Chiefs vs. Chargers Recap: Earning Their Arrowheads

Dec 8, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; General view of Kansas City Chiefs helmet before the game against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Yesterday’s contest between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Diego Chargers was quite the game. Nevermind the back and forth scoring. Nevermind the fact that the Chargers were in the position to control their own destiny in regards to the playoffs. Nevermind the late game drama with a missed field goal, fake punt in overtime and scrambling, desperate 4th and forever play that ended the game for the Chiefs.

The Chiefs as an organization had nothing to play for yesterday, and thus rested 20 of their 22 starters. That gave 20 players the opportunity to start an NFL game in the regular season. Most of these guys may never get that chance again. The Chiefs played their backups and nearly — should have — beat the Chargers. While they played great football as a team, there are three guys that stuck out and earned their Arrowheads this week.

Arrowhead #3: A.J. Jenkins, WR

Oct 27, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver A.J. Jenkins (15) warms up before the game against the Cleveland Browns at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Jenkins caught three passes yesterday for 67 yards, leading the Chiefs in receiving yardage on the day. However, 48 of those yards came on one huge pass play on the first drive when Jenkins hauled in a deep pass, setting up the Knile Davis touchdown one play later. This young man is gaining confidence and in his limited capacity on the Chiefs has outperformed the player he was traded for — Jon Baldwin — perhaps foreshadowing things to come next year.

Arrowhead  #2: Knile Davis, RB

Dec 29, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Knile Davis (34) celebrates his 2nd quarter touchdown run against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Liu-USA TODAY Sports

There has been a lot of talk in the last couple of weeks in regards to what kind of a backup running back Knile Davis would be to Jamaal Charles. Many thought it was a reach to take Davis in the third round of the draft. With Davis’ fumbling problems and injury history, many thought he would be a bust before they ever saw him play. Those fears were realized last week when he touched the ball four times and fumbled twice. However, yesterday, Davis looked like a back that could start on just about any roster in the NFL. He ran smart, waited for blocks and powered when he had to. He ran for 81 yards and two scores and reignited the hopes that he can back up Charles going into the playoffs and beyond.

Arrowhead #1: Chase Daniel, QB

Dec 29, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs receiver Dexter McCluster (22) celebrates with quarterback Chase Daniel (10) after a score during the first half against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

One of the biggest question marks during the offseason signings was when Chiefs general manager John Dorsey brought Daniel in to be Alex Smith’s backup quarterback to the tune of three million dollars a year. Yes, Daniel learned under Drew Brees in New Orleans. Yes, Daniel is a Mizzou alumni, and thus this was a homecoming for him. But, that’s a lot of money to pay a guy to hold a clipboard. Yesterday, Chase proved that should Smith go down — you all better knock on some wood — he can effectively handle the Chiefs offense. Daniel moved the ball well when he was on the field and completed the day with a respectable stat line, completing 21 of 30 passes for 200 yards and a touchdown. Perhaps the biggest stat here though is, just as the guy who he understudies doesn’t turn the ball over, neither did Daniel. That’s huge.

There they are, Addicts. Your Arrowhead earners for Week 17. Can’t wait to see who we’ll give them to next week after the Chiefs first post season game!