Chiefs’ Best And Worst Of 2014
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
Best Moment
There are tons and tons to choose from.
Kelce got his dance on.
Rivers screamed at his helmet.
Brady was benched in the 3rd quarter.
And, there was that brief period of time like a glimpse into an alternate universe when the Jaguars were beating the Texans and the Browns were up over the Ravens. The Chiefs were headed to the playoffs. But, most sane and sober watchers knew that this portal into the Bizarro NFL would close eventually, and it sure did five minutes later.
But, if I had to choose the most memorable play, it would be one that I doubt is on many of your lists.
The moment I will remember most from this season was Smith’s designed run into the end zone late against the Buffalo Bills. I’m a sucker for these sorts of plays. Generally, NFL teams try to keep their QB’s away from contact at all costs, because not only is the chance of the player getting knocked out of the game not worth it, but simply getting them a little roughed up is bad for the game. While most players on the field can get bashed up and still play their positions more or less fine, the QB needs to be able to continue to make smart, quick decisions and put perfect touch on passes. That’s not going to happen if his arm is mangled and he’s taken several blows to the head – it’s like putting a violinist through a high-speed car crash and asking him to finish the concerto flawlessly.
So, when you intentionally have your quarterback tuck in the ball and sprint towards contact, the stakes are automatically raised. It says something about how badly you want those yards or that score. With the team down 13-10 in the 4th of a critical game for playoff positioning where they’d been stuffed offensively all game, this was one such time.
Smith fakes the handoff, sweeps around off tackle, sees that he’ll have to fight his way in, lowers his shoulder and blasts through a D-back at the goal line for the vital score.
Football is a beautiful thing.
What were your best and worst, Addicts? I’d love to see them in the comments.