Arrows Up: Sunday’s stars for the Chiefs

Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Marcus Peters — Key Stat(s): 7 tackles, 3 passes defensed, and 1 interception

I was tempted to leave Peters off of this week’s list. I thought Sunday was a tale of two performances from him. He picked Hoyer’s pocket on his first NFL snap, but he also surrendered at least one touchdown — possibly two — to receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Overall, he made a good first impression. He was inconsistent in coverage, but he proved to be beneficial in pursuit of ball carriers all over the field.

Even on the 4-yard touchdown play to Hopkins, Peters played it as well as anyone could’ve asked. Hopkins just high pointed the ball brilliantly and Hoyer made an even better throw. Cornerbacks get beat on occasion, but Peters will need to play more consistently in coverage and do a better job with his timing in jump ball situations. At his best, Peters looked like a potential Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate. At his worst, he looked like an immensely talented young corner who’ll have some ups and downs to start the year.

Mitch Morse — Key Stat: PFF’s top-rated center through 30 games (+3.4)

In his first assignment, Morse drew five-time Pro Bowler and two-time Super Bowl champion Vince Wilfork. He responded by posting the highest grade of any center in the NFL (though, at the time this is being written, there are still two games to be played). In fact, Morse held Wilfork without a tackle the entire game. Mind you, he began the offseason as the backup to then-front runner Eric Kush. Morse not only stole the job away from Kush, but he’s grown exponentially since he joined Kansas City’s first team. One of the biggest gaffes of his preseason was a missed block between he and Knile Davis (where a defender came in unblocked on a stunt). Morse had better recognition in the opener and appears to have learned from prior mistakes.

A half-dozen key contributors in Week 1’s not a bad way to start the season. If the Chiefs expect to build on their momentum, they’ll likely need as many over the next two weeks. It’s heartening to see so many of this team’s draftees playing at such a high level. Success in 2015 is likely going to demand as much from the team’s young talent as perhaps any season in recent memory.

Who’d you give your game ball to after the game on Sunday? Were there any glaring omissions from my list? Use the comment section below to begin the discussion. As always, we appreciate your readership and support.

Until next time, Addicts!