Chiefs vs. Cowboys Recap: Earning Their Arrowheads
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Kansas City is now 2-0 on the season thanks to a gritty and gutsy performance against the Dallas Cowboys at Arrowhead.
It may not have been a blowout win like at Jacksonville in Week 1, but I doubt many were expecting the Chiefs to blowout a pretty good Dallas team.
At the end of the day, Dallas did some good things, but the Chiefs did better, coming away with the 17-16 win.
Let’s hand out Arrowheads.
Arrowhead No. 3: Dustin Colquitt, P
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Yes, I’m giving an Arrowhead to a punter. In a close game, field position is exceptionally important, and the Chiefs really leaned on Colquitt during this game. He did his job well, punting seven times for 307 yards, averaging 43.9 yards per punt. He also notched a long of 65.
Arrowhead No. 2: Alex Smith, QB
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Alex Smith had a great game, and he continues to solidify himself as the right choice for Kansas City at quarterback. Smith completed 21-of-36 passes for 223 yards and two touchdowns. He wasn’t on all the time, but he made big plays when he had to, and overall, he led Kansas City’s offense with poise.
What really impressed me was his ability to use his legs to make plays. Smith actually led the team in rushing against Dallas, picking up 57 yards on eight carries. He displayed a ton of grit and leadership.
Arrowhead No. 1: Kansas City’s Defense
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
I’m giving out an Arrowhead to the defensive unit as a whole. While there were some great individual performances—Dontari Poe’s two sacks, Eric Berry and Ron Parker’s fumble recoveries—the whole defense stepped up when Kansas City needed them most.
The Chiefs shut down Dallas’ run game, only allowing 37 yards on the ground, and also forced two turnovers, with a penalty wiping out third one.
With all the talk about Andy Reid’s offensive-minded coaching, it’s Bob Sutton’s defense that has impressed so far in 2013, and it’s that defense that won this game for the Chiefs.