Chiefs vs. Bills Recap: Earning Their Arrowheads
By Jason Seibel
The Kansas City Chiefs head into their bye week with a 9-0 record, and despite how “ugly,” or “gritty” or “undeserving” they are, no one can change that fact. They are one of only 18 teams since the NFL/AFL merger to begin their season 9-0. They are the first major North American sporting team to start 9-0 after having the league’s worst record the year before. Disregarding last season’s record, they are the first team in NFL history to start 9-0 with a new head coach and a new quarterback.
It’s been a long, hard road, but somehow the Chiefs have managed to find a way to win every single week. This week was no different.
The “grittiness” was no different this week than any other week. The only difference is, there was not a single offensive touchdown this week. The “D” had the job of stopping the score and putting up points on the board. That’s a tall order for any team, but this week, they were up for the challenge.
The Chiefs go into their bye this weekend and will be preparing for the Denver Broncos who they face on Sunday Night Football in two weeks.
But, before we close out week nine in the NFL, let’s hand out the Arrowheads from Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills.
Arrowhead #3: Marcus Cooper, DB
Nov 3, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marcus Cooper (31) breaks up a pass to Buffalo Bills wide receiver T.J. Graham (11) during the first half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
This young man has got to be the find of the century and the single biggest reason that Chiefs general manager will be successful in Kansas City. Drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the 7th round of the 2013 NFL Draft, Cooper was cut and then signed by the Chiefs. Since then, he’s done nothing by make plays. That was no different Sunday when he forced a key fumble against T.J. Graham in the 4th quarter that sealed the Chiefs victory.
Arrowhead #2: Tamba Hali, LB
Nov 3, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Tamba Hali (91) intercepts a Buffalo Bills pass and run in for a touchdown during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Chiefs beat the Bills 23-13. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Hali continues to excite and amaze as his formerly one-dimensional defensive game – as awesome as it was – has developed into a full defensive player. After the rookie Cooper punched the ball out of Graham unsure hands, Hali scooped it up as easy as anything and took the 11 yards to pay dirt. The fact that it was Hali’s birthday made it that much better.
Arrowhead #1: Sean Smith, DB
Though Smith is sometimes susceptible to getting beat deep by quick receivers, he has been one of the best offseason acquisitions the Chiefs made this year. When the Bills had the ball on the Chiefs 1-yard line and were getting ready to go up 17-3, Smith expertly stepped in front of a Jeff Tuel pass and took it 100 yards – unofficially 101 yards – to the house. The result was a 14 point swing for the Chiefs and all the emotion and momentum was sucked out of the Bills as well as their fans. Smith effectively won the game for the Chiefs on that play in the third quarter.
There you have it, Addicts. My three Arrowheads for the week. Did I miss on any of these? Who did you think deserved one? Sound off in the comments below. Thanks for reading and GO CHIEFS!