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Monday, November 29, 2010

Chiefs VS Seattle Post Game

WOW!

The Kansas City Chiefs (7-4) went to Qwest Field to face the Seattle Seahawks (5-6) and won their second road game of the year 42-24.  The Chiefs needed to win this game and they did so with a dominating performance.

MMA isn't the only place the ground and pound takes place.  The Chiefs #1 rushing attack was at it again, running the ball 48 times for 270 yards.  That's a blistering 5.6 yards per rush average!  Compare that to 20 yards on 12 carries (1.7 yards per rush) Seattle managed to eke out and you can see the Chiefs dominated the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.

Jamal Charles is more than a speed back, he is the total package.  Running behind an offensive line missing its best player in Brandon Albert, the Chiefs RB made it look elementary.  He had 22 Carries for 173 yards (7.9 yards per rush) and a touchdown.  He is definitely one of the best RB in the league and topped a thousand yards with 5 games to go.

Matt Cassel and Dwayne Bowe have taken their games to an elite level.  No other QB WR tandem in the NFL is playing a this high of a level.  Cassel completed 22 of 33 pass attempts for 233 yards and 4 TD.  Bowe caught 13 passes (tying his record set 2 weeks ago) for 170 yards and 3 TD.  If these guys continue to play like this the Chiefs will continue their assault on defenses well into the playoffs. Its amazing that these two players were written off at the beginning of the year.

The Chiefs defense is peeking when it matters most.  The Defense, led by Derrick Johnson (6 tackles, 1 sack), came to play in this game.  They had 2 INT and a Fumble Recovery and harassed the Seahawks play makers all day long.  This was a statement game for this unit and it showed they can be a force down the stretch.

The 1 area that raised some eyebrows was the not so special special teams unit.  They Allowed a FG to be blocked and a punt block that led to a score.  If they clean up this mess there isn't a whole lot other teams can look forward to when they play the Chiefs.

Overall this game can give this team a lot to be proud of.  They controlled the clock (41.03 - 18.57), were efficient on offense and made plays on defense.  They went on the road in November and beat a team leading their division.  Statement game? No, the Chiefs just did what we are starting to expect from them.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Chiefs VS Seattle

The Kansas City Chiefs (6-4) are clinging to a 1 game lead in the AFC West and a victory against the NFC West leading Seattle Seahawks (5-5) can put a halt to the 4 game road losing streak they currently possess. 

The Chiefs need to win this game - The schedule is not going to change and the Chiefs play 3 of their next 4 on the road.  In order to be a good team you have to win in November and December.  These next 6 games will make or break the Chiefs 2010 season.

Advantage - The Chiefs lead the league in rushing yards per game so statistically they have an advantage every game.  They need to pound on Seattle with Jones then run by them with Charles.  If the Chiefs win the battle in the tranches and control the line of scrimmage they will have a great shot at winning the game.

Mistake free football - The Chiefs lead the NFL with only 7 turnovers all year and they are one of the least penalized teams.  The Oakland game showed us what happens when the Chiefs leave their composure at home.  If they take care of the ball and play smart, penalty free football they'll control the game.

Game clock is crucial - Controlling the ball is a goal of every NFL team.  They want their offense to score, but also to hold the ball and keep the pressure on the other teams defense.  On the road it is crucial to win the game clock battle by running the ball well on offense and forcing 3 and outs on defense.  How the Chiefs defense plays will determine how the offense will attack Seattle.

Prediction - My game ball is going to our running backs.  Jones and Charles will eat up the clock, run for over 200 yards and allow us to leave Qwest Field with a victory.  The Chiefs win the game 27-13.

Chiefs Earning Recognition

Individual accolades are a byproduct of team success.  If the team is winning then the players generally get recognized.  The Chiefs are finally winning and some players are having Pro Bowl caliber seasons.

I'll give you 4 for offense and 4 for defense.

Offense

QB Matt Cassel - He knows his role, but he's setting a new standard for the "game managing" quarterback. He has 18 TD to just 4 INT.  His 96.2 QB Rating is 7th in the league and ahead of notable QB's Aaron Rodgers, Peyton Manning and Drew Brees.  He's playing his best football down the stretch.

RB Jamal Charles - Every run is a big run for this RB. He's 7th in the league in rushing yds with 848 and he has done it on 139 carries. That's less than anyone in the top 20. His 6.1 Avg is "maddenesque".

WR Dwayne Bowe - D Bowe is "THE SHOW".  Leads the league with 11 TDs and at least 1 in the past 6 games.  Really coming on strong since "the drop" against Indianapolis.  Looks to be hitting his stride at the right time and has become Cassels favorite target.

LT Brandon Albert - This giant, nimble footed LT has really held his own against some of the best pass rushers in the NFL. A big reason the Chiefs lead the league in rushing yards and fewest sacks allowed.

Defense

OLB Tamba Hali - Hes tied for 6th in the NFL with 8 sacks and even that doesn't tell the whole story.  He is relentless off the edge against the pass and rush.  Teams game plan away from him and still cant avoid him.  His pass coverage has also improved dramatically.

CB Brandon Flowers - Becoming one of the premier corners in the league.  Shuts down top receivers and makes ferocious tackles at the line of scrimmage.  Game changing talent.

ILB Derrick Johnson - His nose for the ball is impressive.  He's a true sideline to sideline tackler and when he hits you you stop moving.  Deserving of the 5 year contract extension he signed recently.

DT Glen Dorsey - This mammoth of a DT is playing up to his paycheck.  He is making plays vs the run and constantly getting pressure on the QB.  The Pro Bowl needs to see the "Gorilla Dance".

Check back at the end of the year to see which Chiefs players get the recognition the crave and a complete breakdown of the Pro Bowl Roster.