Reviews and Previews: Chiefs Ready for Final Push
By Andrew Jones
Dec 6, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Tyvon Branch (27) runs for a touchdown after an interception against the Oakland Raiders as cornerback Marcus Peters (22) and free safety Eric Berry (29) celebrate during the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Oakland Raiders 34-20. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
A little over a month ago I wrote an article on how the Chiefs could get to the playoffs coming off of their win in London and a bye week. I got a lot of flack in the comments from some down trodden Chiefs fans and some trolls from outside the great Arrowhead fandom.
They said the Chiefs were in no way beating the Raiders in Oakland and that Buffalo would mop the floor with Alex Smith. Even I predicted that Denver would be too strong to overcome on the road, but this team continues to surprise and look who currently holds the fifth seed in the AFC playoff race. That’s right, the Chiefs head into arguably the easiest stretch of schedule in the entire league. First is a game at home against the Chargers who should be vying for a draft pick and a one way ticket to Los Angeles.
Then they travel to Baltimore to take part in the Matt Schaub defensive touchdown sweepstakes. The Chiefs finish at home against the awful Cleveland Browns and the stumbling Raiders. Call it now as most writers across the country are calling it: The Chiefs are a playoff team.
This past week was another exercise in giving aneurysms to Chiefs’ fans across the country. Just when fans think they can sit back and enjoy a game, Travis Kelce fumbles, or Dustin Colquit can’t get the extra point hold down, or Jeremy Maclin fumbles. Then, when fans have thrown everything in their living room across the house in frustration and anger, Josh Mauga picks off a Derek Carr pass, Marcus Peters takes advantage of a falling wide receiver and gets the interception, and Tyvon Branch shows sudden play making ability by scoring six points off a tipped pass.
Sean Smith said it best after the game when he called this team “the most dramatic team in the NFL.” It may make great television but I know there are some fans out there that just want this team to win and make it look pretty.
Next: Going through the AFC West results