Kansas City Chiefs: Season Over was the title of my article here on Arrowhead Addict three weeks ago after the Chiefs’ fifth straight loss. The record was 1-5, the Chiefs had just lost to the Chicago Bears and the Minnesota Vikings completing a five-game losing streak and the overall feeling of Chiefs Kingdom was not all that positive. The start of Kansas City’s losing streak was a cruel Thursday Night Football loss to the Denver Broncos. It was a game that Andy Reid’s men dominated but found a way to loose after a host of penalties and five turnovers.
After Sunday’s win at Mile High Stadium, Justin Houston said of the Week 2 loss:
"“We know the first game wasn’t supposed to happen like that. To lose the way we did, it hurt. I think it kind of messed with our momentum. I think we’re back on track now. We just gotta stay with it.”"
The depleted feeling from Week 2 that caused the five-game losing stretch is what many had theorized, and Houston has confirmed what many were already thinking. What is key, however, is Houston’s comment that “we’re back on track now. We just gotta stay with it.” If the 4-5 Chiefs harbor any hopes of a playoff spot, maintaining the momentum from an impressive three-game win streak will be crucial. Houston realizes that the win against Petyton Manning and the Broncos means nothing, other than bragging rights and the end of an embarrassing losing streak, if the Chiefs are unable to build upon their momentum.
This brings me to next Sunday’s game against AFC West rivals San Diego Chargers. The Chargers are a decent team that has been crippled by injuries and poor form. The 2-7 record does not represent the quality of this team, though the Chiefs should, and will, be favorites for the upcoming match. Philip Rivers has been on fire throughout the year, throwing for over 3,000 yards with 19 touchdowns and seven interceptions. The Chargers actually lead the league in passing yards per game and will pose a threat to the Chiefs’ secondary.
However, Rivers lost his main weapon in Keenan Allen, who had been causing major problems to opposing defense. Furthermore, San Diego has struggled to establish a running game, with rookie Melvin Gordon struggling greatly, averaging 3.6 yards per carry with four fumbles. Danny Woodhead is a threat catching passes out of the backfield and Derrick Johnson, who has been excellent all year in covering running backs, will have to be aware of Woodhead’s threat.
The Chargers’ are perhaps an ideal team for the Chiefs to face. Kansas City will back their defense up against the Chargers’ pass heavy offense and Alex Smith and the offense should get opportunities against a poor Chargers’ defense. The Chargers’ defense ranks 28th in the league for points allowed per game, and has allowed 122.9 yards per game rushing. That blends itself perfectly to the Chiefs’ run heavy, conservative offense. Expect to see a good dose of Charcandrick West as Andy Reid will look to control the game with good defense and the running game.
Many may ask why I am not gloating about the Chiefs’ first win over the Broncos since Tim Tebow was under center, intercepting one of the greatest quarterbacks ever four times as he breaks the all time passing yardage record and holding Denver to a total of 40 offensive yards in the first half. While these are all wonderful things and Sunday was most certainly a victory to be celebrated, this season is about much more than simply ending a loosing streak to the team that has dominated the AFC West. Before the season opened, the hope was to win a playoff game. After an outstanding victory against the Broncos, the Chiefs’ have given themselves a slim chance. That is the goal, and as Justin Houston states: “We just know this is a stepping stone to get where we want to go.”