The Kansas City Chiefs moved to 5-3 on Sunday after defeating the now 1-8 New York Jets. Kansas City has now won 5 of their last 6 games. In a game that ended with a score of 24-10, it was a lot more lopsided than the score, the Chiefs proved that they truly are a Wild-Card contender in the AFC. When the Chiefs needed a drive they got it with ease. They also held the opposition to only 10 points, despite New York outgaining them in yards. With Denver and San Diego losses Kansas City is now only one game back in the division and very relevant in the AFC.
Offense:
- QB Alex Smith tried to get WR A.J. Jenkins involved early, with mixed results. Jenkins couldn’t haul in his first target of the day (on the 1st drive) due to Smith putting the ball just slightly out of his reach. If Jenkins had made a quicker cut in his route though, he would have caught the ball. With 10:03 left in the 1st quarter A.J. Jenkins had a 10 yard reception and was taken down one yard short of the end zone. Encouraging to see Head Coach Andy Reid is comfortable giving him chances to make plays.
- RT Ryan Harris has remained the starter through the first two games with RT Donald Stephenson back from his suspension due to PEDs. Harris played particularly well against New York, doing well pass blocking and run blocking. Ryan Harris was cut by the Houston Texans during training camp and has played very well since being picked up by Kansas City.
Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce celebrates after scoring his only touchdown of the game. Kelce is an emerging star.
- RB/WR De’Anthony Thomas had a 26 yard end-around that opposing defensive coordinators will have highlighted when they play us. I hope we use that particular play and formation more often. Plays like that add a ripple in the offense and make it that much more hard to defend.
- TE Travis Kelce is a big play waiting to happen. Every time he touches the ball he gives every ounce of effort he has to shed a defender or to gain an extra inch. Just about as physical of a tight end as there is in this league, besides maybe one Robert Gronkowski. This kid has a special future in this league if he takes care of his body.
Defense:
- NT Dontari Poe chased QB Michael Vick down 1V1 from the line-of-scrimmage, chasing the speedy QB all the way out of bounds. This shows off what an absolutely extraordinary physical specimen Poe is; few PLAYERS can catch Vick, nonetheless a 340 pound nose tackle.
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Kansas City safety Eric Berry had 5 tackles despite playing a limited backup role in his return from a high ankle sprain that sidelined #29 for nearly two months. S Eric Berry was back in action Sunday, if not at full force. Berry came off of the bench as a backup to only play in certain formations, nickel primarily. Berry played 51 of 69 possible defensive snaps, so his presence back was definitely felt. Expect Berry to regain full snaps next week against the Buffalo Bills.
- Rookie CB Phillip Gaines took some lumps against the Jets, allowing WR Eric Decker to out-position him for a score. Nonetheless Gaines has still looked very impressive minus that play, the type of play that all rookies make as they gain experience in the league. Gaines only allowed 7 yards, being targeted five times.
- OLB Justin Houston continues his masterful 2014 campaign, adding 2 sacks to his already eye-popping total of 12 through 8 games. What is even more impressive is the fact that he has had at least 1 sack in 7 out of 8 games. Houston gets to the opposing QB consistently and is going to have a HUGE payday coming his way, hopefully in Kansas City.
Special Teams:
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Return man De’Anthony Thomas celebrates after an electric 76 yard return in the 2nd half. OLB Dee Ford was mere INCHES away from blocking the first Jets punt of the day. Ford has shown he has great burst and ability yet has rarely seen the field. I keep hoping weekly for some sub-packages involving the organizations 1st round selection this year, especially with the injuries to ILB’s Derrick Johnson and Joe Mays.
- KR/PR De’Anthony Thomas cashed in a 76 yard kick return late in the 2nd quarter, reminding Kansas City fans everywhere of days passed watching Dante Hall do the whole X-factor thing, to set the Chiefs up to add points to their lead. Thomas has proven his value weekly in the special teams game since his return from injury. As he gets more comfortable expect him to bet on himself more often, taking more deep kicks out of the end zone.
