Take
a Memo
Chiefs
developing a bit of a swagger
Posted
9-22-03
by
CK Rairden
Landmark columnist
The Chiefs are beginning to develop a bit of attitude.
A little swagger. The confidence is there, even a little
cockiness. Sure it was the second year expansion Houston
Texans that they lit up on Sunday, but it was on the road,
where the Chiefs have been miserable for the last few
years.
A fine example was WR Eddie Kennison, who had been locked
in battle with Texans All-Pro CB Aaron Glenn and had beat
him for key first down catches and scored a third quarter
TD. Glenn was clearly frustrated towards the end of the
game but no way was Eddie Kennison going to allow Glenn
to take it out on him, even drawing an unnecessary roughness
penalty on Glenn early in the fourth quarter. That attitude
will be needed in another road game next week, as the
Baltimore Ravens have suddenly become a formidable opponent
that has won two straight games to increase their record
to 2-1. But the Chiefs are 3-0 for the first time since
1996 and the memo pad is full, for Chiefs fans—it’s
a reason to celebrate.
****
—With the score tied 7-7, the Chiefs used that attitude
to drive 69 yards on 14 plays and take a touchdown lead
going in at the half.
—If there was ever any doubt of Ryan Sims contribution
it was erased on the Texans second quarter scoring drive.
Eddie Freeman saw his first action of the season and was
abused. Houston ran the ball at will until Sims returned
midway through the drive.
—QB Trent Green has really learned to move well
in the pocket. His movement and patience was key on the
first scoring drive.
—He moved in the pocket and stayed alive long enough
to hit a wide-open Holmes for a key 31-yard completion.
—The next play Holmes showed his patience waiting
on a key FB Tony Richardson block before scoring on a
6-yard TD.
—It was nice to see Holmes feeling good enough to
bring back his trademark arms wide open slide on his first
TD.
—It looks as if Eddie Kennison and Dante Hall have
no trouble borrowing the TD celebration—it may be
the new Chiefs new TD celebration.
—Big Play Dante. Enough said.
—Dropped pass count—five. Gonzo dropped a TD
pass. Hall, Richardson, Holmes and Morten all dropped
easy catches as well.
—I took heat for my Dexter McCleon #1 CB comment
last week. I don’t expect much this week. He has
been far better than advertised, and he comes with attitude
and emotion and can turn his head and look for the ball.
Refreshing.
—McCleon’s third quarter interception came
as the Texans were driving for a possible tying score
as the Chiefs only led 14-7 at the time. He was in perfect
position and made a great play on the ball.
—On the very next offensive series by the Texans,
McCleon recovered a fumble caused by S Jerome Woods. Two
takeaways by the Chiefs new # 1 CB.
—Now if Dexter could only teach Eric Warfield to
turn his head around, the Chiefs corners may become a
liability no more.
—Yes fantasy geeks; starting the Chiefs defense
is a good idea.
****
This one became the Hall and Holmes show on offense for
the second straight week. Priest Holmes played but three
quarters and still finished with 156 total yards and two
TD’s. Big Play—Dante did it again, scoring on
a 73-yard punt return and racking up 174 all-purpose yards.
They’ll need them again next week as even though
the once dominating Ravens defense has lost some of it’s
luster, they still can bring some hard-hitting defenders.
RB Priest Holmes may have a bit of a chip on his shoulder,
as the Ravens were the team that was foolish enough to
release him.
The revamped defense did its thing again causing four
turnovers, and dominating up front. The defensive line
is nasty and the linebackers’ speed is fun to watch.
Now the test will be to stop red-hot RB Jamal Lewis in
Baltimore next week. The Ravens have no passing game,
and this could be a moment to shine for the defensive
line to prove to any remaining skeptics that the Chiefs
front seven is for real.
The first real road test is next Sunday.
(CK Rairden can be reached by email
at ckden@yahoo.com)
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