When the gates opened for the Kansas City Chiefs to start 2014, hope and optimism filled the air for Chiefs fans nationwide. As the gates closed on the opening game, heads were held low, and the normal fragrance of BBQ that lingers in the air around Arrowhead Stadium was replaced by a putrid smell of failure.
But as the great Bob Dylan once wrote, “The times they are a-changin.’”
Week 10 for the Chiefs has come and gone, and the once-horrific smell of fear and failure that filled the homes of fans after that baffling loss to the Tennessee Titans has been replaced by the sweet smell of victory.
The Chiefs waged a hard-fought battle against a potential wild-card spot team in the surprising Buffalo Bills. All seemed lost for a struggling Chiefs offensive line that could not hold off the formidable pass defense of the Bills. Alex Smith spent a good chunk of time on the ground, as the Bills relentless pursuit of the veteran QB could not be denied. Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles was also a victim of the Bills front defense, as he was unable to get the running game going in the first half. The Chiefs wide receivers were again struggling, as the brutal pass rush forced Smith to throw the ball sooner than he would have liked.
But there was a change in air. Just as the sun was trying to peek through the dense clouds that surrounded Ralph Wilson Stadium, so too were the Chiefs slowly peeking through the defense of the Bills.
These two teams both fought hard on the battlefield with the motto, “Bend, don’t break.” However, only one team came out the victor that day, and the Chiefs proved themselves worthy. Despite the hardened Bills defense, the Chiefs, under the excellent leadership of head coach Andy Reid and through some standout performances by key playmakers, were able to drive down the field and score. When the dust finally settled, the Chiefs claimed victory, 17-13.
Nov 9, 2014; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) runs in for a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Chiefs beat the Bills 17-13. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
The most impressive stat about the victory, was not that wide receiver Dwayne Bowe almost broke the century mark in receiving yards. Nor was it the fact that, despite a tough Bills line, Charles was still able to get 93 yards and a score. It was the fact that this team found its heart in the game.
Many teams, when being beat up as much as the Chiefs were on Sunday, may have given up on themselves. However the Chiefs prevailed and came back from a double-digit deficit to win the game. This team is unique. They somehow always find a way to win games in what many thought would be a rebuilding season. They put together good games on both sides of the ball. They do this without a major receiving threat, and missing key players on their defense. They might not win big like a Denver Broncos team, but they put together great defense with mistake-free football. The 2014 Kansas City Chiefs have heart, and sometimes all it takes to win games is just that…heart.
What do you think, Addicts? Does this team have heart? What do you think is the biggest reason the Chiefs are winning games “experts” say they shouldn’t?
Sound off below!
Thanks for reading….GO CHIEFS!!!!