Kansas City Chiefs: 8 Takeaways From Week 7’s Heart-Pounding Thriller

5. Week 7 Epitomized Brandon Flowers’ Career

Oct 19, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers cornerback Brandon Flowers (26) and Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) collide as Charles crosses the goal line for a touchdown during the second quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Regardless of team colors, I’ll always root for Brandon Flowers. (“Always” meaning 14 weeks out of the year.)

He didn’t ask to be released. He didn’t turn his back on anyone. He was a corner whose attributes didn’t mesh with Bob Sutton’s system.

For better or worse, Week 7 doubled as his career in a nutshell.

Flowers’ difficulty in covering big-bodied receivers was symbolized by Dwayne Bowe victimizing him for a 26-yard gain. However, by my count, he didn’t allow anything before or after.

His never-back-down mentality was displayed through multiple pad-thwacking hits.

His susceptibility to injury reared its head again, as Flowers was forced to leave the game with a concussion. But even after he seemingly suffered it—leading to doctors testing for symptoms on the sideline—he refused to call it a day, playing another series. (Have fun with that one, Goodell.)

Irrespective of current allegiances, Flowers was one of the stingiest corners in Chiefs history. He departed because, due to stylistic differences, John Dorsey faced a Catch 22.

Would he have returned to vintage form if Kansas City retained him? Maybe. Maybe not.

But when playing zone or off-man, Flowers has been a top-five corner throughout the bulk of his career. It’s also the reason why, entering Week 7, he was Pro Football (PFF) Focus’ top-rated cornerback.