Chiefs Fall To 49ers 15-13: Recap And Reaction
Aug 16, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker Parys Lemonier (98) is called for a foul against Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
The Kansas City Chiefs fell to 0-2 in the preseason with a 15-13 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Like the first game against the New Orleans Saints, there were highs and lows. The highs included special teams play, the overall defensive play, and a few strong individual performances. The lows included bad pass protection by the offensive line, the inability of the quarterbacks to get the ball to the wide receivers, and a late game winning drive by the 49ers against the third string.
Ultimately, the final score of a preseason game isn’t the most important story. Most of the focus coming away from this game will be on Alex Smith and the passing game. Smith played the entire first half and finished 7 of 16 for 62 yards. Like the first game, Smith was not able to get his WRs involved. Unlike the first game, he was not able to make up for it with an efficient short passing game. In Smith’s defense, his teammates didn’t help him out much. He had three dropped passes and was constantly being chased out of the pocket by the 49ers defense. Still, Smith will need to do more than he showed tonight for the Chiefs to succeed.
Knile Davis did a solid, but not spectacular job filling in for Jamaal Charles. He finished with 37 yards on 10 carries and added another 3 receptions for 31 yards. San Francisco has an excellent rush defense and although Davis isn’t a special player that can carry an offense like Charles, Davis did appear to be a solid backup option.
The highlight of the night was the special teams play. With the exception of a rare Dustin Colquitt blocked punt, the special teams were great for the second straight game. Quintin Demps had an 104 yard kick off return for a TD. The Chiefs also blocked an extra point that left them an opening to kick a game winning field goal. Through 2 games the Chiefs have out gained their opponents 507 to 127 in total return yards. That’s a staggering advantage, preseason or not.
The biggest let down of the night was the pass protection. All three KC quarterbacks were chased, hurried, knocked down, and ultimately sacked 7 times by the 49ers defense. First overall draft pick Eric Fisher didn’t have a great night and the entire offensive line will have to do a better job in order for the pass game to thrive.
A few other notes:
Dontari Poe looked like a force in the middle for a second straight game.
The other “Po Brother”, Jerrell Powe also looked pretty strong with the second string.
I thought both Akeem Jordan and Nico Johnson looked good tonight. This looks like its shaping up to be the best battle of the preseason.
Jon Baldwin had a HORRIBLE drop on a great pass by Alex Smith and continues to look like a bust as a first round pick.
How about you Addicts, what did you think about the Chiefs second preseason game? Things you liked? Things that have you worried? Feel free to vent away in the comments below.