Chiefs vs Jets: Kansas City Team Grades
By Andrew Jones
Defense: A
What else can you give to a defense that took the ball away 8 times and limited the passing attack of the Jets to 188 yards? Maybe they should have a plus on the end of that “A” but a game without a sack and allowing 117 yards rushing docked them a few points. The defense was put in some interesting positions late in the game due to ultra conservative play calling and yet did not allow a touchdown. There were some bending moments as the Chiefs forced three of their picks in their own end zone, but ultimately this side of the ball won the game.
Bob Sutton bullied Ryan Fitzpatrick all day and even without sacks, there was pressure. Tamba Hali and Dee Ford provided an edge rush that was serviceable. They forced Fitzpatrick to make bad decisions and throw either too soon or under duress. Dontari Poe and Jaye Howard also often pushed into the backfield just missing a shot at the quarterback. The Chiefs will have the respect of Ben Rothlisberger next week but unless they get hits on him, he will be patient enough to pick them apart.
Special Teams: B
The special teams play of the Chiefs looks really good so far this season. Cairo Santos was yet again perfect in his performance and is now one of only seven who are perfect on both field goals and extra points. Dustin Colquitt had a solid day punting and was able to pin the Jets deep on three different occasions. His best came from a heads-up play by standout Tyreek Hill to give the Jets the ball back on their own 1/2-yard line. Speaking of Hill, his play on both sides of the punting game will eventually earn him ST player of the week honors. He continues to impress as gunner and in his electrifying returns.
Where the Chiefs struggled here was kick coverage and kick return. Sure they recovered a fumble for a touchdown but twice the Jets were able to return a kick close to the 50 yard line. It seems that if Anthony Sherman is not there for the tackle then the returner has a big gain. On their own returns Hill struggled to pick a lane and then make his move. He is treating kick returns like punt returns and instead of kicking it in gear and then making people miss, he is dancing while it is still developing. Knile Davis may find his way back into that role if Hill struggles.
Overall: B
The Chiefs won a home contest over a solid AFC team. Calling the Jets anything but is just foolish. Their biggest issue now is at the quarterback position where FItzpatrick can either be really good or really bad. Meanwhile the Chiefs are just fine with their not bad but not great quarterback leading their team. They are opportunistic and patient which may be invaluable when the cold starts setting in. The scary part is that they still don’t have arguably their best two players in the lineup yet. Jamaal Charles and Justin Houston will make it back eventually and the hope is that the Chiefs can be 3-1 or maybe 4-1 when they do.
Next week will be the most difficult matchup yet as they travel to Pittsburgh. The Steelers are coming off a bad loss and will be looking to right the ship at home in prime time. The offense will have to play better and the defense needs pressure if the Chiefs are to go into the bye week above .500.