David Bell
Savoring the Victory
The past two days, I have been savoring the AFC Championship Game Victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. I readily admit to posting one tweet which poked at Cincinnati once being known in the U.S. as Porkopolis (meaning: a swine yard). It was as if I could not help myself. That the swine were overcome in the AFCCG made it more poignant. Enough of that, though. They are a good football team with some great players, including their QB, Joe Burrow. Their coaching staff is probably more profound than their player depth. That staff deserves a ton of credit for the Bengals football club.
As I type up this article, I am watching the game replay. It’s worth it, at least for me. Go Chiefs!
I will observe that the Bengals HC complained to the Zebras about nearly every flag thrown. If there were a ridiculous performance on the Bengal’s side of the field, it would be HC Zac Taylor. If anything, the flags that weren’t thrown were most apparent and appeared to me to have been avoided by the Zebras equally for both teams. I do think the holding call on Wylie was a bit ticky-tacky.
WR TD Nullification Entry
Early in the game, Kadarius Toney made what I believed was a TD catch when he extended the ball over the goal line. He clearly was in control of the football. Then he hit the ground, which caused him to bobble the ball. My call was overruled! The pass was judged to be incomplete. Oh Well. I couldn’t revoke the overruling.
The Most Significant Injuries
On the fourth play of the game, L’Jarius Sneed suffered a concussion and could not return to play. Spagnuolo intended to use L’Jarius Sneed on Ja’Marr Chase exclusively. Obviously, losing Sneed was disconcerting, but the defense adjusted on the fly. This is the injury I worry about the most.
WR Kadarius Toney – suffered an ankle sprain, WR Mecole Hardman – aggravated his pelvic injury, and JuJu Smith-Schuster injured his knee. As a result, all three players could not continue in the game.
Rookie Credos Entry: Two rookies, Joshua Williams, and Jaylen Watson stepped to the fore and played good football. One thing that made their roles easier is that Trent McDuffie, a first-round pick in the 2022 draft, has been a “Complete” defender for the secondary. Safety Justin Reid stepped up, and his leadership on the field was outstanding, as was his defense. Rookie Bryan Cook made plays, and his crucial tipped pass (PBU) resulted in an interception. He was earlier flagged for hitting a WR too early, nullifying an INT by Juan Thornhill. Too bad on that one. That is Four Rookies playing like Veterans in the defensive backfield. This was something that safety Justin Reid observed a week prior to the game in a presser–these guys are no longer Rookies. George Karlaftis (another rookie) recorded another sack. Isiah Pacheco (yet another rookie) continued in his role as the feature back and had 85 yards from scrimmage (26 rushing and 59 in receptions).
Special Contributions Entry
AFCCG Defense MVP – Chris Jones Entry: Chris Jones was a force that was not to be denied. Whatever credit any single player gets for this game, Jones was the cream of the crop.
AFCCG Co-Offense MVP – Marques Valdez-Scantling Entry: During the game as WR after WR departed due to injury, the Chiefs saw MVS play his best game as a Chief. He was an excellent target for QB Patrick Mahomes and scored two big TDs.
AFCCG Co-Offensive MVP – You cannot minimize what Patrick Lavon Mahomes did in this game. He was gimped up, sometimes playing on a limp due to his H.A.S. (especially noticeable late in the game). Without PMII, I don’t think the Chiefs would have been able to win the game. PMII is the next GOAT and is the Chiefs GOAT already!
AFCCG Coach of the game – DC Steve Spagnuolo. The Chief’s defense was, at times, relentless. Spags would give credit to his staff, I am sure. However, as a unit, the Chief’s success with so many rookies playing significant roles means that the coaching effort for the defense, which improved game after game, can be judged to be remarkable.
Note: the Next Super Bowl Dashboard Report – Prep is in the offing.
In the meantime, the Senior Bowl practice sessions are underway. Looking at potential players for the Chiefs will be an exciting study. I will also be intrigued by any Chiefs interviews of players while the week rolls on.
Dumb Move of the Game – Andrew Wylie
The Chiefs were driving late in the 3rd Quarter. Mahomes hits MVS for a first down. Andrew Wylie was taunting a Bengals player and flagged for it –> a 15-yard penalty. Travis Kelce saved the day by hauling in a pass for a first down. Unfortunately, Patrick Mahomes made a horrid passing error and fumbled the ball. It was recovered by Cincinnati, who then drove for a TD to knot the game at 20. Refer to the quote above by the Bengals fan James Kirk, in the result, he is correct. The Bengals could not stop the Chiefs, who won 23-20 on Harrison Butker’s 3rd FG.
Game Recap: CIN Fan Pronouncement Says It All
It was a game that could have gone either way — again. A Bengals fan tweeted:
.
.
.
A Peek at the NFL Coaching Merry-Go-Round
Matt Rhule Fired by the Panthers – Ruhle’s firing was the sacrificial lamb type of move. However, he has landed on his feet as an HC in the NCAA as the Nebraska Cornhusker’s Head Coach.
Texans Fired Lovie Smith – I predicted that Smith would be fired. Then, I thought Eric Bieniemy might have a shot at taking on the coaching reins. Now? I think 38 year old DeMeco Ryans (49ers DC) has the inside rail… and in fact, after checking again, they hired him.
.
.
Here’s what DeMeco Ryans had to say upon his hire:
.
“Being the head coach of the Houston Texans is my dream job and my family is thrilled to be back in H-Town. I have been around the game of football my entire life and I’ve always had a natural ability to lead others. I know what it takes to win and be successful in this league as both a player and coach. We’re going to build a program filled with players who have a special work ethic and relentless mindset. I understand the responsibility I have to this organization and to the fans of Houston to build a winner and I can’t wait to get to work.”
.
I have followed Houston’s coaching merry-go-round, the quagmire of Buffalo Bayou, and I anticipate the team emerging from all the disastrous events in the upcoming year. It would be a refreshing season to see them emerge from all the turmoil, and they have the cap monies and draft picks to make considerable strides in a single off-season. Of course, this will be GM Nick Caserio‘s hot seat simultaneously. It’s time for the Texans to get it right the first time. The DeMeco Ryans hire sounds like their getting off on the right foot.
Frank Reich Hired by the Panthers – Frank Reich was hired as HC of the Panthers.
.
.
When Frank Reich was Fired at Indy. Irsay and Ballard had Bieniemy in as their first HC Interviewee. Firing Reich was an Irsay moment of stupidity.
.
.
At least, I thought that was a stupid move. However, hiring Reich was an excellent move for the Panthers organization. In his hiring presser, Reich came across as direct and compelling. He outlined a solid approach to what he plans to do as HC. It was a great session.
.
.
.
.
.
The Broncos last few weeks:
— Zeroed in on DeMeco Ryans.
— Secretly tried to lure Jim Harbaugh from Michigan.
— Negotiated a Sean Payton deal.
— Tried to hire Ryans again.
— Finalized the hire of Payton as their new coach.
.
Closer
I will sit back and finish the game, sip on a couple of Cokes, and enjoy soaking up the imaginary sunshine since we are in horrid weather here on the coastal bend. It’s dang cold for Texans, with temps in the low 40s during the day, for the past two days. Oh My. I moved here to escape the cold, for heaven’s sake. It’s not the usual quasi-tropical weather. Ah well. The best closing statement is just this:
.
“You can doubt us, you can dislike us, you can even
disrespect us. But you’re gonna have to deal with us!”
– The Voice of the Chiefs, Mitch Holthus!
.
David Bell — ArrowheadOne
.