefs D has good players. I think these coaches will make a serious difference.
You pair that with a top 5 offense (last year Chiefs were #1) and that's a Super Bowl Caliber team. Doesn't guarantee they make it or win it. But you have a chance.
- - -
The Chiefs are going to the Super Bowl.
Tuesday, February 05, 2019
The Farthest I've Ever Seen The Chiefs Go
Let's start here. Here are the Quarterbacks that have represented the AFC in the Super Bowl since Brady started playing. (It's easier to do QBs than teams because Peyton switched teams.)
01-02 - Brady
02-03 - Gannon
03-04 - Brady
04-05 - Brady
05-06 - Roethlisberger
06-07 - Manning
07-08 - Brady
08-09 - Roethlisberger
09-10 - Manning
10-11 - Roethlisberger
11-12 - Brady
12-13 - Flacco
13-14 - Manning
14-15 - Brady
15-16 - Manning
16-17 - Brady
17-18 - Brady
18-19 - Brady
Since Brady has entered the league, it's either been him or Peyton or Big Ben, plus one year of Flacco and one year of Gannon. In a league of parity, that's crazy. On the other side, only Wilson and Eli have multiple appearances.
(And just for fun, Brady has won MVP three times. Those years he is 0-2 in the Super Bowl.)
- - -
You hear the question a lot in sports conversations: "Would you take this?" It's usually in the context of "If I had told you before the season that the Chiefs would go 6-1 in their first seven, would you take this?" Now I think I've figured out what that means, but I don't know that I've ever heard it fully explained.
As in, what is the opposite of not taking it? Well the opposite would be to let the season play out and be stuck with the results. (Of course, fans are always in this boat. We're always stuck with the results. We never get a chance to take any of these hypotheticals.
So before the 2018-2019 season, if you had offered me two scenarios:
Scenario A: The Chiefs were going to host the AFC Championship in Arrowhead and lose.
Scenario B: Let the season play out. Chiefs could finish anywhere from first to last in the league.
I would have picked Scenario A. That means that we won a playoff game, I got to see them in the AFC Championship for the first time, they get to host the AFC Championship for the first time and that Mahomes must be pretty good.
All of this is true. I'm happy with the season.
- - -
In 2012, Russel Wilson went to the playoffs in his first season as a starter. The Seahawks went 1-1 in the playoffs that year. The next year they came back and made it to the Super Bowl and won it, 43-8 over the shitty Broncos.
In 2014, the Kansas City Royals went to the World Series. They lost. The next year they came back and won it all.
Sometimes people say that playoff experience is important. Well, if it is or isn't, the Chiefs got some good experience this year.
I've always sort of imagined that this might happen one step at a time. Which means the Chiefs might have to get to the Super Bowl and lose before they can go and win.
- - -
There's also the case that this needed to happen. If they beat the Patriots and go to the Super Bowl and the defense plays great but they still lose (let's say to the Saints, lol) maybe Andy Reid feels like he can't fire Bob Sutton. And then it keeps going on for years, where Sutton's D costs Mahomes best Super Bowl window.
And yep, the Patriots are still the team to beat. Tom Brady will be 42 next season and says he wants to play to 45. So maybe it was best in the long run to lose this one, fire Sutton, replace with Spags who's had Super Bowl success against Brady.
- - -
If you asked me this year, would you take a Super Bowl appearance and loss or would you let it play out...I'd let it play out. The bar has been raised.
- - -
With a minute to go in the AFC Championship, there was a brief moment where I thought "the Chiefs are going to the Super Bowl." Here is that moment:
This play could have been known as Ward's Interception. Or Brady's 3rd pick. But instead it's known as Dee Ford offsides.
It's crazy how perceptions are formed, legends are written, on fragile circumstances. I've written this before how if the helmet catch doesn't happen, Tom Brady gets to 19-0.
Well, if Dee Ford scoots back a foot, Brady throws three picks and is blamed. Gronk is blamed. They're both washed up.
The previous Pats Super Bowl win was the Falcons comeback. The Falcons really should have held on to that one. And the one before that was the Seahawks passing from the 1.
You change three plays. Dee Ford. Falcons sack. Seahawks pass. Now the Patriots haven't won a Super Bowl since the 2004 season. It would be 6 straight Super Bowl losses for them. How different a legacy for Brady and Belichick, if you change 3 plays.
(Of course, it's just as easy to go the other way. Change the helmet catch, change one play from Giants in 2011, change Philly Special. Now the Pats are 9-0 in Super Bowls, including 19-0. Barf. Legends are written based on what happens, not what could have been.)
- - -
Another thing about the Dee Ford play...this wasn't the Super Bowl. I know, it would have put the Chiefs there. And the Rams looked shitty against the Pats, but you never know. This cost them a chance at a title, not the title itself. There are plays in week 11 or sometimes 4 that cost you a chance at a title.
What I'm trying to say, it's not as hurtful as it would have been in the actual Super Bowl. It's not the Falcons collapse or the Bills wide right. (Honestly, I don't know how a Falcons fan doesn't walk away after that game.)
- - -
Back in November I posted this list of QBs to make an appearance in the AFC Championship game. This was back when it looked like the Chargers might bump the Chiefs to the 5th seed.
Brady: 12
Manning: 5
Roethlisberger: 5
Flacco: 3
Sanchez: 2
Stewart: 1
Gannon: 1
McNair: 1
Plummer: 1
Rivers: 1
Luck: 1
Bortles: 1
Trent Green/Matt Cassel/Alex Smith: 0
Well now it's time to make updates.
Brady: 13 out of 18 seasons
Mahomes: 1 out of 1 season
01-02 - Brady
02-03 - Gannon
03-04 - Brady
04-05 - Brady
05-06 - Roethlisberger
06-07 - Manning
07-08 - Brady
08-09 - Roethlisberger
09-10 - Manning
10-11 - Roethlisberger
11-12 - Brady
12-13 - Flacco
13-14 - Manning
14-15 - Brady
15-16 - Manning
16-17 - Brady
17-18 - Brady
18-19 - Brady
Since Brady has entered the league, it's either been him or Peyton or Big Ben, plus one year of Flacco and one year of Gannon. In a league of parity, that's crazy. On the other side, only Wilson and Eli have multiple appearances.
(And just for fun, Brady has won MVP three times. Those years he is 0-2 in the Super Bowl.)
- - -
You hear the question a lot in sports conversations: "Would you take this?" It's usually in the context of "If I had told you before the season that the Chiefs would go 6-1 in their first seven, would you take this?" Now I think I've figured out what that means, but I don't know that I've ever heard it fully explained.
As in, what is the opposite of not taking it? Well the opposite would be to let the season play out and be stuck with the results. (Of course, fans are always in this boat. We're always stuck with the results. We never get a chance to take any of these hypotheticals.
So before the 2018-2019 season, if you had offered me two scenarios:
Scenario A: The Chiefs were going to host the AFC Championship in Arrowhead and lose.
Scenario B: Let the season play out. Chiefs could finish anywhere from first to last in the league.
I would have picked Scenario A. That means that we won a playoff game, I got to see them in the AFC Championship for the first time, they get to host the AFC Championship for the first time and that Mahomes must be pretty good.
All of this is true. I'm happy with the season.
- - -
In 2012, Russel Wilson went to the playoffs in his first season as a starter. The Seahawks went 1-1 in the playoffs that year. The next year they came back and made it to the Super Bowl and won it, 43-8 over the shitty Broncos.
In 2014, the Kansas City Royals went to the World Series. They lost. The next year they came back and won it all.
Sometimes people say that playoff experience is important. Well, if it is or isn't, the Chiefs got some good experience this year.
I've always sort of imagined that this might happen one step at a time. Which means the Chiefs might have to get to the Super Bowl and lose before they can go and win.
- - -
There's also the case that this needed to happen. If they beat the Patriots and go to the Super Bowl and the defense plays great but they still lose (let's say to the Saints, lol) maybe Andy Reid feels like he can't fire Bob Sutton. And then it keeps going on for years, where Sutton's D costs Mahomes best Super Bowl window.
And yep, the Patriots are still the team to beat. Tom Brady will be 42 next season and says he wants to play to 45. So maybe it was best in the long run to lose this one, fire Sutton, replace with Spags who's had Super Bowl success against Brady.
- - -
If you asked me this year, would you take a Super Bowl appearance and loss or would you let it play out...I'd let it play out. The bar has been raised.
- - -
With a minute to go in the AFC Championship, there was a brief moment where I thought "the Chiefs are going to the Super Bowl." Here is that moment:
This play could have been known as Ward's Interception. Or Brady's 3rd pick. But instead it's known as Dee Ford offsides.
It's crazy how perceptions are formed, legends are written, on fragile circumstances. I've written this before how if the helmet catch doesn't happen, Tom Brady gets to 19-0.
Well, if Dee Ford scoots back a foot, Brady throws three picks and is blamed. Gronk is blamed. They're both washed up.
The previous Pats Super Bowl win was the Falcons comeback. The Falcons really should have held on to that one. And the one before that was the Seahawks passing from the 1.
You change three plays. Dee Ford. Falcons sack. Seahawks pass. Now the Patriots haven't won a Super Bowl since the 2004 season. It would be 6 straight Super Bowl losses for them. How different a legacy for Brady and Belichick, if you change 3 plays.
(Of course, it's just as easy to go the other way. Change the helmet catch, change one play from Giants in 2011, change Philly Special. Now the Pats are 9-0 in Super Bowls, including 19-0. Barf. Legends are written based on what happens, not what could have been.)
- - -
Another thing about the Dee Ford play...this wasn't the Super Bowl. I know, it would have put the Chiefs there. And the Rams looked shitty against the Pats, but you never know. This cost them a chance at a title, not the title itself. There are plays in week 11 or sometimes 4 that cost you a chance at a title.
What I'm trying to say, it's not as hurtful as it would have been in the actual Super Bowl. It's not the Falcons collapse or the Bills wide right. (Honestly, I don't know how a Falcons fan doesn't walk away after that game.)
- - -
Back in November I posted this list of QBs to make an appearance in the AFC Championship game. This was back when it looked like the Chargers might bump the Chiefs to the 5th seed.
Brady: 12
Manning: 5
Roethlisberger: 5
Flacco: 3
Sanchez: 2
Stewart: 1
Gannon: 1
McNair: 1
Plummer: 1
Rivers: 1
Luck: 1
Bortles: 1
Trent Green/Matt Cassel/Alex Smith: 0
Well now it's time to make updates.
Brady: 13 out of 18 seasons
Mahomes: 1 out of 1 season
Saturday, January 12, 2019
Exorcising The Demons: Chiefs To Host AFC Championship
I'm going to start with a brainteaser. The Chiefs have been to two Super Bowls. They've won one. How many AFC Championships do they have?
Two is the obvious answer. It's wrong. The answer is zero.
The two Super Bowls the Chiefs went to were SB I and SB IV. The AFL and NFL merged in 1970 which means the first AFC Championship game was played in the 1970-71 season and the winner would play in Super Bowl V.
Which is a long way of getting to the point: In 8 days, two teams will play the 49th AFC Championship game.
It is the second appearance by the Kansas City Chiefs.
It is the first at home, Arrowhead Stadium.
The only other time the Chiefs were in this game was in the 1993-94 playoffs. Joe Montana was the Chiefs QB. (Montana was 37 and got a concussion in the game. He would only play one more season before retiring.) And notably for me, I was a 10-year-old who had just moved away from KC to Peoria. I had been to two Chiefs games in person but didn't have anyone in my life to guide me through what it means to be a fan. When I lived in Peoria, I didn't feel like I had a team. So this is the first AFC Championship game that I get to watch as a Chiefs fan.
By the way, if you're scoring at home, 49 AFC title games means a total of 98 appearances. With 16 teams in the league, each team should expect a little over 6 appearances.
The Ravens have 4 but they were only established in 1995. The Jaguars have 3 since 1993.
The Bills have 5 and the Dolphins and Colts each have 7.
The Broncos, Raiders, Patriots and Steelers are all in double digits.
Then you have the dregs. The Chargers and Jets each have 4. The Browns have 3. The Bengals have 2.
In 8 days, the Chiefs will have 2.
Even Seattle has 1 and they left the AFC in 2002. The Texans have 0 but they started in 2002.
And what's crazy, is that the Chiefs have an all-time winning record. They have more regular season wins than the Raiders. The Chiefs have 40 more wins than losses and the Jets have 90 more losses than wins. The Chiefs should have been to this game more often. But they haven't.
They reason they haven't is a playoff history full of games that have their own name and kickers that can not be named. Three years ago, the Chiefs beat the Texans to win their first playoff game since that aforementioned 93-94 season. They got the playoff win monkey off their back. But another one remained: playoff games at home.
For all the talk of how Arrowhead is the loudest stadium in the NFL and how tough it is it to play there, you wouldn't know it looking at the playoff history.
0-6 at home from 95 to 2017. Colts. Broncos. Colts. Ravens. Steelers. Titans.
Six times in a row a team came to the feared Arrowhead and went on to play another playoff game. A history full of losing by missing kicks, losing as the #1 seed, losing without punting, losing while only allowing field goals, losing by giving up a huge comeback. Losing, losing, losing. Losing in every which way possible. Chiefs fans are scared of playoff games at Arrowhead and with good reason.
When Chiefs fans found out the Colts were coming to town, every single one was nervous. How could you not be?
All week experts were picking Indy. Not giving the Chiefs any respect as a #1 seed. And I didn't blame them.
Indy had been the #1 team by some metrics over the previous 11 weeks. They had come in hot, winning 10 of 11. Their offensive line was perfectly situated to negate the Chiefs defensive strength, the pass rush. The Chiefs defense gave up a historic amount of first downs. The Colts offense gained 26 first downs over the Texans. This was Mahomes first playoff game. Those usually end in losses.
I went back and forth in my mind. I was worried that the Chiefs D would never get a stop. That the Colts could just keep picking up first downs, drive down the field and eat up clock. And then came the weather reports. The biggest snowstorm in 5 years in KC.
This Mahomes offense has yet to play in a dome, but on paper it seems like this fast passing offense is suited better for a dome than anyone. What if it turns into a slippery game where teams need to run the ball? What if the Colts pound the ball like they did against the Texans? Has Mahomes ever in seen snow, let alone play in it? And then came the injury reports. No Ware. No Berry.
When this game kicked off, there was nothing that could surprise me. I was prepared to win or lose big, to come back or blow a lead, to have the game come down to the final play.
The first series for each team set the tone.
Dee Ford tackles Mack for a loss on the game's first play. Colts go 3 and out.
Mahomes goes 3 for 3 to Hill, Kelce, Watkins. Williams runs in the TD. 90 yards in 5 plays.
Another Colts 3 and out, followed by a Chiefs 70-yard TD drive.
Both scoring drives included Mahomes getting the Colts to jump offsides with a hard count. The second one included a 4th down conversion. And the Chiefs kicker made both kicks.
It's the first quarter and it's 14-0 Chiefs. Will this be a repeat of the 2013 or 2018 Chiefs collapse special?
When I was growing up, the two biggest curses in sports were the Red Sox and Cubs not able to win the World Series. They had histories full of folklore and painful playoff moments. Fans believed they were real because they seemed real.
Curses aren't real. But to overcome something that people believe is real, it takes special circumstances. The Red Sox needed to comeback from 0-3 to the Yankees and a Dave Roberts steal. The Cubs needed to go to extra innings after a rain delay in Game 7.
So as a Chiefs fan, even though you know in all parts of your logical brain that curses aren't real, you're bracing for the moments that will test your soul. And boy did they come.
I was expecting a Butker extra point miss. I wasn't expecting Mahomes to get injured.
Soul-Testing Moment #1: With 13 minutes to go in the second quarter, the Colts knock Mahomes down and his knee gets twisted and lands on a helmet. He's limping. You think, this is it. It's only a 14-point lead. With Chad Henne in the game, the Colts will come back. This is awful. But the kid plays on.
Soul-Testing Moment #2: After the Chiefs D had forced four consecutive 3 and outs, the Chiefs punt for the first time. It's blocked. Recovered for a TD. It's now 17-7. The Colts don't have a first down but they have a touchdown. And the Chiefs are supposed to be #1 in special teams DVOA. That hasn't happened all season. But it happens in the playoffs at home.
You think the Chiefs can't blow a 10-point lead?
What does Mahomes do? Throws it to Kelce for 30 yards. Then to Watkins. Hill. Two runs by Williams. On 3rd and 6, he throws it to Kelce for 7. Pass to Williams. Pass to Watkins. Watkins run. And then Mahomes runs it in himself from the 4.
Mahomes was 6 for 6 and gained 73 yards on the 75 yard scoring drive. The drive took the first half under the two minute warning and the Colts used all their timeouts.
Luck and the Colts offense finally got going on the last drive of the first half. It sure looked like it was going to be 24-14 at the half. But they didn't have any timeouts. The Colts drove down to the Chiefs 5 but settled for a field goal attempt on 3rd down. It's a 23-yarder for Vinatieri so it's going to be 24-10 at the half.
And then it happened.
To fully appreciate this moment, you have to understand the history of Chiefs kicking in the playoffs. The long version is this article. The short version is this stat from the article:
Since 1971, both the Chiefs and their opponents have attempted 29 field goals from 0-46 yards in the playoffs.
The Chiefs had made 18 of 29. Their opponents had made all 29.
When I saw that glorious Vinatieri kick hit the upright, I knew this was the game that was going to break the cycle. At halftime, I went outside with my sons to build a snowman.
But just because I had that thought, didn't mean that the Chiefs were in the clear. There would be the Mahomes fumble and then recovery. The Hill fumble and then recovery. And then...
Soul-Testing Moment #3: With 16 minutes to go in the game, Watkins fumbles at the Chiefs 20. It's still 24-7. You think this will be how the Colts make this a game. Their offense can't do anything, but a blocked punt and a fumble recovery will make this a 10 point game.
But then that doesn't happen. Dee Ford knocks the ball away. Justin Houston recovers it. All season, whenever the Chiefs offense have made a rare miscue, the Chiefs D have stepped up their game to get it back for them. As if, we know you've been carrying the team, so we got your back.
The last test? Finishing the game.
The Colts scored to make it 24-13. Over 5 minutes left. Anything could happen. We needed one more good drive to close the deal. Mahomes didn't even have to complete a pass. Damien Williams ran the ball 8 times for 48 yards (plus a little help from a roughing the punter penalty).
And then the game-clinching play:
Mahomes is there to symbolically push the Chiefs over the line.
Two is the obvious answer. It's wrong. The answer is zero.
The two Super Bowls the Chiefs went to were SB I and SB IV. The AFL and NFL merged in 1970 which means the first AFC Championship game was played in the 1970-71 season and the winner would play in Super Bowl V.
Which is a long way of getting to the point: In 8 days, two teams will play the 49th AFC Championship game.
It is the second appearance by the Kansas City Chiefs.
It is the first at home, Arrowhead Stadium.
The only other time the Chiefs were in this game was in the 1993-94 playoffs. Joe Montana was the Chiefs QB. (Montana was 37 and got a concussion in the game. He would only play one more season before retiring.) And notably for me, I was a 10-year-old who had just moved away from KC to Peoria. I had been to two Chiefs games in person but didn't have anyone in my life to guide me through what it means to be a fan. When I lived in Peoria, I didn't feel like I had a team. So this is the first AFC Championship game that I get to watch as a Chiefs fan.
By the way, if you're scoring at home, 49 AFC title games means a total of 98 appearances. With 16 teams in the league, each team should expect a little over 6 appearances.
The Ravens have 4 but they were only established in 1995. The Jaguars have 3 since 1993.
The Bills have 5 and the Dolphins and Colts each have 7.
The Broncos, Raiders, Patriots and Steelers are all in double digits.
Then you have the dregs. The Chargers and Jets each have 4. The Browns have 3. The Bengals have 2.
In 8 days, the Chiefs will have 2.
Even Seattle has 1 and they left the AFC in 2002. The Texans have 0 but they started in 2002.
And what's crazy, is that the Chiefs have an all-time winning record. They have more regular season wins than the Raiders. The Chiefs have 40 more wins than losses and the Jets have 90 more losses than wins. The Chiefs should have been to this game more often. But they haven't.
• • •
They reason they haven't is a playoff history full of games that have their own name and kickers that can not be named. Three years ago, the Chiefs beat the Texans to win their first playoff game since that aforementioned 93-94 season. They got the playoff win monkey off their back. But another one remained: playoff games at home.
For all the talk of how Arrowhead is the loudest stadium in the NFL and how tough it is it to play there, you wouldn't know it looking at the playoff history.
0-6 at home from 95 to 2017. Colts. Broncos. Colts. Ravens. Steelers. Titans.
Six times in a row a team came to the feared Arrowhead and went on to play another playoff game. A history full of losing by missing kicks, losing as the #1 seed, losing without punting, losing while only allowing field goals, losing by giving up a huge comeback. Losing, losing, losing. Losing in every which way possible. Chiefs fans are scared of playoff games at Arrowhead and with good reason.
• • •
When Chiefs fans found out the Colts were coming to town, every single one was nervous. How could you not be?
All week experts were picking Indy. Not giving the Chiefs any respect as a #1 seed. And I didn't blame them.
Indy had been the #1 team by some metrics over the previous 11 weeks. They had come in hot, winning 10 of 11. Their offensive line was perfectly situated to negate the Chiefs defensive strength, the pass rush. The Chiefs defense gave up a historic amount of first downs. The Colts offense gained 26 first downs over the Texans. This was Mahomes first playoff game. Those usually end in losses.
I went back and forth in my mind. I was worried that the Chiefs D would never get a stop. That the Colts could just keep picking up first downs, drive down the field and eat up clock. And then came the weather reports. The biggest snowstorm in 5 years in KC.
This Mahomes offense has yet to play in a dome, but on paper it seems like this fast passing offense is suited better for a dome than anyone. What if it turns into a slippery game where teams need to run the ball? What if the Colts pound the ball like they did against the Texans? Has Mahomes ever in seen snow, let alone play in it? And then came the injury reports. No Ware. No Berry.
When this game kicked off, there was nothing that could surprise me. I was prepared to win or lose big, to come back or blow a lead, to have the game come down to the final play.
• • •
The first series for each team set the tone.
Dee Ford tackles Mack for a loss on the game's first play. Colts go 3 and out.
Mahomes goes 3 for 3 to Hill, Kelce, Watkins. Williams runs in the TD. 90 yards in 5 plays.
Another Colts 3 and out, followed by a Chiefs 70-yard TD drive.
Both scoring drives included Mahomes getting the Colts to jump offsides with a hard count. The second one included a 4th down conversion. And the Chiefs kicker made both kicks.
It's the first quarter and it's 14-0 Chiefs. Will this be a repeat of the 2013 or 2018 Chiefs collapse special?
• • •
When I was growing up, the two biggest curses in sports were the Red Sox and Cubs not able to win the World Series. They had histories full of folklore and painful playoff moments. Fans believed they were real because they seemed real.
Curses aren't real. But to overcome something that people believe is real, it takes special circumstances. The Red Sox needed to comeback from 0-3 to the Yankees and a Dave Roberts steal. The Cubs needed to go to extra innings after a rain delay in Game 7.
So as a Chiefs fan, even though you know in all parts of your logical brain that curses aren't real, you're bracing for the moments that will test your soul. And boy did they come.
I was expecting a Butker extra point miss. I wasn't expecting Mahomes to get injured.
Soul-Testing Moment #1: With 13 minutes to go in the second quarter, the Colts knock Mahomes down and his knee gets twisted and lands on a helmet. He's limping. You think, this is it. It's only a 14-point lead. With Chad Henne in the game, the Colts will come back. This is awful. But the kid plays on.
Soul-Testing Moment #2: After the Chiefs D had forced four consecutive 3 and outs, the Chiefs punt for the first time. It's blocked. Recovered for a TD. It's now 17-7. The Colts don't have a first down but they have a touchdown. And the Chiefs are supposed to be #1 in special teams DVOA. That hasn't happened all season. But it happens in the playoffs at home.
You think the Chiefs can't blow a 10-point lead?
What does Mahomes do? Throws it to Kelce for 30 yards. Then to Watkins. Hill. Two runs by Williams. On 3rd and 6, he throws it to Kelce for 7. Pass to Williams. Pass to Watkins. Watkins run. And then Mahomes runs it in himself from the 4.
Mahomes was 6 for 6 and gained 73 yards on the 75 yard scoring drive. The drive took the first half under the two minute warning and the Colts used all their timeouts.
Luck and the Colts offense finally got going on the last drive of the first half. It sure looked like it was going to be 24-14 at the half. But they didn't have any timeouts. The Colts drove down to the Chiefs 5 but settled for a field goal attempt on 3rd down. It's a 23-yarder for Vinatieri so it's going to be 24-10 at the half.
And then it happened.
• • •
To fully appreciate this moment, you have to understand the history of Chiefs kicking in the playoffs. The long version is this article. The short version is this stat from the article:
Since 1971, both the Chiefs and their opponents have attempted 29 field goals from 0-46 yards in the playoffs.
The Chiefs had made 18 of 29. Their opponents had made all 29.
When I saw that glorious Vinatieri kick hit the upright, I knew this was the game that was going to break the cycle. At halftime, I went outside with my sons to build a snowman.
Adam Vinatieri hits the upright on a 23-yard FG to end the first half.— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) January 12, 2019
Another week, another Doink. pic.twitter.com/vEj8kqIIku
But just because I had that thought, didn't mean that the Chiefs were in the clear. There would be the Mahomes fumble and then recovery. The Hill fumble and then recovery. And then...
Soul-Testing Moment #3: With 16 minutes to go in the game, Watkins fumbles at the Chiefs 20. It's still 24-7. You think this will be how the Colts make this a game. Their offense can't do anything, but a blocked punt and a fumble recovery will make this a 10 point game.
But then that doesn't happen. Dee Ford knocks the ball away. Justin Houston recovers it. All season, whenever the Chiefs offense have made a rare miscue, the Chiefs D have stepped up their game to get it back for them. As if, we know you've been carrying the team, so we got your back.
The last test? Finishing the game.
The Colts scored to make it 24-13. Over 5 minutes left. Anything could happen. We needed one more good drive to close the deal. Mahomes didn't even have to complete a pass. Damien Williams ran the ball 8 times for 48 yards (plus a little help from a roughing the punter penalty).
And then the game-clinching play:
Darrel Williams adds a late TD to give the @Chiefs a 31-13 lead! #LetsRoll— NFL (@NFL) January 13, 2019
📺: #INDvsKC on NBC pic.twitter.com/ouWHok0Mqn
Mahomes is there to symbolically push the Chiefs over the line.
• • •
So there it is. The Chiefs have won a playoff game at Arrowhead for the first time since January 1994. The Chiefs beat the Colts in the playoffs for the first time ever. And instead of carrying losing streaks, they are now starting ones. Mahomes is 1-0 in the playoffs.
By the way, all that talk about the Chiefs defense? The Colts finished 0-9 on 3rd down. The Chiefs D is better at home. They get one more home game to prove it.
By the way, all that talk about the Chiefs defense? The Colts finished 0-9 on 3rd down. The Chiefs D is better at home. They get one more home game to prove it.
Sunday, December 30, 2018
The Mahomes Effect
Patrick Mahomes in his first season as a starting quarterback, became the 2nd QB in NFL History to throw 50 touchdowns and 5000 passing yards. Peyton Manning did it once in 2013. Brady, Brees, Marino, Rodgers have never done it. Mahomes is 1 for 1 on the 50/5000 club.
When you have a QB like this, you're not the only one going to make records.
Tyreek Hill set the Chiefs franchise record for yards in a season.
Travis Kelce set the NFL record for TE yards in a season (Kittle would break Kelce's record an hour later.)
And the Chiefs set a franchise record for points scored. It was also #1 in the NFL season. And #3 in history only behind the 2013 Broncos and 2007 Patriots.
At this point, Mahomes is the heavy favorite to win NFL MVP.
All of this is incredible, career-defining stuff. And then you remember it's his first season and you don't know what to say.
- - -
OH YEAH, and for the first time since I went to high school, the Chiefs are the #1 seed in the AFC. They will have one more game in Arrowhead. If they win that, they host the AFC Championship. They've never hosted the AFC Championship. (The last time the Chiefs went to that game was in Buffalo in 1993-94.)
The Chiefs finished 12-4. The Chargers are 12-4 and the Patriots are 11-5 with the tiebreaker over KC. Which means that for the Chiefs to take the #1 seed, ALL of these things needed to happen:
The Miami Miracle lateral win over the Pats
The Patriots losing to the Lions, Jaguars, Steelers and Titans (all 5 losses to non-playoff teams)
The Ravens beating the Chargers in week 16
That's crazy. The Chiefs needed ALL of that to happen. And all of it did.
So now the Chiefs won't play any road games. They will only have to play one of Texans/Patriots.
The Chargers and Bears also finished 12-4 and are playing wild-card weekend.
They have two weeks to study, get Eric Berry, Kendall Fuller (and maybe Sammy Watkins) healthy. We know anything can happen and the Chiefs carry a history of playoff failures. But then again, hopefully they learned something from the late-game collapse vs the Chargers.
And it's kind of nice to have to be wondering if the MVP can win the Super Bowl instead of wondering if good Alex Smith can show up in January.
When you have a QB like this, you're not the only one going to make records.
Tyreek Hill set the Chiefs franchise record for yards in a season.
Travis Kelce set the NFL record for TE yards in a season (Kittle would break Kelce's record an hour later.)
And the Chiefs set a franchise record for points scored. It was also #1 in the NFL season. And #3 in history only behind the 2013 Broncos and 2007 Patriots.
At this point, Mahomes is the heavy favorite to win NFL MVP.
All of this is incredible, career-defining stuff. And then you remember it's his first season and you don't know what to say.
- - -
OH YEAH, and for the first time since I went to high school, the Chiefs are the #1 seed in the AFC. They will have one more game in Arrowhead. If they win that, they host the AFC Championship. They've never hosted the AFC Championship. (The last time the Chiefs went to that game was in Buffalo in 1993-94.)
The Chiefs finished 12-4. The Chargers are 12-4 and the Patriots are 11-5 with the tiebreaker over KC. Which means that for the Chiefs to take the #1 seed, ALL of these things needed to happen:
The Miami Miracle lateral win over the Pats
The Patriots losing to the Lions, Jaguars, Steelers and Titans (all 5 losses to non-playoff teams)
The Ravens beating the Chargers in week 16
The Broncos last second win over the Chargers in week 11
And 12 Wins by the Chiefs, including the 4th and 9 comeback over the Ravens, the opening win over the Chargers, the Mile High MNF left-handed pass win, and crushing the Raiders today.That's crazy. The Chiefs needed ALL of that to happen. And all of it did.
So now the Chiefs won't play any road games. They will only have to play one of Texans/Patriots.
The Chargers and Bears also finished 12-4 and are playing wild-card weekend.
They have two weeks to study, get Eric Berry, Kendall Fuller (and maybe Sammy Watkins) healthy. We know anything can happen and the Chiefs carry a history of playoff failures. But then again, hopefully they learned something from the late-game collapse vs the Chargers.
And it's kind of nice to have to be wondering if the MVP can win the Super Bowl instead of wondering if good Alex Smith can show up in January.
Thursday, December 13, 2018
Uncharted Territory
I've opened a lot of blog posts to write about the Chiefs. I've never been here.
For starters, the Chiefs are the favorite to go to the Super Bowl in the AFC.
With 3 games to go, they are in a fantastic position to get the #1 seed.
And just for good measure, Mahomes is the favorite to win MVP.
Here's something I've never even had to think about before...was is the best regular season in Chiefs franchise history?
1966. They went 11-2-1 in 14 games for a winning percentage of .821 and went to Super Bowl I.
The best they've done in a 16 game schedule is 13-3 (.813). But 14-2 (.875) is in play. That's right. Mahomes first year as the starter in KC and all of this in play.
- - -
The Chiefs only chance of getting the #1 seed this century was 2003. Both the Chiefs and Pats were 11-2 with 3 games to play.
This year, well it could get really complicated if they lose tonight and really simple if they win, but they're not losing, so let's just skip this part for now and say they're in good shape.
- - -
How did we get here? A whole season just like the Ravens game. That was the most thrilling win of the season, with the other thrilling games coming in their 2 losses.
It featured among other things, a wicked side-arm in a tight window, a freaking no-look pass and a 4th and 9 heave that of course found it's way into Tyreek Hill's arms. All our lives we watch sports and think that we have a chance even if we're down a touchdown and facing 4th and long. And all our lives we realize that's a bad position to be in. And then one day your team drafts Patrick Mahomes and suddenly there's no such thing as a position where you don't have faith in him.
Which brings us to tonight...
let's see anything going on tonight....
Chiefs are wearing red on red
it's a primetime game at Arrowhead
it's a divisional game with the AFC West on the line
Chiefs are riding a 9-game win streak over the Chargers
the Chiefs are inducting Tony Gonzalez into the Ring of Honor and I'm betting he'll be beating the drum during pre-game introductions
and it's the season debut of Eric Berry
For starters, the Chiefs are the favorite to go to the Super Bowl in the AFC.
With 3 games to go, they are in a fantastic position to get the #1 seed.
And just for good measure, Mahomes is the favorite to win MVP.
Here's something I've never even had to think about before...was is the best regular season in Chiefs franchise history?
1966. They went 11-2-1 in 14 games for a winning percentage of .821 and went to Super Bowl I.
The best they've done in a 16 game schedule is 13-3 (.813). But 14-2 (.875) is in play. That's right. Mahomes first year as the starter in KC and all of this in play.
- - -
The Chiefs only chance of getting the #1 seed this century was 2003. Both the Chiefs and Pats were 11-2 with 3 games to play.
This year, well it could get really complicated if they lose tonight and really simple if they win, but they're not losing, so let's just skip this part for now and say they're in good shape.
- - -
How did we get here? A whole season just like the Ravens game. That was the most thrilling win of the season, with the other thrilling games coming in their 2 losses.
It featured among other things, a wicked side-arm in a tight window, a freaking no-look pass and a 4th and 9 heave that of course found it's way into Tyreek Hill's arms. All our lives we watch sports and think that we have a chance even if we're down a touchdown and facing 4th and long. And all our lives we realize that's a bad position to be in. And then one day your team drafts Patrick Mahomes and suddenly there's no such thing as a position where you don't have faith in him.
Which brings us to tonight...
let's see anything going on tonight....
Chiefs are wearing red on red
it's a primetime game at Arrowhead
it's a divisional game with the AFC West on the line
Chiefs are riding a 9-game win streak over the Chargers
the Chiefs are inducting Tony Gonzalez into the Ring of Honor and I'm betting he'll be beating the drum during pre-game introductions
and it's the season debut of Eric Berry
Friday, November 16, 2018
The Race for #1
At the start of the year, the Chiefs weren't even the favorite to win their division. Now there's 6 games left before the playoffs and I'm sitting here writing a post about the #1 seed in the AFC.
First, we have to go back. The last time the Chiefs were the #1 seed in the AFC was 1997. They were eliminated by the Broncos who would go on to win the Super Bowl. (The other two teams in the divisional round? Patriots and Steelers.)
The last time the Chiefs played in the AFC Championship? 1993. It's also the only time since we're not counting the AFL Championship in 1970. That team had Joe Montana and Marcus Allen and won two playoff games before losing to Buffalo.
The last time the Chiefs were in this position, with a clear path to the #1 seed was 2003. Through ten games they were 9-1. The Patriots were 8-2. The Chiefs finished 13-3 but the Patriots won out and got the #1 seed. As #2, Chiefs had to face Manning and the Colts while the Patriots hosted McNair and Eddie George on the Titans. (That Chiefs team had Trent Green, Priest Holmes, Dante Hall and Tony G.) That's a long time ago. And yet, in 2018 and in 2003, the Chiefs are battling Tom Brady for home field advantage in the playoffs.
- - -
At this point, lots of things could happen. The Chargers only have one more loss than KC and get to face to the Chiefs one more time. So it's possible the Chiefs could finish 13-3 and be the 5th seed. (Might even be possible to finish 14-2 and be the 5th seed depending on tiebreakers with the Chargers.) But for now, let's assume the Chiefs will win the division.
Based on their schedules, I think the Steelers will drop a couple games and be the #3 seed. In my head, it's a race between the Chiefs and Pats for the top two seeds. The loser gets to face the Steelers in the divisional round. The winner gets one of Chargers/Texans/Bengals/Titans or worse. Plus, the home field in a potential AFC title game.
The Pats losing to the Titans on Sunday was huge. That gives New England two more losses than the Chiefs. Pats have the tiebreaker so the Chiefs margin for error is one game.
That's what makes the MNF game vs the Rams so important. Not because it's a potential Super Bowl matchup. Every game is important. The Chiefs have a one-game cushion. Lose on Monday and it's gone.
First, we have to go back. The last time the Chiefs were the #1 seed in the AFC was 1997. They were eliminated by the Broncos who would go on to win the Super Bowl. (The other two teams in the divisional round? Patriots and Steelers.)
The last time the Chiefs played in the AFC Championship? 1993. It's also the only time since we're not counting the AFL Championship in 1970. That team had Joe Montana and Marcus Allen and won two playoff games before losing to Buffalo.
The last time the Chiefs were in this position, with a clear path to the #1 seed was 2003. Through ten games they were 9-1. The Patriots were 8-2. The Chiefs finished 13-3 but the Patriots won out and got the #1 seed. As #2, Chiefs had to face Manning and the Colts while the Patriots hosted McNair and Eddie George on the Titans. (That Chiefs team had Trent Green, Priest Holmes, Dante Hall and Tony G.) That's a long time ago. And yet, in 2018 and in 2003, the Chiefs are battling Tom Brady for home field advantage in the playoffs.
- - -
At this point, lots of things could happen. The Chargers only have one more loss than KC and get to face to the Chiefs one more time. So it's possible the Chiefs could finish 13-3 and be the 5th seed. (Might even be possible to finish 14-2 and be the 5th seed depending on tiebreakers with the Chargers.) But for now, let's assume the Chiefs will win the division.
Based on their schedules, I think the Steelers will drop a couple games and be the #3 seed. In my head, it's a race between the Chiefs and Pats for the top two seeds. The loser gets to face the Steelers in the divisional round. The winner gets one of Chargers/Texans/Bengals/Titans or worse. Plus, the home field in a potential AFC title game.
The Pats losing to the Titans on Sunday was huge. That gives New England two more losses than the Chiefs. Pats have the tiebreaker so the Chiefs margin for error is one game.
That's what makes the MNF game vs the Rams so important. Not because it's a potential Super Bowl matchup. Every game is important. The Chiefs have a one-game cushion. Lose on Monday and it's gone.
Tuesday, October 02, 2018
Mahomes Rises to the Occasion in Mile High
Comebacks. They are the losses that sting the most and the most thrilling wins. When your team is down you mentally prepare for the loss. So when your team pulls it out in the final seconds, it's even better than a normal win—it's like winning twice. The opposite is true when your team gives up a comeback. You've mentally counted on that win. You're celebrating internally. And then it all goes up in smoke. And you're in a pit much worse than a normal loss.
And isn't it funny when a team is trying to bleed the clock, that they are far less dangerous than when they need to score.
Chiefs D comes up with a 3 and out, their second of the night. In the 1st quarter it was Lindsay run on first down, sack on 2nd down, pass short on 3rd down. In the 4th quarter it was Lindsay run on first down, pass short on 2nd down, sack on 3rd down.
Chiefs get the ball back, 4:35 to go. Soon it's 3rd and 5. Chiefs need a big play...
I just realized this is the Chiefs' best version of the fluke play that defines a comeback. We've been on the receiving end of the fumble-Luck rush TD and the deflected-Mariota pass TD and now the Chiefs have the left hand conversion. I suppose this was more skillful than a lucky bounce, but still. After that, it really felt like the tide had turned.
But after two penalties it was 2nd and 30 back at the KC 31. So Mahomes scrambles and finds Robinson for 23.
Then comes the play that Denver fans are salty about. In the first frame you can see the play clock still at 1. In the second you can see the play clock expire, the ball has not been snapped. In the last frame the ball is snapped. All three were taken at 10:58 in the YouTube player.
So it was less than a second, and this exact situation happens all the time. The back judge is looking at the play clock, when it goes to zero he looks to see if the ball is snapped. I'd be pissed too. I was pissed about the holding call against the Steelers in the playoffs and when Big Ben crossed the line of scrimmage in this year's Steelers game too. The intentional grounding against Mahomes was iffy. Let's say throw the flag there. It's 3rd and 12 in 4-down territory. That didn't cost you the game.
If you're scoring at home, here are all the times that the Chiefs had more than 10 yards to go for a first down and converted anyways:
3rd and 11 - converted
3rd and 16 - converted
1st and 20 - converted
2nd and 30 - converted
It's really something when your offense is facing 2nd and 30...and you still believe your quarterback is going to pull something out of his ass.
Three plays later, Kareem Hunt in for 6. It's 27-23 Chiefs. With 1:39 remaining. Oh no. Because the last thing a Chiefs fan wants right now is to trust the defense. Against Keenum, Mr. Miracle.
First play of the drive is a sack by Armani Watts. I gotta say, Keenum looks great with Armani draped all over him. (rimshot)
But Mr. Miracle converts 4th and 11. And then next play, 36 yard pass for Denver. They're less than 30 yards away from winning. 2nd down Fuller almost picks it off. 3rd down...Demaryius Thomas runs right past the CB (who must have been expecting safety help but it wasn't there) and is wide open. Want to see how open? It's not safe for work.
No Chief within 5 yards. When you know they need to throw deep and have no timeouts so near the sideline is best. I mean, how do you let this happen? And Mr. Miracle throws it over his head.
They'd get one more chance on 4th down but that was the game right there. The Chiefs D did exactly what we feared. And Denver couldn't make the play. Ballgame.
Here's Mahomes highlight reel.
Oh, and when you're talking about a divisional rival it hurts way more. Especially one with an active contentious history. Even more so, if you happen to live in the opposing city. Just saying.
I've been on the wrong end of comebacks many times, but 2015 week 2 takes the cake. The Chiefs at home in search of their first win over the Manning Broncos. KC takes the lead 24-17 with just over 2 minutes to go. You just need one stop to finally beat them. (And I'm living in Denver at the time.) And then Manning drives down the field. Converts 3rd and 8. Converts 3rd and 10. Scores. Game tied. So you think you're headed to overtime. And then they strip Jamaal Charles and it's 31-24 and the game's over in a blink. You just needed one stop. It sent the Chiefs in a tailspin. Broncos go on to win the Super Bowl. Still stings.
- - -
Coming in the game, I had lots of conflicting thoughts. The Broncos aren't that good. Never discount a divisional rival. Mahomes and the offense is unstoppable but the Chiefs D is pretty awful. Chiefs are already 2-0 on the road. But they're 2-0 on the road, you can't win every road game. I'm not scared of Keenum...but he did do the Minnesota Miracle so there's a sliver of doubt.
— Dave Fymbo (@davefymbo) October 1, 2018
Coming in the game, I had lots of conflicting thoughts. The Broncos aren't that good. Never discount a divisional rival. Mahomes and the offense is unstoppable but the Chiefs D is pretty awful. Chiefs are already 2-0 on the road. But they're 2-0 on the road, you can't win every road game. I'm not scared of Keenum...but he did do the Minnesota Miracle so there's a sliver of doubt.
Chiefs have huge games coming up after this...Jaguars, Patriots, Bengals, Broncos again. This is a stretch that will validate or expose their 3-0 start. Would this be a trap game on the road?
By the end of the Chiefs' second drive, you could tell this wasn't going to be business as usual for KC. First time they didn't score a TD on the opening drive. Broncos were bringing pressure. Mahomes looked off. Denver's D looked a lot better, especially in pass coverage than I had been led to believe. At this point, I predicted Mahomes would through his first interception. I knew we were in for a game that would go down to the wire.
Mahomes showed he can run in touchdowns as well as throw them in the second quarter, taking the lead 10-3.
Then it was 13-13. Then it was 20-13 Denver.
At this point, now I've got a lot of new thoughts. Who is the best team in the AFC? Jaguars, Patriots, Bengals, Titans, Ravens, Broncos, Chiefs all in the mix. Totally wide open. Now the Broncos are in first place in the AFC West. Fuck. Rams are the only undefeated team.
Then it was 23-13.
Here were the Chiefs possessions after scoring the 2nd quarter TD:
Punt (12 yard drive)
Field Goal (72 yard drive)
Punt (13 yard drive)
Punt (9 yard drive)
Chiefs get the ball with 12:47 to go in the game, down 23-13. And the Broncos D had been shutting them down. At this point, I did some pretty simple math. To win, Chiefs need to score twice get to 27. They can allow a field goal at most. So that's the winning recipe. Touchdown. Give up at most a field goal. Touchdown.
Chiefs putting together a drive, convert a 3rd and 6...except there's a penalty and now it's 3rd and 16. Flushed out of the pocket, throwing across his body, complete for 15 yards.
So now it's 4th and 1. Reid placed an order with Kareem Hunt Trucking Company. After they pick that up, there's a holding penalty. So 1st and 20. But Mahomes gets it back with a big play to Kelce. In fact, hits Kelce a few more times and Reid calls for a Kelce screen to score. 23-20 with 6 minutes to go.Mahomes made so, so, so many clutch plays tonight. 4th Q, down 10 with 10:53 left. 3rd and 16 right after you got a 3rd down conversion snatched away from you. To make THIS throw into great coverage against one of the best CB's in football... on the run... pic.twitter.com/QqXK0B2KHX— Seth Keysor (@RealMNchiefsfan) October 2, 2018
And isn't it funny when a team is trying to bleed the clock, that they are far less dangerous than when they need to score.
Chiefs D comes up with a 3 and out, their second of the night. In the 1st quarter it was Lindsay run on first down, sack on 2nd down, pass short on 3rd down. In the 4th quarter it was Lindsay run on first down, pass short on 2nd down, sack on 3rd down.
Chiefs get the ball back, 4:35 to go. Soon it's 3rd and 5. Chiefs need a big play...
Are you kidding? Instant flashback to Monday Night Football in 2004, in this very stadium. 14 years ago, Jake Plummer threw a left-handed interception to the Chiefs. Last night, Mahomes converts on 3rd down with a left-handed toss as he's been sacked by Von Miller. Nuts.This play will be talked about by Chiefs fans until the sun burns out. This is Montana to Davis stuff here. pic.twitter.com/c9FAkhGI35— Seth Keysor (@RealMNchiefsfan) October 2, 2018
I just realized this is the Chiefs' best version of the fluke play that defines a comeback. We've been on the receiving end of the fumble-Luck rush TD and the deflected-Mariota pass TD and now the Chiefs have the left hand conversion. I suppose this was more skillful than a lucky bounce, but still. After that, it really felt like the tide had turned.
But after two penalties it was 2nd and 30 back at the KC 31. So Mahomes scrambles and finds Robinson for 23.
This is when I knew the Chiefs would score and go ahead (not "win," because the defense scared me). 2nd and 30 and Mahomes gets back 23 despite pressure because he's not human. pic.twitter.com/cxusiGhWKE— Seth Keysor (@RealMNchiefsfan) October 2, 2018
Then comes the play that Denver fans are salty about. In the first frame you can see the play clock still at 1. In the second you can see the play clock expire, the ball has not been snapped. In the last frame the ball is snapped. All three were taken at 10:58 in the YouTube player.
So it was less than a second, and this exact situation happens all the time. The back judge is looking at the play clock, when it goes to zero he looks to see if the ball is snapped. I'd be pissed too. I was pissed about the holding call against the Steelers in the playoffs and when Big Ben crossed the line of scrimmage in this year's Steelers game too. The intentional grounding against Mahomes was iffy. Let's say throw the flag there. It's 3rd and 12 in 4-down territory. That didn't cost you the game.
If you're scoring at home, here are all the times that the Chiefs had more than 10 yards to go for a first down and converted anyways:
3rd and 11 - converted
3rd and 16 - converted
1st and 20 - converted
2nd and 30 - converted
It's really something when your offense is facing 2nd and 30...and you still believe your quarterback is going to pull something out of his ass.
Three plays later, Kareem Hunt in for 6. It's 27-23 Chiefs. With 1:39 remaining. Oh no. Because the last thing a Chiefs fan wants right now is to trust the defense. Against Keenum, Mr. Miracle.
First play of the drive is a sack by Armani Watts. I gotta say, Keenum looks great with Armani draped all over him. (rimshot)
But Mr. Miracle converts 4th and 11. And then next play, 36 yard pass for Denver. They're less than 30 yards away from winning. 2nd down Fuller almost picks it off. 3rd down...Demaryius Thomas runs right past the CB (who must have been expecting safety help but it wasn't there) and is wide open. Want to see how open? It's not safe for work.
No Chief within 5 yards. When you know they need to throw deep and have no timeouts so near the sideline is best. I mean, how do you let this happen? And Mr. Miracle throws it over his head.
They'd get one more chance on 4th down but that was the game right there. The Chiefs D did exactly what we feared. And Denver couldn't make the play. Ballgame.
Here's Mahomes highlight reel.
Mahomes has 2 game-winning drives in Denver. He's 5-0 in the NFL, 4-0 on the road.
He snapped Broncos 38-game streak of not allowing 300 passing yards. Snapped Denver's 65-game win streak of holding a double digit lead in the 4th quarter.
Still hasn't committed a turnover.
He snapped Broncos 38-game streak of not allowing 300 passing yards. Snapped Denver's 65-game win streak of holding a double digit lead in the 4th quarter.
Still hasn't committed a turnover.
Hey look, it's Von Miller on the front page of the KC Star:
You're not going to believe this but the Chiefs have beaten the Broncos 6 games in a row. They've beaten the Broncos at Denver in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. The last time the Broncos beat the Chiefs was that 2015 game I mentioned in the beginning.
The Mahomes era is real. And it's spectacular.
The Mahomes era is real. And it's spectacular.
Sunday, September 09, 2018
The Pat Mahomes Era Starts With A Big Win
I typically don't try to make too much of one game, particularly the opening week when wonky stuff happens. But this was a big win for the Chiefs. Let's break it down.
In my head divisional games are worth 4 times as much as a single Chiefs result outside of the division. A win over say the Texans can be canceled out if the AFC West leaders win their game too. But beating the Chargers means giving them a loss, while a loss hurts the Chiefs and helps the Chargers.
The Chargers were the preseason favorite to win the division.
This was a Chiefs road game. Always good to start with a road win and still have 8 home games left. In fact, one of the Chiefs road games is actually a neutral site in Mexico City. Season just started and only 6 road games left.
This continues the streak of 9 straight wins for Chiefs over Chargers. It's nice to start the season by reminding the Chargers they can't stay on the same field as the Chiefs.
Mahomes is the real deal. He wasn't perfect and not every throw goes on the highlight reel. But for his first meaningful start, he played tough, smart and make enough plays to lead an offense to 31 points (the first TD was a punt return).
It helps that neither the 49ers nor the Steelers looked like world-beaters today. The path to opening 3-1 or even 4-0 seems more realistic now than it did 8 hours ago.
Oh yeah, and Eric Berry didn't play this game. Any time you can be down a great player and still get the W is a huge help.
In fact, the Chiefs were up 31-12. I think they let up off the gas on purpose, knowing they didn't need to pull out any more tricks.
In my head divisional games are worth 4 times as much as a single Chiefs result outside of the division. A win over say the Texans can be canceled out if the AFC West leaders win their game too. But beating the Chargers means giving them a loss, while a loss hurts the Chiefs and helps the Chargers.
The Chargers were the preseason favorite to win the division.
This was a Chiefs road game. Always good to start with a road win and still have 8 home games left. In fact, one of the Chiefs road games is actually a neutral site in Mexico City. Season just started and only 6 road games left.
This continues the streak of 9 straight wins for Chiefs over Chargers. It's nice to start the season by reminding the Chargers they can't stay on the same field as the Chiefs.
Mahomes is the real deal. He wasn't perfect and not every throw goes on the highlight reel. But for his first meaningful start, he played tough, smart and make enough plays to lead an offense to 31 points (the first TD was a punt return).
It helps that neither the 49ers nor the Steelers looked like world-beaters today. The path to opening 3-1 or even 4-0 seems more realistic now than it did 8 hours ago.
Oh yeah, and Eric Berry didn't play this game. Any time you can be down a great player and still get the W is a huge help.
In fact, the Chiefs were up 31-12. I think they let up off the gas on purpose, knowing they didn't need to pull out any more tricks.
Wednesday, January 31, 2018
Opening the Super Bowl Window
In 2012, the Chiefs had 6 Pro Bowlers. Jamaal Charles, Tamba Hali, Justin Houston, Derrick Johnson, Eric Berry and Dustin Colquitt. They went 2-14, 0-6 in the division.
In 2017, the Chiefs had 4 Pro Bowlers. Tyreek Hill, Kareem Hunt, Travis Kelce, Alex Smith. They went 10-6, 5-1 in the division and made the playoffs.
In the 5 years with Andy Reid and Alex Smith, the Chiefs made the playoffs 4 times. In the prior 5 years, they only made it once.
In 2012, Chiefs fans formed an organization called Save Our Chiefs and flew banners protesting the GM. Later that season, a Chiefs player killed his girlfriend and committed suicide in front of the GM.
It's hard to overstate how bad the Chiefs were before Alex and Andy came to town. How not fun the team was back then. And then how good and fun they've been with them.
In 2013, when I found out they were coming, I said the litmus test would be to win a playoff game. And they did! For the first time in my life, I sat there and watched the Chiefs win a playoff game. I now know what that feels like, thanks to primarily to Alex and Andy.
For the first time in franchise history, the Chiefs won the division in back to back years. That's good!
4 playoff trips in 5 seasons means you belong. You're not the Jaguars crashing the party. You're the Chiefs, you make the playoffs.
I guess most of all, the games mean something. The seasons are fun. It's fun to think about in the off-season. You have hope.
In 2003, the Chiefs were the #2 seed in the AFC. I knew the Patriots and Colts were tough, but the Chiefs had a real chance.
In 2015, the Chiefs won a playoff game. They had a chance.
In 2016, the Chiefs were the #2 seed in the AFC. Again, a real chance.
In 2017, the Chiefs looked great in the first half of their playoff game. They had a chance.
Some people can look at those chances and the fact that they never made an AFC Championship and complain about it. But you can also look at those chances and know that is a lot more fun than going 2-14.
Alex Smith has played his last game as a Chief. But he definitely left this team better than he found it. And I'll always remember the Mile High Miracle, the playoff win, the comeback against the Chargers, and all the other great wins. He was worth it.
- - -
For Washington, this trade looks pretty awful. Going from Cousins to Smith is about equal in production, but Smith is also 5 years older. Tom Brady aside, a lot of quarterbacks drop off after 35. Smith is better at not throwing picks, but I don't think he's making your team significantly better. He'll be fine, could help them win the division next year, but over the long-term, I think I'd rather have Cousins. But not only that, Washington gave up a 3rd round pick AND a great corner still on his rookie deal. Those are two prime assets. So why is Washington doing this?
Basically, they screwed up with Cousins. They made him play on 2 consecutive franchise tags because they wanted to see him prove it. Instead of keeping him and keeping their assets, they needed to replace him.
It's strange because I think Smith will be a good QB for them over the next few seasons and it pisses me off to see smug Eagles/Cowboys/Giants fans licking their chops over seeing Alex. I hope he does well and kicks some ass. But it's hard to believe that this trade will be worth it for Washington.
- - -
It's not rocket science. In basketball you want to shoot threes and lay-ups, not mid-range jumpers. In football, you want great players without having to pay them a lot. I don't think people talk about Tom Brady's salary enough. It's a huge difference maker.
The Chiefs have three years of the biggest efficiency in the game, a QB on his rookie deal. As we've seen with Winston and Mariota, it's only a game-changer if the QB plays at a Pro Bowl level. But every indication is that Mahomes can do that. He'll throw more picks, of course. But I expect some Drew Brees 400 yard, 2 score, 2 pick games that are good enough to win.
Now the Chiefs add Kendall Fuller, an awesome cornerback on his rookie deal. So our GM gets it. He understands the most obvious thing right now. The Chiefs had a pretty good team this past year. The defense could be a lot better. The offense struggled in the middle part of the season. But they were pretty good. Make them better with some free agents and draft picks, baby, you got a stew going. I was reading about the cliche that Belichick takes away your best player, and the analysis that a coach would rather have 11 average players than 6 good and 5 bad ones, and it got me thinking...it's more important to have depth and good players everywhere than it is to acquire a single all-star. To that end, Mahomes + Fuller + pick seems a hell of a lot better than just Alex Smith.
The Pat Mahomes era is here and it's exciting. (I mean, if he is a Brady/Rodgers/Manning type guy, you can compete for his whole career. But it's the first three years that give you the best chance.) You don't have to be the best team all three years--in fact, it's a little easier to suck for a year, get the easier schedule and draft picks and then reload. Brady will still be good next year. But the fall of 2019 or 2020? Brady and Big Ben will be older. The AFC could be wiiiiiiide open. I'm not saying to book your travel just yet, but you might want to keep these in mind.
2018 Season - Super Bowl 53 in Atlanta
2019 Season - Super Bowl 54 in Miami
2020 Season - Super Bowl 55 in Tampa
In 2017, the Chiefs had 4 Pro Bowlers. Tyreek Hill, Kareem Hunt, Travis Kelce, Alex Smith. They went 10-6, 5-1 in the division and made the playoffs.
In the 5 years with Andy Reid and Alex Smith, the Chiefs made the playoffs 4 times. In the prior 5 years, they only made it once.
In 2012, Chiefs fans formed an organization called Save Our Chiefs and flew banners protesting the GM. Later that season, a Chiefs player killed his girlfriend and committed suicide in front of the GM.
It's hard to overstate how bad the Chiefs were before Alex and Andy came to town. How not fun the team was back then. And then how good and fun they've been with them.
In 2013, when I found out they were coming, I said the litmus test would be to win a playoff game. And they did! For the first time in my life, I sat there and watched the Chiefs win a playoff game. I now know what that feels like, thanks to primarily to Alex and Andy.
For the first time in franchise history, the Chiefs won the division in back to back years. That's good!
4 playoff trips in 5 seasons means you belong. You're not the Jaguars crashing the party. You're the Chiefs, you make the playoffs.
I guess most of all, the games mean something. The seasons are fun. It's fun to think about in the off-season. You have hope.
In 2003, the Chiefs were the #2 seed in the AFC. I knew the Patriots and Colts were tough, but the Chiefs had a real chance.
In 2015, the Chiefs won a playoff game. They had a chance.
In 2016, the Chiefs were the #2 seed in the AFC. Again, a real chance.
In 2017, the Chiefs looked great in the first half of their playoff game. They had a chance.
Some people can look at those chances and the fact that they never made an AFC Championship and complain about it. But you can also look at those chances and know that is a lot more fun than going 2-14.
Alex Smith has played his last game as a Chief. But he definitely left this team better than he found it. And I'll always remember the Mile High Miracle, the playoff win, the comeback against the Chargers, and all the other great wins. He was worth it.
- - -
For Washington, this trade looks pretty awful. Going from Cousins to Smith is about equal in production, but Smith is also 5 years older. Tom Brady aside, a lot of quarterbacks drop off after 35. Smith is better at not throwing picks, but I don't think he's making your team significantly better. He'll be fine, could help them win the division next year, but over the long-term, I think I'd rather have Cousins. But not only that, Washington gave up a 3rd round pick AND a great corner still on his rookie deal. Those are two prime assets. So why is Washington doing this?
Basically, they screwed up with Cousins. They made him play on 2 consecutive franchise tags because they wanted to see him prove it. Instead of keeping him and keeping their assets, they needed to replace him.
It's strange because I think Smith will be a good QB for them over the next few seasons and it pisses me off to see smug Eagles/Cowboys/Giants fans licking their chops over seeing Alex. I hope he does well and kicks some ass. But it's hard to believe that this trade will be worth it for Washington.
- - -
It's not rocket science. In basketball you want to shoot threes and lay-ups, not mid-range jumpers. In football, you want great players without having to pay them a lot. I don't think people talk about Tom Brady's salary enough. It's a huge difference maker.
The Chiefs have three years of the biggest efficiency in the game, a QB on his rookie deal. As we've seen with Winston and Mariota, it's only a game-changer if the QB plays at a Pro Bowl level. But every indication is that Mahomes can do that. He'll throw more picks, of course. But I expect some Drew Brees 400 yard, 2 score, 2 pick games that are good enough to win.
Now the Chiefs add Kendall Fuller, an awesome cornerback on his rookie deal. So our GM gets it. He understands the most obvious thing right now. The Chiefs had a pretty good team this past year. The defense could be a lot better. The offense struggled in the middle part of the season. But they were pretty good. Make them better with some free agents and draft picks, baby, you got a stew going. I was reading about the cliche that Belichick takes away your best player, and the analysis that a coach would rather have 11 average players than 6 good and 5 bad ones, and it got me thinking...it's more important to have depth and good players everywhere than it is to acquire a single all-star. To that end, Mahomes + Fuller + pick seems a hell of a lot better than just Alex Smith.
The Pat Mahomes era is here and it's exciting. (I mean, if he is a Brady/Rodgers/Manning type guy, you can compete for his whole career. But it's the first three years that give you the best chance.) You don't have to be the best team all three years--in fact, it's a little easier to suck for a year, get the easier schedule and draft picks and then reload. Brady will still be good next year. But the fall of 2019 or 2020? Brady and Big Ben will be older. The AFC could be wiiiiiiide open. I'm not saying to book your travel just yet, but you might want to keep these in mind.
2018 Season - Super Bowl 53 in Atlanta
2019 Season - Super Bowl 54 in Miami
2020 Season - Super Bowl 55 in Tampa
Tuesday, October 31, 2017
Chiefs Spook Broncos on MNF: I Was There
Before the season if you had to pick one game to go to, it would be Broncos on Monday Night Football. Because of the way the season has gone, it became the most important game of the year so far--division race up for grabs, homefield race in the balance, divisional rival, primetime, all of it.
On Friday, I find out I'm getting tickets.
- - -
Quick aside, the tickets included access to a VIP Tailgate. Ryan and I show up and they're serving beef lasagna. So in case you're wondering, that's how VIPs roll.
Due to the beef lasagna and the ridiculous parking line and the ridiculous line to get in (note to self: only go in a express line at the gate) we were running through the concourse and entered section 108 at exactly the first play from scrimmage. It was actually amazing to be running down the steps and hear the crowd ramped the fuck up just as we see the field for the first time.
The game opened with two punts and then it was Jamaal Charles time. First play for him he gets past the line of scrimmage and there's only one man to beat. Ron Parker tackles him by the shoestrings and saves a touchdown. Game of inches man. Could have been 7-0 Broncos very easily. Instead, two plays later Marcus Peters strips Charles, recovers the fumble and returns it to the house. One man play right there. 7-0 Chiefs.
Three minutes later the Chiefs score again. They force a 3 and out and go 68 yards, including a big TD pass to Kelce. It's 14-0 with 6 minutes to go in the first quarter. Arrowhead is rocking. Both Chiefs touchdowns happened in the corner right in front of me.
Very Next Play. Interception. Peters with another big play. Chiefs have 1st and goal from the 9, just 11 minutes into the game. I said out loud, "got to cash this in." And the Chiefs decide to go for a trick play, Tyreek Hill throwing it to Ross Travis. Tyreek Hill now has more interceptions this season than Alex Smith. (1-0.)
Not only do the Chiefs squander a scoring opportunity, but this gives the Broncos momentum as they respond with the best drive of their game. They go down the field and have 1st and goal at the 9. It's only 14-0 with lots of time left...but Justin Houston comes through with a Big Mac Sack and ensures the Broncos settle for a field goal. 14-3.
Chiefs have another nice drive but settle for a field goal. 17-3. The teams would trade turnovers but that's the score at the half.
The entire rest of the game, I'm still thinking about that stupid trick play.
The Broncos would find some signs of life in the 3rd quarter and scored a TD to cut the Chiefs lead to 20-13 headed into the 4th quarter.
In the 4th, the Chiefs had a 43 yard field goal. It's a chill night with lots of swirling wind and it seemed like kickoffs had been short all night. Make it and it's a 10-point lead. Miss it and the Broncos have good field position to drive and tie the game. Harrison Butker makes it. (He now has a streak of 18-straight field goals after missing his first NFL field goal.)
With 10 minutes to go, it's 4th and 4 for the Broncos at their 48. They're going for it. I'm a little surprised with a full 10 minutes left, but here we are. They're pushing their chips in the middle. And the Chiefs shut it down.
Goddamn that felt great.
The Chiefs would add two more field goals and the Broncos would get a garbage time TD but it was never close after that. Final 29-19.
With a team like the Broncos, it was very nice to not leave any doubt about who played better. There was no whining about calls or anything they could say. The Chiefs took the lead on the Charles/Peters scoop and score and never looked back.
Here's a nice image to sum up the Broncos performance.
Surprisingly that was not after one of the Broncos 5 turnovers.
Here are pictures of the two Chiefs touchdowns.
And last but not least, I get to cross off the Broncos!
On Friday, I find out I'm getting tickets.
- - -
Quick aside, the tickets included access to a VIP Tailgate. Ryan and I show up and they're serving beef lasagna. So in case you're wondering, that's how VIPs roll.
Due to the beef lasagna and the ridiculous parking line and the ridiculous line to get in (note to self: only go in a express line at the gate) we were running through the concourse and entered section 108 at exactly the first play from scrimmage. It was actually amazing to be running down the steps and hear the crowd ramped the fuck up just as we see the field for the first time.
The game opened with two punts and then it was Jamaal Charles time. First play for him he gets past the line of scrimmage and there's only one man to beat. Ron Parker tackles him by the shoestrings and saves a touchdown. Game of inches man. Could have been 7-0 Broncos very easily. Instead, two plays later Marcus Peters strips Charles, recovers the fumble and returns it to the house. One man play right there. 7-0 Chiefs.
Three minutes later the Chiefs score again. They force a 3 and out and go 68 yards, including a big TD pass to Kelce. It's 14-0 with 6 minutes to go in the first quarter. Arrowhead is rocking. Both Chiefs touchdowns happened in the corner right in front of me.
Very Next Play. Interception. Peters with another big play. Chiefs have 1st and goal from the 9, just 11 minutes into the game. I said out loud, "got to cash this in." And the Chiefs decide to go for a trick play, Tyreek Hill throwing it to Ross Travis. Tyreek Hill now has more interceptions this season than Alex Smith. (1-0.)
Not only do the Chiefs squander a scoring opportunity, but this gives the Broncos momentum as they respond with the best drive of their game. They go down the field and have 1st and goal at the 9. It's only 14-0 with lots of time left...but Justin Houston comes through with a Big Mac Sack and ensures the Broncos settle for a field goal. 14-3.
Chiefs have another nice drive but settle for a field goal. 17-3. The teams would trade turnovers but that's the score at the half.
The entire rest of the game, I'm still thinking about that stupid trick play.
The Broncos would find some signs of life in the 3rd quarter and scored a TD to cut the Chiefs lead to 20-13 headed into the 4th quarter.
In the 4th, the Chiefs had a 43 yard field goal. It's a chill night with lots of swirling wind and it seemed like kickoffs had been short all night. Make it and it's a 10-point lead. Miss it and the Broncos have good field position to drive and tie the game. Harrison Butker makes it. (He now has a streak of 18-straight field goals after missing his first NFL field goal.)
With 10 minutes to go, it's 4th and 4 for the Broncos at their 48. They're going for it. I'm a little surprised with a full 10 minutes left, but here we are. They're pushing their chips in the middle. And the Chiefs shut it down.
Goddamn that felt great.
The Chiefs would add two more field goals and the Broncos would get a garbage time TD but it was never close after that. Final 29-19.
With a team like the Broncos, it was very nice to not leave any doubt about who played better. There was no whining about calls or anything they could say. The Chiefs took the lead on the Charles/Peters scoop and score and never looked back.
Here's a nice image to sum up the Broncos performance.
Surprisingly that was not after one of the Broncos 5 turnovers.
Here are pictures of the two Chiefs touchdowns.
And last but not least, I get to cross off the Broncos!
Friday, September 08, 2017
Chiefs Take Down The Champs
This wasn't a football game. This was a heavyweight bout.
Leading up to it, Collinsworth described the Chiefs as counter-punchers. We knew going into it that it was going to be a tough place to play. The Super Bowl champs opening at home, with the trophies, with the banners, with Mark Wahlberg. Al and Chris said they've never heard Gillette as loud as it was before the game.
And the Patriots came out swinging hard. No huddle down the field, 73 yards in under 3 minutes. It's 7-0.
First Chiefs play of the season, first career snap for Kareem Hunt and he fumbles. Never lost a fumble in 4 years of college.
Patriots are 32 yards from the endzone. 6 plays later, Tom Brady throws a touchdown to Gronk and it's 13-0 before Alex Smith has even thrown a pass.
Except that it wasn't. After the commercial break they take the touchdown away. That leads to a 4th and 1 from the 10.
They're going for it. KC Star writer Terez Paylor calls it disrespectful to go for it. The Chiefs stop them on 4th down and take over at the 10.
The Chiefs counter-punch and go 90 yards for a score with only getting to 3rd down once.
That was a huge sequence. Gronk completes that pass and it's 14-0. But defense steps up and boom, it's 7-7 after the first quarter. The Chiefs stop the bleeding and prove this is going to be a fight.
Next drive ends with a 4th and 1 for the Pats from the 8. The Chiefs have them gunshy and they settle for a field goal. That initial 4th down stop still providing benefits.
But the Patriots get it back after a punt and take a 17-7 lead. And the Chiefs punt again. Just like that it feels inevitable. The Patriots are the Champs. They've scored on 3 out of 4 drives. The Chiefs have only scored on 1 out of 4 drives. To stop them from scoring, we needed a key 4th down stop—you can't count on those.
With 3:44 to go in the first half, the Pats have the ball and could extend their lead before the half. But the Chiefs force their first punt.
The Chiefs now have 2:47 to salvage something. And I've always liked Alex Smith in these situations. I think he's best when he's forced to throw down the field. They quickly chip down the field, picking up key 3rd downs and with 13 seconds left Alex Smith checks down to Kareem Hunt for his first career touchdown.
It's Halftime and it's 17-14 Patriots. The Chiefs just executed a two-minute drill on the road in Foxboro against the Champs. KC gets the ball back to start the second half. The Chiefs hung in there and fought back from the second wave of punches.
Against a normal team, I'd feel reasonably confident. Against the Patriots, just nothing but dread. It still feels inevitable. But at least we didn't get blown out. At least we're not a national laughingstock.
After two punts, the Chiefs start a drive on their own 25 and this happens:
I really can't say enough about this. This feels SO MUCH like a play that I've seen happen over and over without the same result. The one where Alex checks down to RB and then the broadcast shows a replay that he had a wide open Maclin or Kelce or Hill that could have had a score. Or the one where Alex sees an opportunity like this but the pass is a little long or a little short. Or the one where he makes the throw but the ball bounces off a normally sure-handed receiver. I've seen countless variations of the wide open receiver—but I've rarely seen this version.
This is the version where Alex scans left and then continues to scan right where Hill is. When he sees Hill breaking open and doesn't hesitate. He fires it perfectly deep hitting him right in stride. And Hill catches it, oh my goodness he catches it. This is the version where the Chiefs take the lead for the first time. Just wow.
I saw the angle from Alex's point of view (wish I could find it again) and when Alex starts to throw it, Hill is not nearly that open. He's got him beat, but he's basically even with the defender. It's a thing of beauty.
And then, oh by the way, it's 21-17 Chiefs. With 9 minutes to go in the 3rd. It feels great, but I know that 24 minutes of football is an eternity. I expect the Patriots to come back.
The Chiefs lead lasted for 4 minutes. Patriots 24-21 with 5 to go in the 4rd. Damn.
Chiefs go back to back punts. Patriots open a drive with a 54-yard pass to Cooks. This is the 3rd wave of punches from the champ. A touchdown here would make it a two-possession game going into the 4th. Limit them to a field goal and it's only a 6 point game.
Chiefs Red Zone defense comes up huge again. Patriots 27-21. After a penalty it's 1st and 15 from their own 5 for the Chiefs. This feels like a punting situation. But Kareem Hunt goes 13 yards up the middle, gets the team some breathing room. Nice, underrated play. If he doesn't do that, then he can't do this:
Holy shit. Kareem Hunt is my new best friend. Alex Smith is a gunslinger. The Chiefs have counterpunched for the 3rd time. They've retaken the lead.
It's at this point 28-27, where I first thought: "Okay we're in this game. It would really, really suck to get to this point, to have this lead on the road, and have it all be wasted. We need to win this."
Ensuing drive. 3rd and 2, key tackle by Peters/Berry leaves NE with a 4th and 1 from the KC 40. They have to go for it. They try to run it like they did back in the first quarter. The Chiefs defense stops them again. The same defense that on the opening drive couldn't stop anything, is now a stone wall.
After exchanging punts, Chiefs get the ball and go to work. Short passes, deep passes, it's all working. They score again. I wish they would have gone for 2 to try and put it out reach, but they kick the extra point and it's 35-27 with 5 minutes to go.
At this point, having seen three waves of punches from the champs, I thought there was a 99% chance that Brady goes down the field and scores a touchdown.
First play of the drive is the first sack of the game for the Chiefs. #BigMacSack. Houston beats the edge rush and finally gets home on Brady.
Chiefs force a punt and get the ball back with 4 minutes to go. Still nervous. Need to close it out.
So the Chiefs run the ball twice for 79 yards and go up 42-27. Is this real life?
Like can I start celebrating yet? Holy shit.
The Chiefs sack Brady twice more on the final drive and get to victory formation.
The game is over.
Can I stop being nervous now?
- - -
For the record, there were two times this decade where the teams involved in the kickoff game reached the Super Bowl.
In 2013, the Broncos beat the Ravens on opening night. The Broncos would end up reaching the Super Bowl, but losing.
In 2014, the Seahawks beat the Packers on opening night. The Seahawks would end up reaching the Super Bowl, but losing.
So that's not exactly as exciting as I would have hoped, but...based on this alone, it seems more likely that the Chiefs would reach the SB than the Patriots, so I'll take it.
- - -
Here are some random fun stats:
The 4th Quarter by Pats was reverse of Super Bowl: 4 drives, 2 first downs, 0 points. Outscored 21-0.
The Patriots were 81-0 at Gillette when leading at half during the regular season before last night (95-1 when including playoffs).
42 points is the most allowed by the Patriots in the Bill Belichick era.
The Chiefs have won 7 straight road games, including wins over all 4 teams from the last 2 Super Bowls (CAR, DEN, ATL, NE)
Players with 300+ pass yards, 4+ passing TD and 0 INT against a Bill Belichick defense: Drew Brees (2009), Alex Smith (tonight)
Kareem Hunt has set an NFL record for yards from scrimmage in the first game of a career with 246.
Alex Smith last 2 games vs. New England (48 of 61 for 616 YDS 7TD 0 INT.)
- - -
Chiefs Offense in the Red Zone: 3 times = 3 touchdowns
Chiefs Defense in the Red Zone: 6 times = 3 touchdowns, 2 fg, 1 turnover on downs
- - -
- - -
It's easy to start thinking just about the emotional part. The opening night national TV win, coming back against the Patriots who spent the offseason rubbing it in the Falcons faces...
But this is a huge win for the season.
For starters of course, the Chiefs are 1-0 and have a few extra days to practice for their next game. They already got a road win, in the hardest game on the schedule. Plus, it's a tiebreaker against the Patriots that could easily impact the playoffs. It's not even ridiculous to think that the AFC Championship could be these two teams and because of this game (maybe both finish 12-4) that game is at Arrowhead because of Week 1. Holy crap.
Leading up to it, Collinsworth described the Chiefs as counter-punchers. We knew going into it that it was going to be a tough place to play. The Super Bowl champs opening at home, with the trophies, with the banners, with Mark Wahlberg. Al and Chris said they've never heard Gillette as loud as it was before the game.
And the Patriots came out swinging hard. No huddle down the field, 73 yards in under 3 minutes. It's 7-0.
First Chiefs play of the season, first career snap for Kareem Hunt and he fumbles. Never lost a fumble in 4 years of college.
Patriots are 32 yards from the endzone. 6 plays later, Tom Brady throws a touchdown to Gronk and it's 13-0 before Alex Smith has even thrown a pass.
Except that it wasn't. After the commercial break they take the touchdown away. That leads to a 4th and 1 from the 10.
They're going for it. KC Star writer Terez Paylor calls it disrespectful to go for it. The Chiefs stop them on 4th down and take over at the 10.
The Chiefs counter-punch and go 90 yards for a score with only getting to 3rd down once.
That was a huge sequence. Gronk completes that pass and it's 14-0. But defense steps up and boom, it's 7-7 after the first quarter. The Chiefs stop the bleeding and prove this is going to be a fight.
Next drive ends with a 4th and 1 for the Pats from the 8. The Chiefs have them gunshy and they settle for a field goal. That initial 4th down stop still providing benefits.
But the Patriots get it back after a punt and take a 17-7 lead. And the Chiefs punt again. Just like that it feels inevitable. The Patriots are the Champs. They've scored on 3 out of 4 drives. The Chiefs have only scored on 1 out of 4 drives. To stop them from scoring, we needed a key 4th down stop—you can't count on those.
With 3:44 to go in the first half, the Pats have the ball and could extend their lead before the half. But the Chiefs force their first punt.
The Chiefs now have 2:47 to salvage something. And I've always liked Alex Smith in these situations. I think he's best when he's forced to throw down the field. They quickly chip down the field, picking up key 3rd downs and with 13 seconds left Alex Smith checks down to Kareem Hunt for his first career touchdown.
It's Halftime and it's 17-14 Patriots. The Chiefs just executed a two-minute drill on the road in Foxboro against the Champs. KC gets the ball back to start the second half. The Chiefs hung in there and fought back from the second wave of punches.
Against a normal team, I'd feel reasonably confident. Against the Patriots, just nothing but dread. It still feels inevitable. But at least we didn't get blown out. At least we're not a national laughingstock.
After two punts, the Chiefs start a drive on their own 25 and this happens:
I really can't say enough about this. This feels SO MUCH like a play that I've seen happen over and over without the same result. The one where Alex checks down to RB and then the broadcast shows a replay that he had a wide open Maclin or Kelce or Hill that could have had a score. Or the one where Alex sees an opportunity like this but the pass is a little long or a little short. Or the one where he makes the throw but the ball bounces off a normally sure-handed receiver. I've seen countless variations of the wide open receiver—but I've rarely seen this version.
This is the version where Alex scans left and then continues to scan right where Hill is. When he sees Hill breaking open and doesn't hesitate. He fires it perfectly deep hitting him right in stride. And Hill catches it, oh my goodness he catches it. This is the version where the Chiefs take the lead for the first time. Just wow.
I saw the angle from Alex's point of view (wish I could find it again) and when Alex starts to throw it, Hill is not nearly that open. He's got him beat, but he's basically even with the defender. It's a thing of beauty.
And then, oh by the way, it's 21-17 Chiefs. With 9 minutes to go in the 3rd. It feels great, but I know that 24 minutes of football is an eternity. I expect the Patriots to come back.
The Chiefs lead lasted for 4 minutes. Patriots 24-21 with 5 to go in the 4rd. Damn.
Chiefs go back to back punts. Patriots open a drive with a 54-yard pass to Cooks. This is the 3rd wave of punches from the champ. A touchdown here would make it a two-possession game going into the 4th. Limit them to a field goal and it's only a 6 point game.
Chiefs Red Zone defense comes up huge again. Patriots 27-21. After a penalty it's 1st and 15 from their own 5 for the Chiefs. This feels like a punting situation. But Kareem Hunt goes 13 yards up the middle, gets the team some breathing room. Nice, underrated play. If he doesn't do that, then he can't do this:
Holy shit. Kareem Hunt is my new best friend. Alex Smith is a gunslinger. The Chiefs have counterpunched for the 3rd time. They've retaken the lead.
It's at this point 28-27, where I first thought: "Okay we're in this game. It would really, really suck to get to this point, to have this lead on the road, and have it all be wasted. We need to win this."
Ensuing drive. 3rd and 2, key tackle by Peters/Berry leaves NE with a 4th and 1 from the KC 40. They have to go for it. They try to run it like they did back in the first quarter. The Chiefs defense stops them again. The same defense that on the opening drive couldn't stop anything, is now a stone wall.
After exchanging punts, Chiefs get the ball and go to work. Short passes, deep passes, it's all working. They score again. I wish they would have gone for 2 to try and put it out reach, but they kick the extra point and it's 35-27 with 5 minutes to go.
At this point, having seen three waves of punches from the champs, I thought there was a 99% chance that Brady goes down the field and scores a touchdown.
First play of the drive is the first sack of the game for the Chiefs. #BigMacSack. Houston beats the edge rush and finally gets home on Brady.
Chiefs force a punt and get the ball back with 4 minutes to go. Still nervous. Need to close it out.
So the Chiefs run the ball twice for 79 yards and go up 42-27. Is this real life?
Like can I start celebrating yet? Holy shit.
The Chiefs sack Brady twice more on the final drive and get to victory formation.
The game is over.
Can I stop being nervous now?
- - -
For the record, there were two times this decade where the teams involved in the kickoff game reached the Super Bowl.
In 2013, the Broncos beat the Ravens on opening night. The Broncos would end up reaching the Super Bowl, but losing.
In 2014, the Seahawks beat the Packers on opening night. The Seahawks would end up reaching the Super Bowl, but losing.
So that's not exactly as exciting as I would have hoped, but...based on this alone, it seems more likely that the Chiefs would reach the SB than the Patriots, so I'll take it.
- - -
Here are some random fun stats:
The 4th Quarter by Pats was reverse of Super Bowl: 4 drives, 2 first downs, 0 points. Outscored 21-0.
The Patriots were 81-0 at Gillette when leading at half during the regular season before last night (95-1 when including playoffs).
42 points is the most allowed by the Patriots in the Bill Belichick era.
The Chiefs have won 7 straight road games, including wins over all 4 teams from the last 2 Super Bowls (CAR, DEN, ATL, NE)
Players with 300+ pass yards, 4+ passing TD and 0 INT against a Bill Belichick defense: Drew Brees (2009), Alex Smith (tonight)
Kareem Hunt has set an NFL record for yards from scrimmage in the first game of a career with 246.
Alex Smith last 2 games vs. New England (48 of 61 for 616 YDS 7TD 0 INT.)
- - -
Chiefs Offense in the Red Zone: 3 times = 3 touchdowns
Chiefs Defense in the Red Zone: 6 times = 3 touchdowns, 2 fg, 1 turnover on downs
- - -
It's easy to start thinking just about the emotional part. The opening night national TV win, coming back against the Patriots who spent the offseason rubbing it in the Falcons faces...
But this is a huge win for the season.
For starters of course, the Chiefs are 1-0 and have a few extra days to practice for their next game. They already got a road win, in the hardest game on the schedule. Plus, it's a tiebreaker against the Patriots that could easily impact the playoffs. It's not even ridiculous to think that the AFC Championship could be these two teams and because of this game (maybe both finish 12-4) that game is at Arrowhead because of Week 1. Holy crap.
Wednesday, January 04, 2017
Chiefs Win AFC West, Earn Playoff Bye
As it turns out, that timeout didn't cost Andy Reid.
On a frozen Arrowhead field in Week 15, the Chiefs would have won if Andy Reid doesn't call timeout. But he did, Succop got a practice kick that was 10 yards short, and then made his second attempt that counted, giving the Titans the win. At the time it looked like that win could cost the Chiefs the bye (and potentially the playoffs entirely). Instead, the Chiefs won their last two games and got a little help from the Broncos (and a terrible injury to Carr).
Which means this product is available...
and this product is discontinued.
So the Chiefs get a week off to get everyone healthy and ready to go, plus a home playoff game.
Last home playoff game (and last time they won the division): 2010.
Last home playoff win: 1993 with Joe Montana.
Last AFC Championship game: 1993.
Last Super Bowl: 1969.
- - -
To get the bye, the Chiefs needed every single one of their wins. Here's how I rank them in terms of excitement, memorable, important, noted with their 4th quarter comebacks.
1. at Broncos (trailed by 8 with 2 minutes left)
2. vs Chargers (trailed by 17 with 10 minutes left)
3. Falcons (trailed by 1 with 4 minutes left)
4. Panthers (trailed by 14 with 15 minutes left)
5. vs Raiders
6. vs Broncos
7. at Raiders
8. at Chargers
9. Saints
10. Colts
11. Jets
12. Jags
Every single one of those incredible comebacks mattered to the Chiefs getting this bye.
- - -
And now they're in the final four AFC teams. They'll be favored to win at home over anybody.
Win one to see an AFC Championship game, something I've never seen.
Win two to go to the Super Bowl.
Holy shit.
This is right up there with 2003 as the most exciting regular season I've seen.
I called last year the best total season I've seen just because they won a wild-card game.
This has potential to blow both of those out of the water.
That 2003 Chiefs-Colts loss hurt real bad. Once you get closer, they hurt much more.
Let's see how this weekend shakes out, but I feel good about at least getting one more win.
On a frozen Arrowhead field in Week 15, the Chiefs would have won if Andy Reid doesn't call timeout. But he did, Succop got a practice kick that was 10 yards short, and then made his second attempt that counted, giving the Titans the win. At the time it looked like that win could cost the Chiefs the bye (and potentially the playoffs entirely). Instead, the Chiefs won their last two games and got a little help from the Broncos (and a terrible injury to Carr).
Which means this product is available...
and this product is discontinued.
So the Chiefs get a week off to get everyone healthy and ready to go, plus a home playoff game.
Last home playoff game (and last time they won the division): 2010.
Last home playoff win: 1993 with Joe Montana.
Last AFC Championship game: 1993.
Last Super Bowl: 1969.
- - -
To get the bye, the Chiefs needed every single one of their wins. Here's how I rank them in terms of excitement, memorable, important, noted with their 4th quarter comebacks.
1. at Broncos (trailed by 8 with 2 minutes left)
2. vs Chargers (trailed by 17 with 10 minutes left)
3. Falcons (trailed by 1 with 4 minutes left)
4. Panthers (trailed by 14 with 15 minutes left)
5. vs Raiders
6. vs Broncos
7. at Raiders
8. at Chargers
9. Saints
10. Colts
11. Jets
12. Jags
Every single one of those incredible comebacks mattered to the Chiefs getting this bye.
- - -
And now they're in the final four AFC teams. They'll be favored to win at home over anybody.
Win one to see an AFC Championship game, something I've never seen.
Win two to go to the Super Bowl.
Holy shit.
This is right up there with 2003 as the most exciting regular season I've seen.
I called last year the best total season I've seen just because they won a wild-card game.
This has potential to blow both of those out of the water.
That 2003 Chiefs-Colts loss hurt real bad. Once you get closer, they hurt much more.
Let's see how this weekend shakes out, but I feel good about at least getting one more win.
Friday, December 09, 2016
Raiders at Chiefs: I Was There at Arctic Arrowhead
I bought my ticket after week 1. The Chiefs and Raiders were both 1-0. My first night game at Arrowhead. I hoped it would have playoff implications. I assumed it would be in the 40s or 50s.
I booked a flight and a hotel for the trip, because those are things you would typically use. But I didn't use either. I drove my car. And on Wednesday I signed a lease on an apartment, becoming a Kansas City resident again, over 23 years since I left. Thursday I arrived at Arrowhead, not on vacation like I've done the last 5 times. This time, I was home.
Holy shit, it was cold.
They opened the gates at noon. There was a line of cars waiting. I heard people starting arriving at 8 in the morning. I had a 4 o'clock meeting and arrived at the stadium around 5:15. As soon as I stepped out of the car, I knew the cold was going to be a problem. I was wearing 5 shirts and 4 pairs of socks. But it wasn't going to be enough. I walked up the stadium eager to get inside, browse the Hall of Honor and warm up before kickoff. The gates are locked. I hear a security guard say they won't open until 6. That half-hour was brutal. I walked around just to stay warm but it didn't really help. Eventually I lined up. It took forever to get to 6. But even once they opened the gates, my line was molasses. Eventually at 6:15 I gave up and switched lines and was inside 5 minutes later.
By the time I get up the concourse ramps, it's 6:30. Pregame intro stuff will start at 7. So I didn't really have time to go searching for the Hall of Honor. Instead I bought some Jack Stack burnt ends outside gate 326. I ate them in the exposed air and was really weird eating something so warm in such a cold place. Burnt ends were just okay. I duck into an elevator vestibule to warm up. I decide to get a spiked hot chocolate and head to my seat.
The crowd would eventually be full, but even during pregame intros it was a little thin. I really wanted to get a shot of the flames going off. So I took a video and just now was able to pause and screenshot. Really happy with this.
Between the cold and the night game and the spectacle of the whole thing and moving here, I forgot for a minute what's on the line for this game. In the moment, it just feels like I hope they get a first down here, or get a stop here. But yeah, first place and the all-important bye + home game could be swung by this game. Easily the most important game I've ever been to.
The game starts and the Raiders go 3 and out. You're thinking how cold it is that it's going to be hard for either team to do anything. It might be a 7-10 game. They punt it away to Tyreek Hill and the crowd is geared up. And Tyreek muffs it. The ball is a frozen rock. Raiders get the ball at the KC 38. We're all deflated in the crowd.
I think to myself, "This is one of those games. Where there's going to be mistakes and drops and the game could be decided on one of those."
The Chiefs defense goes back and and stops them again. The Raiders get 3 points on a field goal but couldn't move the ball.
I should add before the field goal, it looked like Cooper caught a pass, fumbled, recovered by the Chiefs. That was the call on the field, and I watched the replay. I don't think there's conclusive evidence that he never had control. This was the first call that went the Raiders way.
At some point I notice that everyone is still standing. We were standing for the pregame anthem and everything and then no one sat down. It was like a college atmosphere. (Also, the seats were cold.)
Chiefs get the ball and face a 3rd and 10. And this game manager fires a deep shot to Chris Conley who makes the catch for a 39 yard game. Later it's 4th and 1 on the OAK 27 and Reid calls a Spencer Ware run. Looks like get got it but a short spot says turnover on downs. Another call goes the Raiders way.
A couple of punts go by and the first quarter ends with the Raiders up 3-0. They have passing and rushing stats on the scoreboard and I can see the Chiefs are up about 100 yards with nothing to show for it. Our offense was moving the ball better than theirs but because of the turnover, the Raiders have the lead.
But then Alex Smith fires another deep ball to Tyreek Hill running a post route. Steps up in the pocket, perfect throw, perfect catch.
It's 7-3 and I can relax for a second. No longer haunted by the muffed punt.
On the next series, the Chiefs get the first call to go their way. Carr scrambles on 3rd down and stretches the ball as he runs out of bounds but they call it 4th and 1.
There was a beautiful sequence on the ensuing drive. On a 1st and 20, Alex Smith scrambles, seemingly crosses the line of scrimmage than backpedals before firing the ball to Conley who runs for a 31-yard game. No flag is thrown. Someone on the field (possibly Kelce) signals to Alex to do a hurry-up to prevent a Raiders challenge. It takes the Chiefs about 15 seconds to run down the field and get up to snap the ball. Not only do the get the ball off without a Raiders challenge, but Khalil Mack is taking his sweet time walking down the field and is 10 yards offside.
Just beautiful awareness from the Chiefs and a lack of awareness by the Raiders. You know what it reminded me of? The last time Khalil Mack was 10 yards offside. Look at this shit from two years ago.
For the record, it was a good call by the officials as Smith's feet crossed the line of scrimmage but not his body. Linesman was in the perfect spot to call it:
A few plays later Chiefs would convert for a touchdown and it's 14-3. Arrowhead is feeling it. Feeling it so much that the Raiders start the drive with a false start. 1st and 15. They go 3 and out and punt to Tyreek Hill.
He's got that Dante Hall in him where he thinks he can break any return. He takes a punt, dances around and ends up losing 4 yards on the return. But there's a flag on the sideline. I notice it immediately. It seems to take the officials a minute or two to get around to acknowledging there was a penalty.
Reid has a choice. Add the 5 yards to the spot taking the ball at the 35 or rekick. He chooses rekick.
Returns are the most exciting play to see live. The Chiefs have had some good ones from Dante Hall's incredible streak to McCluster's TD on the opening night of New Arrowhead to Knile Davis opening the playoff win last year with a TD. But Tyreek might even be better than Dante Hall. So it makes sense that the crowd loves Tyreek Hill the player. (Not his incident off the field of course. It has to be said, by law any time you talk about Hill.) The crowd starts chanting Ty-reek, Ty-reek. We knew he had it in him. Here's what it sounded like if you turn your speakers up to 20.
And wouldn't you know that penalty proved costly. Tyreek Hill gets his second touchdown of the night and it's 21-3 in the second quarter.
In my head I start thinking greedy. I want there to be no doubt who the better team is. I'm thinking this could be 42-10.
Just the second play after Arrowhead was going ballistic, Derrick Johnson goes down with a non-contact injury. Fuck. Almost immediately we get word on the phone that it's an Achilles. Done for the year.
Players are taking knees and praying.
To this point, the Raiders hadn't moved the ball at all. But sure enough, that drive they get at TD right before halftime. 21-10. We've got a game again.
Even though it's a tremendous game, it's so cold that it's hard to enjoy it. At least, it's hard to forget about the cold. At halftime I buy a Chiefs Steak (burnt end cheesesteak) just to try and warm up. I figure something warm inside plus digestion would help. I go back to the elevator vestibule and the secret is out. We've got over 50 people crammed into this hallway.
Before I know it, halftime is over. Didn't really warm up at all. As I'm climbing up the steps to my seat, the crowd groans. I wasn't even looking when Alex through the pick. Raiders start inside the red zone but can't move the ball. Settle for 3. 21-13. One possession game. So much for the blowout I wanted.
Very next play. Khalil Mack strip sack. Turns out he does more than get offside penalties. Fuck. Again, the defense holds strong and forces a field goal attempt. But King can't get the snap down. He tries to run but nowhere to go. Turnover on downs. What a break.
Both teams would exchange punts. On 4th and 1 from the OAK 42, Reid sends in the power formation. Having already been denied once, the crowd is pumped to see him go for it again. But instantly I see the motion and realize this is just trying to draw them offside. The punt is downed at the 15, gaining 27 yards of field position by abandoning a chance to score.
In the 4th quarter, Chiefs force yet another punt and get the ball at midfield with 9 minutes to go, up 8. Just a field goal makes it a two possession game with under 8 to play. Just get a field goal. Or on 3rd and 10 Smith can throw a 4-yard pass. Come on. This is what drives fans nuts. He can make all the throws but then so often won't throw the ball to the sticks. Should mention this is also on Reid's playcalling, not just Smith.
So Raiders get the ball with everything on the line. They need to go 85 yards for a TD + 2 point conversion. Just like the Chiefs did in Denver not too long ago. 7 minutes to go.
On 1st and 10 from their 39, Carr throws it toward Crabtree who is well-covered by Nelson. And the refs call pass interference. I'm just going to say it: That call was baloney!
With 3 minutes left, the Raiders face a 4th and 4. Arrowhead is rocking. And the Raiders convert.
Very next set of downs. 3rd and 1 from the KC 14. Incomplete. 4th and 1. They've been running well ever since Johnson got sidelined. Arrowhead ramps it up for 4th down...and it's a false start. So now it's 4th and 6. Carr goes to the air and...
Terrance Mitchell swats it away. Turnover on downs.
But the Raiders have 2 timeouts. Chiefs need a first down to seal the deal. 3rd and 2. Two yards to glory. And Spencer Ware comes up with it! Exactly two yards. Bring on Victory Formation. Holy shit.
Sweet Christ, I'm frozen at this point.
- - -
As I'm walking out, the importance of the game really hits you. The idea that Chiefs could get that bye and guarantee a playoff game at Arrowhead! The last two playoff games at Arrowhead were 2010 and 2003, both losses.
- - -
Drives for the Raiders
3 (punt)
12 (FG)
-3 (punt)
6 (punt)
9 (punt)
-2 (punt)
92 (TD after Johnson injured)
halftime
4 (FG)
-2 (botched FG snap)
11 (punt)
26 (punt)
15 (punt)
66 (turnover on downs)
Drives for the Chiefs
48 (turnover on downs)
21 (punt)
70 (TD - pass to Hill)
78 (TD - run by West)
(TD - Hill punt return)
halftime
5 (INT)
-6 (fumble)
25 (punt)
15 (punt)
49 (punt)
4 (punt)
10 (victory formation)
Chiefs were moving the ball better than the Raiders all game. Chiefs D was incredible holding the Raiders to 6 points after 3 turnovers in KC territory. The Chiefs win by winning the turnover battle. This game they lost that 0-3 and were in control of most of the game.
- - -
9-game winning streak against AFC West opponents.
5-game winning streak against the Raiders.
Even broke the Al Michaels curse.
Good times to be in Kansas City.
I booked a flight and a hotel for the trip, because those are things you would typically use. But I didn't use either. I drove my car. And on Wednesday I signed a lease on an apartment, becoming a Kansas City resident again, over 23 years since I left. Thursday I arrived at Arrowhead, not on vacation like I've done the last 5 times. This time, I was home.
Holy shit, it was cold.
They opened the gates at noon. There was a line of cars waiting. I heard people starting arriving at 8 in the morning. I had a 4 o'clock meeting and arrived at the stadium around 5:15. As soon as I stepped out of the car, I knew the cold was going to be a problem. I was wearing 5 shirts and 4 pairs of socks. But it wasn't going to be enough. I walked up the stadium eager to get inside, browse the Hall of Honor and warm up before kickoff. The gates are locked. I hear a security guard say they won't open until 6. That half-hour was brutal. I walked around just to stay warm but it didn't really help. Eventually I lined up. It took forever to get to 6. But even once they opened the gates, my line was molasses. Eventually at 6:15 I gave up and switched lines and was inside 5 minutes later.
Raiders fan in front of me set off the metal detector and nobody stopped him. So watch out for that guy. @ArrowheadPride @TerezPaylor— Dave Fymbo (@davefymbo) December 9, 2016
By the time I get up the concourse ramps, it's 6:30. Pregame intro stuff will start at 7. So I didn't really have time to go searching for the Hall of Honor. Instead I bought some Jack Stack burnt ends outside gate 326. I ate them in the exposed air and was really weird eating something so warm in such a cold place. Burnt ends were just okay. I duck into an elevator vestibule to warm up. I decide to get a spiked hot chocolate and head to my seat.
The crowd would eventually be full, but even during pregame intros it was a little thin. I really wanted to get a shot of the flames going off. So I took a video and just now was able to pause and screenshot. Really happy with this.
Between the cold and the night game and the spectacle of the whole thing and moving here, I forgot for a minute what's on the line for this game. In the moment, it just feels like I hope they get a first down here, or get a stop here. But yeah, first place and the all-important bye + home game could be swung by this game. Easily the most important game I've ever been to.
The game starts and the Raiders go 3 and out. You're thinking how cold it is that it's going to be hard for either team to do anything. It might be a 7-10 game. They punt it away to Tyreek Hill and the crowd is geared up. And Tyreek muffs it. The ball is a frozen rock. Raiders get the ball at the KC 38. We're all deflated in the crowd.
I think to myself, "This is one of those games. Where there's going to be mistakes and drops and the game could be decided on one of those."
The Chiefs defense goes back and and stops them again. The Raiders get 3 points on a field goal but couldn't move the ball.
I should add before the field goal, it looked like Cooper caught a pass, fumbled, recovered by the Chiefs. That was the call on the field, and I watched the replay. I don't think there's conclusive evidence that he never had control. This was the first call that went the Raiders way.
At some point I notice that everyone is still standing. We were standing for the pregame anthem and everything and then no one sat down. It was like a college atmosphere. (Also, the seats were cold.)
Chiefs get the ball and face a 3rd and 10. And this game manager fires a deep shot to Chris Conley who makes the catch for a 39 yard game. Later it's 4th and 1 on the OAK 27 and Reid calls a Spencer Ware run. Looks like get got it but a short spot says turnover on downs. Another call goes the Raiders way.
A couple of punts go by and the first quarter ends with the Raiders up 3-0. They have passing and rushing stats on the scoreboard and I can see the Chiefs are up about 100 yards with nothing to show for it. Our offense was moving the ball better than theirs but because of the turnover, the Raiders have the lead.
But then Alex Smith fires another deep ball to Tyreek Hill running a post route. Steps up in the pocket, perfect throw, perfect catch.
It's 7-3 and I can relax for a second. No longer haunted by the muffed punt.
On the next series, the Chiefs get the first call to go their way. Carr scrambles on 3rd down and stretches the ball as he runs out of bounds but they call it 4th and 1.
There was a beautiful sequence on the ensuing drive. On a 1st and 20, Alex Smith scrambles, seemingly crosses the line of scrimmage than backpedals before firing the ball to Conley who runs for a 31-yard game. No flag is thrown. Someone on the field (possibly Kelce) signals to Alex to do a hurry-up to prevent a Raiders challenge. It takes the Chiefs about 15 seconds to run down the field and get up to snap the ball. Not only do the get the ball off without a Raiders challenge, but Khalil Mack is taking his sweet time walking down the field and is 10 yards offside.
Just beautiful awareness from the Chiefs and a lack of awareness by the Raiders. You know what it reminded me of? The last time Khalil Mack was 10 yards offside. Look at this shit from two years ago.
For the record, it was a good call by the officials as Smith's feet crossed the line of scrimmage but not his body. Linesman was in the perfect spot to call it:
A few plays later Chiefs would convert for a touchdown and it's 14-3. Arrowhead is feeling it. Feeling it so much that the Raiders start the drive with a false start. 1st and 15. They go 3 and out and punt to Tyreek Hill.
He's got that Dante Hall in him where he thinks he can break any return. He takes a punt, dances around and ends up losing 4 yards on the return. But there's a flag on the sideline. I notice it immediately. It seems to take the officials a minute or two to get around to acknowledging there was a penalty.
Reid has a choice. Add the 5 yards to the spot taking the ball at the 35 or rekick. He chooses rekick.
Returns are the most exciting play to see live. The Chiefs have had some good ones from Dante Hall's incredible streak to McCluster's TD on the opening night of New Arrowhead to Knile Davis opening the playoff win last year with a TD. But Tyreek might even be better than Dante Hall. So it makes sense that the crowd loves Tyreek Hill the player. (Not his incident off the field of course. It has to be said, by law any time you talk about Hill.) The crowd starts chanting Ty-reek, Ty-reek. We knew he had it in him. Here's what it sounded like if you turn your speakers up to 20.
And wouldn't you know that penalty proved costly. Tyreek Hill gets his second touchdown of the night and it's 21-3 in the second quarter.
In my head I start thinking greedy. I want there to be no doubt who the better team is. I'm thinking this could be 42-10.
Just the second play after Arrowhead was going ballistic, Derrick Johnson goes down with a non-contact injury. Fuck. Almost immediately we get word on the phone that it's an Achilles. Done for the year.
Players are taking knees and praying.
To this point, the Raiders hadn't moved the ball at all. But sure enough, that drive they get at TD right before halftime. 21-10. We've got a game again.
Even though it's a tremendous game, it's so cold that it's hard to enjoy it. At least, it's hard to forget about the cold. At halftime I buy a Chiefs Steak (burnt end cheesesteak) just to try and warm up. I figure something warm inside plus digestion would help. I go back to the elevator vestibule and the secret is out. We've got over 50 people crammed into this hallway.
Before I know it, halftime is over. Didn't really warm up at all. As I'm climbing up the steps to my seat, the crowd groans. I wasn't even looking when Alex through the pick. Raiders start inside the red zone but can't move the ball. Settle for 3. 21-13. One possession game. So much for the blowout I wanted.
Very next play. Khalil Mack strip sack. Turns out he does more than get offside penalties. Fuck. Again, the defense holds strong and forces a field goal attempt. But King can't get the snap down. He tries to run but nowhere to go. Turnover on downs. What a break.
Both teams would exchange punts. On 4th and 1 from the OAK 42, Reid sends in the power formation. Having already been denied once, the crowd is pumped to see him go for it again. But instantly I see the motion and realize this is just trying to draw them offside. The punt is downed at the 15, gaining 27 yards of field position by abandoning a chance to score.
In the 4th quarter, Chiefs force yet another punt and get the ball at midfield with 9 minutes to go, up 8. Just a field goal makes it a two possession game with under 8 to play. Just get a field goal. Or on 3rd and 10 Smith can throw a 4-yard pass. Come on. This is what drives fans nuts. He can make all the throws but then so often won't throw the ball to the sticks. Should mention this is also on Reid's playcalling, not just Smith.
So Raiders get the ball with everything on the line. They need to go 85 yards for a TD + 2 point conversion. Just like the Chiefs did in Denver not too long ago. 7 minutes to go.
On 1st and 10 from their 39, Carr throws it toward Crabtree who is well-covered by Nelson. And the refs call pass interference. I'm just going to say it: That call was baloney!
With 3 minutes left, the Raiders face a 4th and 4. Arrowhead is rocking. And the Raiders convert.
Very next set of downs. 3rd and 1 from the KC 14. Incomplete. 4th and 1. They've been running well ever since Johnson got sidelined. Arrowhead ramps it up for 4th down...and it's a false start. So now it's 4th and 6. Carr goes to the air and...
Terrance Mitchell swats it away. Turnover on downs.
But the Raiders have 2 timeouts. Chiefs need a first down to seal the deal. 3rd and 2. Two yards to glory. And Spencer Ware comes up with it! Exactly two yards. Bring on Victory Formation. Holy shit.
Sweet Christ, I'm frozen at this point.
- - -
As I'm walking out, the importance of the game really hits you. The idea that Chiefs could get that bye and guarantee a playoff game at Arrowhead! The last two playoff games at Arrowhead were 2010 and 2003, both losses.
- - -
Drives for the Raiders
3 (punt)
12 (FG)
-3 (punt)
6 (punt)
9 (punt)
-2 (punt)
92 (TD after Johnson injured)
halftime
4 (FG)
-2 (botched FG snap)
11 (punt)
26 (punt)
15 (punt)
66 (turnover on downs)
Drives for the Chiefs
48 (turnover on downs)
21 (punt)
70 (TD - pass to Hill)
78 (TD - run by West)
(TD - Hill punt return)
halftime
5 (INT)
-6 (fumble)
25 (punt)
15 (punt)
49 (punt)
4 (punt)
10 (victory formation)
Chiefs were moving the ball better than the Raiders all game. Chiefs D was incredible holding the Raiders to 6 points after 3 turnovers in KC territory. The Chiefs win by winning the turnover battle. This game they lost that 0-3 and were in control of most of the game.
- - -
9-game winning streak against AFC West opponents.
5-game winning streak against the Raiders.
Even broke the Al Michaels curse.
Good times to be in Kansas City.
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