Chiefs grades: AFC West champions
By Andrew Jones
We take a look at all sides of the ball from the Kansas City Chiefs win over the San Diego Chargers on New Years Day to secure the AFC West.
The Kansas City Chiefs showed offensive poise and efficiency as they swept San Diego for the second straight year. It marked only the second time in history that the Chiefs swept the division that many consider to be the best in all of football. Thanks to Denver’s win over the now toothless Raiders, the Chiefs captured the division championship.
The win also gave Kansas City its best record under Andy Reid and a first round bye. We all know Reid’s record after a bye and there are some key players the Chiefs could get healthy with the extra Sunday. The likely scenario is Pittsburgh and though they have struggled in Arrowhead Stadium (4-6 compared to 4-0 at home since 1994), the Chiefs will need all the time they can get to prepare.
Offense: A
The Alex Smith led offense ripped right through the Chargers defense all afternoon. Smith was efficient and took plenty of shots downfield. What’s more is that he seems to have found his legs again. This is important for the Chiefs as some of their struggles on third down could be found in Smith not escaping the pocket.
Last season he accounted for 30 first downs with his legs while this season he has only rushed for nine. The read option being back in the system and the threat of Smith running on passing downs should keep an extra defender as spy on Smith, which should open up other aspects of the offense.
The team around Smith all had a solid game offensively. The wide receiver group especially showed that you can’t just focus on Chiefs tight ends and expect to shut down the offense. Charcandrick West had himself a strong day with 116 total yards and two receiving touchdowns. He may see more passes out of the backfield as he spells Spencer Ware. And of course opponents will have to focus on Tyreek Hill whenever he lines up in the backfield.
Travis Kelce didn’t get much playing time and was only targeted twice when he did. Reid declined to comment on the situation but Kelce looked amped to play so I can’t imagine it’s an injury. He may just be such a big deal that he rests most of the game since the Chiefs were really never in true danger of losing. Even with the Smith tipped interception, Andy Reid was confident in his team.