Chiefs vs. Redskins Recap: Earning Their Arrowheads
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Last week I incited a small internet riot of sorts when I said that I wouldn’t write the traditional “Earning Their Arrowheads” piece as long as the Chiefs were on a losing skid.
Some of you agreed with my logic, while others, well, didn’t. Either way, the Chiefs responded in a big way on the field, and the losing skid is no more.
Kansas City beat the Washington Redskins is resounding fashion, 45-10, and in the process, many of us here at Arrowhead Addict felt that the Chiefs made a statement.
When all three phases of this team are clicking, the Chiefs will be very dangerous to beat.
I think it’s only fair that I take full credit for the win, because it’s rather obvious that my protest against the team was what really turned this thing around. Some of you may have to click this link before rushing on down to the comment section, but if you’re picking up what I’m putting down; let’s get on to the Arrowheads.
Arrowhead #3: Jamaal Charles, RB
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jamaal Charles is simply one of the best players in the NFL, and he’s the MVP of this Chiefs’ offense. He can truly do it all, and once again, Charles proved that in a big way against Washington. He rushed for 151 yards and one touchdown on 19 carries; which means he averaged an incredible 7.9 yards a touch.
You’ve gotta give credit to the offensive line for much of Charles success, but his running ability is undeniable. Charles can pound it between the tackles for a few tough yards, or bounce it outside, make a defender or two miss and turn on the burners. He really is a complete back.
To further prove that point, Charles added two catches and one touchdown through the air.
Arrowhead #2: Tamba Hali, OLB / Tyson Jackson, DE
The reason I put Tamba Hali and Tyson Jackson here as the No. 2 Arrowhead, in front of Charles, is because of the context. Kansas City’s defense struggled mightily at getting after the quarterback during the losing streak, but it broke out in a big way against Washington.
The Chiefs’ defense as a unit sacked the quarterback six times, and Hali and Jackson were responsible for four of those sacks; notching two each.
The big picture here is impressive as well. With his two sacks, Hali jumped over Art Still and is now ranked No. 3 on the Chiefs’ list of All-Time sack leaders with 73.5 career sacks. Hali is only behind Derrick Thomas (126.5) and Neil Smith (86.5).
Arrowhead #1: Dexter McCluster, PR/WR
Dexter McCluster was a huge catalyst for the Chiefs this past Sunday, and he made his presence known on both offense and special teams. Obviously, it was his special teams performance that stood out the most, though.
McCluster returned seven punts against the Redskins, and he totaled 177 net return yards. That included a 74-yard punt return that he took back to the house for a touchdown. He averaged 25.3 yards per return.
He also caught four catches for 22 yards on offense, which solidified an all-around stellar performance.
Agree or disagree with the Arrowheads this week? Let us know in the comments.