Chiefs
Chatter
Sloppy
start but a comeback win
Fourth quarter
rally provides important victory
Posted
10/12/06
by
Eric Lewis of The Landmark staff
-Sunday the Chiefs were in a daze in the first 9 minutes
of the ball game against the Arizona Cardinals, when the
scoreboard read 14-0 and rookie QB Matt Leinart was the
man responsible for both scores. The rookie came out firing,
and taking advantage of the Chiefs fumble on the first
drive. And left the defense in shock since they had not
given up a TD in two games. The D made some adjustments
and was able to hold the Cards to a 23-20 victory. The
Chiefs established attitude in their ugly victory over
the Cards, something that has not been seen in previous
years. And despite the mistakes made in all phases of
the game the Chiefs now stand at 2-2.
- Throughout the game Huard once again was very efficient
in his passing and composure. His career day of 26 of
38 passes for 288 yards and 2 TD’s gave him AFC player
of the week honors. Along with kicker Lawrence Tynes sharing
the glory. Tynes' game winning field goal capped off the
gut wrenching victory in the desert.
- Huard's passes were not only on target they were methodical
in a much-needed Chiefs passing game. If not for so many
drops from various receivers and backs, his passer rating
would have been even better. This guy just keeps improving
every week, and we can only hope he continues his hard
work and dedication going into Pittsburgh.
- L.J was stuffed all day; the Cards sometimes had 9
guys in the box to stop the run. But he plugged away and
kept the defense honest. His 16 rushes for only 36 yards
were not the regular L.J numbers we are used to. But its
something that we might have to get used to with the opposing
defenses keying on him. On the other hand with Huard's
strong play defenses are going to defend all aspects of
the field and L.J’s numbers should increase.
- Despite the lack of rushing yards from L.J in the worst
day of his career, as far as numbers go. He was able to
step up and make a much needed play for the Chiefs, catching
a 78-yard screen pass that should have been a TD if not
for Samie Parker's poor attempt to block downfield. That
caused the ridiculous Antrel Rolle facemask tackle that
led to L.J’s neck strain. His injury was minor and
should be fine for next weeks game.
- This huge play set up the Chiefs to take the lead. The
conservative call to go with three run plays in a row
nearly ruined things, in which RB Dee Browns fumble nearly
spoiled any chances of a Chiefs comeback. Jason Dunn managed
to come away with the loose ball, and the Lawrence Tynes'
field goal gave the Chiefs the lead for the first time
in the game.
- As far as receiving goes I thought the dropped passes
were ridiculous. Samie Parker looked like he was just
learning how to catch. In football you learn how to catch
with your hands not your arms, on Sunday that little bit
of information seemed to slip his mind. Though his TD
grab in the back of the end zone showed great concentration
and soft hands. He needs to be more consistent, and step
up his game; Huard needs all the weapons he can get.
- Our free agent pick up Rob Gardner got a couple balls
thrown his way. And looked decent on the field. I don’t
think he has proven anything yet, but I do see him being
more involved in the offence.
- Dante Hall came out of the game with an injury. His
replacement for punt returns was rookie Jeff Webb. Webb
must have eaten his Wheaties that day, because a 50-yard
punt returned proved that this kid is capable of making
big plays. Even though the offense sputtered out the drive
following the return, it’s good to see some of these
young guys stepping up.
- Speaking of these young guys, rookie Bernard Pollard's
blocked punt changed the momentum in the come from behind
campaign. His block punt set up a Chiefs score, and gave
a huge moral boost to the sidelines. In his college days
at Perdue University blocking punts were nothing new to
him. And he is using those skills to make big plays for
the Chiefs special teams.
- With these rookies Hali, Pollard, Page, and Webb coming
in and proving they are playmakers. I think finally the
Chiefs draft picks have set a foundation for a solid well-rounded
Chiefs team. It all starts with the future and with these
young playmakers on board along with great veteran pickups
like Law, and Edwards. It makes for great chemistry, although
they will need more of them especially on offense to make
for a Super Bowl caliber team.
- Altogether the offense had a mediocre day. Going into
Pittsburgh however, the Chiefs will need to follow Huard's
leadership and start scoring early on the Steelers. He
has had some great throws, and is showing he can lead
the Chiefs to victory. If he continues with a mistake
free day, and get Tony Gonzalez more involved in the passing
game. The Chiefs offence could once again be a weapon
against the Steelers.
- So far the conservative play calling has only hindered
our point scoring capabilities. With L.J battling 8 or
9 guys keying on just him, our passing game should be
relentless.
- The defense, despite having to climb out of a quick
14-0 deficit, proved they are playing with heart. The
few mistakes were obvious, blown coverage and miscommunication.
Yet they adapted, improvised and overcame these obstacles
and rallied to hold the Cards from scoring another TD.
- The run defense was fantastic, holding Edgerin James
to only 71 yards on the day. And once again playmakers
like Law with his interception of Leinart's pass, sacks
by Allen, Hali, Edwards, and Bell, are evolving this once
laughed at defense into a dominate powerhouse capable
of controlling the game. They will only continue to get
stronger and more confident, which will lead to even better
defensive play.
- Altogether the battle was pretty even on Sunday. The
Chiefs dished out a dismal 301 yards total offense and
the Cards putting a measly 298. The offense will need
make some adjustments, giving Huard more options downfield.
And utilizing L.J more in the backfield.
- Even though KC lost Trent Green I don’t think
the passing game from the QB’s standpoint has taken
too much of a blow. Huard has hushed critics like myself,
and shined on game day.
- The Chiefs are coming together despite the sloppy win
on Sunday. They are molding together and playing as team.
With loses like Roaf and Green, the Chiefs have still
managed a 2-2 record thus far. And coming into Sunday’s
game against the Cards, they missed two key weapons on
offence in Turley and Bennett. Someway, somehow this team
has managed to rally around what they have and are actually
looking pretty impressive.
- However they need to capitalize on what few positive
aspects that have emerged so far and hold nothing back.
The defense is playing great, and the offence has great
potential to be even better. They play calling has opened
up a little bit, but more chances need to be taken. We
don’t need anymore-conservative play calling, especially
with our next 3 opponents being the Steelers, Chargers
and Seahawks.
- Edwards has done a great job so far turning this Defense
around. He will need to lead his men into Sunday’s
game with a chip on there shoulder. They have overcome
obstacles all year, and will need to continue doing so
if they hope to continue their winning ways. The Steelers
will be a tough road test and will show all Chiefs fans
if this team is indeed capable of pushing into the post
season.
- Catch the action Sunday 3:15 on CBS. Chiefs vs. Steelers,
in what will be a huge test for the 06 squad.
(Eric Lewis provides Chiefs' commentary
for The Landmark. Reach him at Platte County's most powerful
newspaper by emailing eric@plattecountylandmark.com)
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