Arrowhead Observations: From The Cheap Seats

After an incredible trip to KC, I am back home and still flying high on the experience. The trip started off with a surprise sighting of Eric Berry in the Atlanta airport, about to board the same plane we were on. My sons and I were glad to see him heading to KC. His influence on the team has been written about numerous times. For the article this week I thought I would make a few observations on our experience (that wasn’t already written in my game day article) and some after (the game) thoughts.

S-e-e-i-n-g R-e-d-!

I was glad to hear the team was going to take the field in the Red on Red uniforms. There is something about them that I think looks more intimidating. Like the team is on fire or about to explode. I hope to see them again this season, preferably in Minnesota.

Let’s Start With The Number 2

206 yards from scrimmage and 2 touchdowns for number 27. After several weeks in a bit of a rushing slump, our rookie running back was off to the races, racking up 155 rushing and 51 receiving yards. Every time he has rushed for 100 yards, the Chiefs have won the game. KC tends to lose when he doesn’t top the 100 yard mark. The exceptions being Philadelphia where he only rushed for 81, but did get another 28 receiving and Denver where he rushed for 46, with 22 receiving. (Denver must be pretty bad this year.)

Defensive Takeaways, Sacks, and PDs

The defense recovered from some dismal mid season performances. In the last 2 weeks the defense has taken the ball from the opposition 7 times (5 INTs and 2 Fumbles), sacked the QB 5 times, and 17 passes defensed. You have to go back 8 more games to get that many turnovers, sacks, and passes defensed. This is the kind of aggressive defense that should be their identity. Pressure the offense to perform. And, when they don’t, make them pay.

Breaking News – Tyreek Hill Is Fast

Up in my perch atop Arrowhead, I kept saying the Chargers had better put another safety deep. The single high they ran most of the game was disrespectful on Hill and he was going to make them pay. And then it happened. Hill got even and then he was leaving. Alex Smith’s well known cannon of an arm seemed to almost blow the play with an overthrow, but Hill bailed him out. As Tyreek crossed the finish line, I commented on how the safety was standing on the 20 yard line watching Hill ring him up for 6. I really cannot imagine why they played 1 high and not even shading his way half the time Hill split wide.

Here it is in slow motion.

Every gambler knows
That the secret to survivin’
Is knowin’ what to throw away
And knowin’ what to keep.
‘Cause every down’s a winner,
And every down’s a loser,
And the best that you can hope for
Is not to throw too deep.

Speaking Of Alex Smith aka The Gambler

Alex Smith is having a career year in 2017. He has already topped his career high in yardage, passing touchdowns, passes over 20 yards, and passes over 20 yards. WITH 2 GAMES TO GO! Along with those already in the bag stats, he is also trending towards most passes attempted and completed, highest completion percentage, yards per completion, fewest INTs, highest rating, and most yards per rushing attempt as a Chief. We need a little more gambler, not much, just a little.

What other observations did you guys make? Anything you think will propel us deep into the playoffs?

Until next week, there’s The Rub!

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