Sep 13, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) calls a play at the line of scrimmage during the second quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
On offense, the Chiefs must find better protection on the offensive line. While Jah Reid stepped in and did an admirable job in his first two games with the Chiefs, K.C. simply can’t afford to have that bad of protection if they want to be successful. Jeff Allen and Eric Fisher need to start on the right side of the line. While many will not like to see Fisher at right tackle, he gives them the best chance to be successful.
Andy Reid had some bad calls against Denver. The biggest takeaway from the game is that Reid needs to find a way to help the Chiefs be more successful on third down. When you consider the fact that the Chiefs didn’t convert a third down in the Broncos game it becomes even more amazing that they were in the game to begin with. Reid needs to find a way to make third downs easier.
Most people hated the interception right before halftime. However, the Chiefs needed to be aggressive in that situation. Aqib Talib made a fantastic play on a ball that he had no business being close to. While I didn’t agree with the Jamaal Charles run at the end either I understood the play call there as well. If he gets 15 yards on a run you have a chance to take a couple shots downfield and maybe kick a winning field goal as time expires.
The Chiefs will not face another defense that has all the talent that Denver does against until their rematch in November. K.C. has the talent to beat the Broncos but couldn’t get out of their own way on Thursday night. When the Chiefs head to Denver they will be coming off their BYE week and will hopefully have their entire defensive unit in tact with Sean Smith back. Until then, the Chiefs now are in catch up mode in a division that looks like it could be very tough.
When it comes down to my last take away from the game I can’t help but shake my head. Kansas City had Denver on the ropes early in the game and blew it. The glimmer of hope that remains from that game is knowing that if it wasn’t for the Chiefs mistakes they win going away. The Chiefs had Denver beat easily if they didn’t turn the ball over five times. This brings back memories of the Titans game from last year but this Chiefs team is much better across the board. It will be very telling with how they come out and play on Monday night against the Packers.