Kansas City Chiefs: The Good, The Bad And The Baffling From Week 14
By Brett Gering
The Good: Receiving Corps Progress
Dec 7, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe reacts prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Over the past three weeks, the Chiefs haven’t given Kansas Citians much to cheer about. However, signing Jason Avant is a cause for optimism.
In just his second game with the team, No. 81 led all wideouts, snatching five receptions for 64 yards. He and Alex Smith are both heady veterans who understand the nuances of coverage, which is why they’ve clicked from the word go.
To give his value perspective, Avant has netted seven receptions for 94 yards since joining the Chiefs. This season, Junior Hemingway has plucked 12 catches for 108. Avant has played two games for Kansas City; Hemingway has played 10.
While Dwayne Bowe’s numbers (2 REC, 29 YDS) won’t widen eyes, his first reception did. Without him hurdling two Cardinals and dragging another pair along for the ride, Jamaal Charles’ second touchdown doesn’t see the light of day.
Until Avant’s arrival, Bowe had been the only semblance of consistency throughout the receiving corps. On average, his targets (6.6) have dropped from 2013 (6.9), but his production has increased, reeling in .4 more catches (4.2 overall) and 6.8 more yards (51.7 overall) on a weekly basis.
The most surprising performance belonged to Albert Wilson, though. Kansas City’s undrafted wideout snagged four catches for 53 yards.