Chiefs at Texans: Grades for Week 2
By Andrew Jones
![Sep 18, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) scrambles out of the pocket as Houston Texans outside linebacker John Simon (51) chases during the fourth quarter at NRG Stadium. The Texans won 19-12. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports Sep 18, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) scrambles out of the pocket as Houston Texans outside linebacker John Simon (51) chases during the fourth quarter at NRG Stadium. The Texans won 19-12. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/c0c50a64c2aa618448488ac176f87e15ff5ec9062131addb81bca3707084dd51.jpg)
Offense: D
The offense failed to score a touchdown and relied on Cairo Santos for all of their points. It was reminiscent of Cincinnati last season except the defense still had the Chiefs in the game at the end. The biggest issues were offensive line play, fumbles, and penalties. Most will look at the play calling and say that was an issue as well. Andy Reid failed to adjust his play calling to the demanding situations in the game. But even with poor play calling, Kansas City should be able to execute their game plan and move the ball with all of their talent.
When Alex Smith has a bad day usually there is a solid run game or good hands from receivers to make up for it. In Houston, Smith had a very off day. However even when he was accurate, his receivers failed by dropping passes. On top of that his offensive line allowed 4 sacks and 13 pressures.
The two bright spots on the offense ended up being running backs Charcandrick West and Spencer Ware who combined for over 100 yards on the ground. West ended up with an average of 10 yards per carry and Ware had 5.7. Those are solid numbers yet Reid didn’t utilize play action to get the corners off of their spot.
If the Chiefs did get anything going offensively they quickly shot themselves in the foot. The team ended the day with three turnovers and nine penalties for 77 yards. Several times Kansas City faced first and 10+. With Jeremy Maclin struggling to catch the ball they could not overcome the mental mistakes. Against a strong front seven that the Jets possess the Chiefs are going to have to adjust quickly to keep up in the AFC West.