The Kansas City Chiefs sent five players to the Pro-Bowl this year along with their coaching staff to represent the AFC in a big way.
Alex Smith and Travis Kelce started for the offense helmed by Andy Reid and Matt Nagy. Dustin Colquitt, Tyreek Hill, and D.J. Alexander were special teams representatives but also got plenty of playing time in other areas. Reid called a fun game and each Chief made their mark on the game helping the AFC nab a 20-13 victory.
Here’s a quick recap of how each player fared in the much maligned all-star game.
Alex Smith
The Chiefs’ quarterback attended his second pro-bowl since joining the Chiefs in 2013 and despite his poor dodgeball showing, Smith led the AFC on three efficient drives. That is something to be expected of Smith as he dinked and dunked his way through the first quarter. Reid and Smith took their shots but it didn’t quite sink in until Reid called his shot on live TV. He stated that the play was an “all go” or “four verticals” and Smith chose his target wisely, getting a long touchdown to Delanie Walker.
Smith finished his starting effort going 6-of-8 for 74 yards, a touchdown, and no interceptions. As soon as he threw his touchdown pass Smith was pulled and would not return to the game. Andy Reid poured more water on the “replace Alex Smith” fire started by fans and media by stating firmly during the weekend that Smith would be his guy in 2017. Whatever else next season brings the Chiefs will be a contender if Smith can continue to improve on this Pro-Bowl season.
Travis Kelce
Kelce only caught three balls for 36 yards and a touchdown but somehow walked away with the offensive MVP award. Or should I say drove away as his prize netted him a brand new Genesis sedan. Kelce more likely won the award for just how much fun he was having out on the field rather than his actual performance.
After he scored his touchdown he whipped out a brand new celebration mimicking the recently popular #saltbae. He also showed a lot of excitement after taking a Colquitt shovel pass for a first down on a fake field goal. You can’t accuse Travis Kelce of not trying in a meaningless game, he was loving it.
Tyreek Hill
Hill had a few opportunities to touch the ball both on special teams and on offense. He caught one ball for nine yards and returned three punts for 48 yards including an exciting 38-yarder. Other than that Hill was fairly quiet despite John Gruden talking him up every time he hit the field. Hill ran plenty of routes but wasn’t looked at much from the AFC quarterbacks. He may have received a few more looks but towards the end of the game Philip Rivers could not get any time in the pocket.
D.J. Alexander
Alexander lead both teams with 9 total tackles in the game. He actually played a ton on defense as an inside linebacker and held his own in coverage of tight ends. The NFC didn’t run the ball much so there wasn’t many opportunities for Chiefs fans and coaches to get a good look at his ability to stop the run. As we all know the Chiefs need to upgrade their run defense and Alexander may have made a statement about his place on the team.
Dustin Colquitt
What can you say about a punter in the Pro Bowl? Colquitt replaced the Colts’ Pat McAfee who had knee surgery shortly after the season ended. While not as fun as McAfee probably would have been, Dustin managed a successful night. His final stat line included four punts for an average of 46.8 yards per kick and one pass for seven yards. The pass was exciting but didn’t manage to do more that take time off the clock as the AFC kicked a field goal four plays later.
What did you Addicts like from the Chiefs in the Pro Bowl? Did you even watch the game? Let us know in the comments below.