Chiefs Regain First Place, Beat Cardinals

The Kansas City Chiefs proved their fast start was no fluke by returning to form this afternoon and beating the Arizona Cardinals 31 to 13.

Kansas City got off to a slow start, falling behind 3-0 but they quickly gained control by getting back to what they do best.

Running the football.

The Chiefs rushed for over 159 yards as a team Sunday. Jamaal Charles led the way, carrying the ball 12 ties for 88 yards. Thomas Jones was right behind him, receiving 15 carries for 71 yards.

More after the jump.

The real story, however, was Matt Cassel who had perhaps his best game as a Chief. The numbers were not eye popping but Cassel was a very efficient 15 of 24 for 193 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Chiefs QB finished with a rating of 115.5 and rarely threw a bad pass throughout the contest.

Cassel’s favorite target was wide receiver Dwayne Bowe who continued his excellent play, reeling in 6 catches for 109 yards and 2 touchdowns.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Chiefs stifled the Cardinals offense, holding Arizona to a mere 6 points before finally relinquishing a garbage time touchdown on the last play of the game.

Leading the way for Kansas City were two rookies. Javier Arenas and Eric Berry tied for a team high 8 tackles, along with second year linebacker Jovan Belcher.

The Cardinals appeared to target Arenas and while they did have some success, the rookie held his own, acquiring 8 tackles, 2 defended passes, a QB sack and 2 QB hits.

The win moved the Chiefs to 6-4 on the season and an Oakland Raiders loss gave them sole procession of first place in the AFC West. The win also pushed the Chiefs to a perfect 5-0 at home this season.