By the numbers: Chiefs work their Monday night magic

The Kansas City Chiefs moved to 4-0 by defeating the Washington Redskins on Monday Night Football. Here’s how they did it by the numbers.

With Week 5 underway, the Kansas City Chiefs are still the NFL’s lone unbeaten team. At 4-0, the Chiefs are in firm control of the AFC West and are currently the top seed in the AFC through the first quarter of the regular season. The team’s second nationally-televised game ended with another notch in the left column. Today, we’ll take a look at key statistics from their Monday night 29-20 victory over the Washington Redskins. Here’s this week’s By The Numbers.

94

Combined receiving yards between Albert Wilson and Chris Conley. When the Chiefs parted ways with Jeremy Maclin in June, they were confident Tyreek Hill could succeed him as their No. 1 receiver. What was unclear was how Hill would produce without a legitimate receiver across from him to keep defensive coordinators from keying on him. Last night, Hill had just 35 receiving yards, but that was mitigated by the performances of Wilson and Conley. Their ability to produce when defenses take Hill away will be critical to the continuity of Kansas City’s offense going forward.

6

The number of receivers Alex Smith completed a pass to in last night’s contest. For an offense centered around playmakers Travis Kelce, Kareem Hunt and Tyreek Hill, head coach Andy Reid did a brilliant job of spreading the ball around on Monday night. The more players who contribute in this offensive system, the more likely Reid’s “big three” are to continue their early success.

80.3 More from Arrowhead Addict

The grade linebacker Frank Zombo received from Pro Football Focus for his primetime performance on Monday Night Football. The absence of Dee Ford was mildly concerning coming into Week 4. With Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins coming off of a three-touchdown day against the Oakland Raiders one week prior, there was some thought that a weakened Chiefs pass rush could expose its secondary. Zombo did little to moderate that with just one quarterback hurry, but he played quite well against the run (registering four stops and disrupting a number of run plays).

Zero

Sacks against a formidable Redskins offensive line. The Chiefs were particularly inept at getting pressure on Cousins in last night’s contest. When they were able to bring heat with extra defenders, Cousins had a perfect passer rating of 158.3 against the blitz.

42

The percent of defensive snaps newcomer Reggie Ragland played in his ‘MNF’ debut for the Chiefs. Compare that to just four defensive plays for former starter Ramik Wilson and there’s a chance Kansas City is moving in a new direction at the inside linebacker spot next to Derrick Johnson.

11

The number of points rookie placekicker Harrison Butker contributed to the 29-20 victory over the Washington Redskins. Much like running back Kareem Hunt, Butker’s first NFL opportunity didn’t quite go as planned. In the waning seconds of the first half, he missed a 46-yard field goal that would’ve tied the game at 10-all. Butker would rebound in the second half, nailing three consecutive attempts – including the 43-yarder that gave the Chiefs the lead with just four seconds left in regulation.

What statistics caught your attention from the Monday-nighter? Can the Chiefs afford another zero sack game against Deshaun Watson on Sunday night? Will Ramik Wilson see more playing time as the season wears on or has he officially been replaced by Ragland? Can Reid and company expect Conley and Wilson to continue their productive ways over a tough, five-week stretch of games or will the offense have to rely upon the “big three”? Use the comment section below to weigh in. As always, we appreciate your readership and support.

Until next time, Addicts!

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