The Kansas City Chiefs took care of business on the road against the Houston Texans, rolling to a 27-20 victory. The score sounds closer than it really was, with Houston scoring 11 points late to make the difference respectable.
Here are five things we learned from this game:
1. The defense is going to be good again
This was a defense without its top corner in Sean Smith, and you didn’t see much issue. The Chiefs gave up 396 yards of total offense, but much of that came when the issue was seemingly settled. Marcus Peters looked very good for the most part, notching his first career interception and almost another. Meanwhile, the front seven amassed five sacks including two for Allen Bailey, and one apiece for Derrick Johnson, Justin Houston and Jaye Howard.
2. Alex Smith trusts Jeremy Maclin
Maclin had five catches for 52 yards, a solid if unspectacular game. However, Smith targeted Maclin nine times including two deep throws that just missed. Maclin was silky smooth in hsi route-running and predictably did not drop a single pass throughout the afternoon.
3. Travis Kelce is an absolute beast
Kelce was the unquestioned star of the show on Sunday, catching six passes for a team-high 106 yards and two touchdowns. Kelce has been a popular pick both locally and nationally to be a breakout player in 2015 and he certainly did not disappoint in Week 1. Look for Kelce to become a household name with a few more games like this.
4. The offensive line was not terrible
J.J. Watt had two sacks and the Texans got some occasional pressure, but it was nothing like times last season. The Texans were bringing blitzes and stunts throughout, and Kansas City was able to pick up the extra men with relative ease. Jah Reid had some down moments, but overall was passable. The rest of the line was very impressive, especially for no experience together.
5. Special teams looked great
Dustin Colquitt is amazing, De’Anthony Thomas is constant a threat to break it for a touchdown, and the coverage teams barely gave up a yard. All told, the Texans only had 14 return yards, something that is an unquestioned victory for the Chiefs.