John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
For the second time in as many weeks, we must look for positives in a Chiefs’ loss.
Kansas City couldn’t get it done at home against a Chargers team that they should’ve beat, and now the Chiefs face the prospect of playing Denver next week while on a two-game losing streak.
The good news is that Denver lost as well, to Tom Brady and the Patriots on Sunday Night Football. The bad news is, the Chiefs’ defense gave up 387 yards of total offense to Philip Rivers and the Chargers, and still lost despite the offense playing well in a shootout.
Irony of all ironies, it was the defense that lost the game for Kansas City, and the last time the Chiefs played the Broncos, that same defense gave up 427 yards.
That’s enough doom and gloom for now though, because the Chiefs did do some good things in this loss—particularly on offense.
With a heavy heart for the second straight week, it’s time to hand out Arrowheads.
Arrowhead #3: Donnie Avery, WR/ Dwayne Bowe, WR
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I don’t normally do ties for Arrowheads, but it seems fitting this week. The Chiefs’ pass offense finally came to life against the Chargers, and Avery and Bowe really stood out.
First off, Avery is a tremendous complimentary receiver, so let’s give him credit there. He’ll never be a star, but he does a great job of making plays by using his speed, and he’s opportunistic. Avery burnt the Chargers’ defense on a skinny post for a touchdown, and finished the day with four receptions for 91 yards plus that score.
Bowe had his second straight good game and found the end zone once again. He finished with five catches for 51 yards and the aforementioned score. It was a huge catch that put the Chiefs on top with 1:22 left in the game. It was clutch, and Bowe deserves credit for hauling that pass in.
Arrowhead #2: Alex Smith, QB
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Unless Andy Reid brought the jug machine out there, somebody had to be throwing those passes to Bowe and Avery, right? That’s right.
That person was Alex Smith, and aside from an interception off a tipped ball, he played another great game for the Chiefs at quarterback. Smith went 26-of-38 for 284 yards and three touchdowns. He made a few beautiful passes and proved that he can lead the Chiefs to a shootout win. Unfortunately, the defense lost it for him.
Arrowhead #1: Jamaal Charles, RB
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Jamaal Charles is a mainstay in the “Earning Their Arrowheads” feature, and for good reason. He’s consistently consistent for the Chiefs and he’s arguably their best offensive player. Frankly, he’s one of the best offensive players in the NFL.
Charles had another great game on the ground, rushing for 115 yards and two touchdowns off 14 carries. He also caught four passes for 42 yards.
Whenever the Chiefs get near the end zone, Charles is almost a guarantee to punch it in. He proved that against the Chargers, coming away with two tough runs for scores.
Unfortunately it wasn’t enough, but his effort won’t go unnoticed.
Who do you think deserved to get Arrowheads this week? Let us know in the comments.