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Chiefs grades: Winning from behind

By Andrew Jones

Nov 13, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Spencer Ware (32) looks to elude Carolina Panthers defensive back Leonard Johnson (23) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. The Chiefs won 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Spencer Ware (32) looks to elude Carolina Panthers defensive back Leonard Johnson (23) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. The Chiefs won 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 13, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Kansas City Chiefs kicker Cairo Santos (5) celebrates with long snapper James Winchester (41) after kicking the game winning field goal at the end of the fourth quarter. The Chiefs defeated the Panthers 20-17 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Kansas City Chiefs kicker Cairo Santos (5) celebrates with long snapper James Winchester (41) after kicking the game winning field goal at the end of the fourth quarter. The Chiefs defeated the Panthers 20-17 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Special Teams: A

What can I say about Cairo Santos? The guy has proven game in and game out that he can be relied on in big moments. When the offense sputters in the redzone Santos gives the Chiefs wins off his right foot. It is a major luxury to have a kicker that doesn’t let pressure get to him and comes through in big moments.

The rest of the special teams played just as large of a role in this win as the defense. Tyreek Hill provided sparks with his returns and Dustin Colquitt set up the defense in great positions throughout the second half. One of these games Hill is going to get his touchdown on a return. He can’t be stopped forever. As the weather gets colder more and more will depend on these two units to win games. They could be the difference between an AFC title and a first round exit.

Coaching: A

We can gripe a lot about the playcalling the last few weeks but if the offense can’t execute, no manner of playcalling will fix it. Alex Smith needs to look to himself to stop the field goals and up the touchdowns in the redzone. Reid did a great job this week in getting some discipline on this team. Sure Peters still nearly blew it by punting into the stands but that was the only real issue on the day. The Chiefs never panicked despite being down 17.

This is a team that isn’t supposed to win from behind. The reason they continue to get these ugly wins despite all the injuries is Big Red. He and his coaching staff really deserve coach of the year so far this season.

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