Chiefs Out-Buffalo the Bills, 26-17 – The weather in Orchard Park, NY was — IMHO — perfect fall football weather. A steady chilly drizzle in the low 50s right at twilight is reminiscent of AFL days gone by when these two AFL stalwarts — the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills — faced each other. That they started play at the cusp of twilight only added to the atmosphere. It was the most… “footbally”… that I’ve felt this year. Leftover chili and cold beer completed the gridiron vibe. Perfect!
View From the Cheap Seats
Last evening’s game was an eye-opener on multiple levels. We learned things about our beloved Chiefs that we were yet privy to this season. Such as:
Things we learned in this game:
- Andy Reid can win on the ground.
- We already have the right mix of offensive lineman to both support a running game and protect Patrick Mahomes.
- Our defense, when not self-sabotaging, is as good as any in the league.
- Despite repeated, baseless comparisons by clueless commentators and oblivious analysts, Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen is not on the same level of Patrick Mahomes. He’s not even in the same zip code.
- Clyde Edwards-Helaire is the premiere running back of the 2020 NFL draft and deserves mention in Rookie-of the-Year conversations.
- The term “Kelce” deserves consideration as an official synonym for “clutch.”
Conversely, there were a few negatives that the Red & Gold reiterated in last night’s performance:
- There’s definitely something up with Harrison Butker. What we don’t know is whether it’s a Butker issue or a disconnect between the holder/punter Tommy Townsend and Butker.
- This special teams unit is not indicative of a Dave Toub-coached contingent.
- The Chiefs, particularly the defense, are killing themselves with senseless penalties this year. They rank fifth in penalties this season with 40, just five less than the lowly New York Jets.
The Chiefs must rectify all these, less they bite us in the Sitzfleisch at the most inopportune time later this season.
Stat of the Game
As alluded to above, the Stat of the Game is eight penalties for 68 yards. That is as unacceptable as it is unconscionable. Eight penalties in a single game would be the death knell for lesser teams.
Highlight of the Game
Tweet of the Game
Quote of the Game
“We’re at our best when we have some sort of a balance going. It puts a tremendous amount of pressure on the defense, and we were able to do both [tonight].” -Coach Reid
Game Song: Buffalo Soldier
We dedicate the game song to those “soldiers” on the Chiefs frontline, the general in the backfield, Mahomes, and his young, trusted, ground-gaining lieutenant: Clyde Edwards-Helaire.
… And the Game Ball Goes To …
In what I suspect will not be the only game this season, rookie running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire made GM Brett Veach and Coach Andy Reid look like geniuses last night. CEH tore up the turf for 161 yards on 26 carries while adding four receptions for an additional eight yards.
How’d I Do?
I was way off the mark with my prediction a week ago of a 48-35 Chiefs victory. I am not concerned in the least. Being wrong hurts little, if at all, when your team wins.
Looking Ahead
The Chiefs face off with the Broncos in Denver next Sunday, October 25th, 3:25 PM, CST, against our hated AFC West rivals. I’m feeling confident about this game and feel secure in my 49-27 Chiefs victory prediction.
Mild?
A Parting Shot
I’d be foolish to sugarcoat a victory where we left points on the board, missed a multitude of opportunities, and almost self-immolated by preventable penalties. The Chiefs have issues that require remediation, to be sure. However, perusing articles from ArrowheadOne from the first half of last season brought up many of the same complaints and concerns that I’m reading this season. I trust Andy Reid and company to pluck the flies in the ointment. Again.
Michael Travis Rose — ArrowheadOne
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