Chiefs: Who Let the (Under) Dogs Out?

Chiefs: Who Let the (Under) Dogs Out? – it’s pretty safe to say that just about every NFL talking head had the Vikings going into Arrowhead and handing the Chiefs their 4^th consecutive home loss… most of them expressing just that. Even Vegas put the dog tag on the Chiefs.

However, in a strange twist of dominance reversal, it wasn’t the high scoring offense of the Chiefs that bullied the opposition in this one (although the Matt Moore led offence did play their role in this nail biter), no, it was the leg of Harrison Butker and… the DEFENSE! That’s right, it was the defense that once again reared its sporadic little head and… Mr. Butker, in what could be described as nothing less than a clutch performance.

Butker was the leading scorer in this one with 14 points, 12 of those coming in the way of 4 FGs. He was cool as a cucumber while kicking a 54 yard FG tying his career long, but the 44 yard FG he kicked to win the game, just as the game clock was expiring, was the one that put a big cheese eating grin on the faces of Chief fans around the country.

I have got to be completely honest here, when the game was tied at 23-to-23, and the Vikings received the ball back with 3 minutes and change left on the clock, I thought the Chiefs once again found themselves on the wrong side of the play clock. I felt like Bill Murray, in Groundhog day, but trapped in the town of Clockville!  Who would have guessed the defense would not only force a 3 and out, but to also do it in a fashion of such paramountcy?

Not this guy. Nope.

In the first 5 weeks of this season, Dalvin Cook would have gone-off on the Chiefs porous defense for a gazillion yards rushing, (and I’m only slightly exaggerating) but, on Sunday, the Chiefs were able to reasonably contain Cook to only 71 rushing yards, far below his season rushing average (103 ypg) and deny him the endzone which only one other team has done so far this season. Bravo to DC Steve Spagnuolo for finding a way to right that sinking ship.

The Chiefs defense held Cook to 36 yards in the first half and 35 yards in the second half. Not too shabby I’d say.

Hey Ransom, I’m coming around.

I found the offense to be a little less than stellar in this one, but… they were stellar in several opportune moments, which proved to be enough, thanks largely to the defense holding the Vikings to a modest 23 points.

Matt Moore’s 40 yard strike to the outstretched arms of Tyreek Hill in the first quarter was highlight material at its best, definitely worthy of a weekly recap on sports networks throughout the next week (and beyond). However, the TD that breathed new life into the game was the 91 yard scamper by Damien Williams that juked the Minnesota defense right out of their concrete shoes. For you history buffs, that tied a record held by Jamaal Charles as the longest rushing TD run from scrimmage by a Chiefs RB.

Congratulations Damien!

I was happier than a puppy with two tails when the Chiefs signed LeSean McCoy. What I envisioned is not what I’ve witnessed though, as I was happy to see less of him and more of Damien on this Sunday. Personally, I think Shady should be used sparingly, not in a starter roll, and absolutely not in a crunch time situation. He leaves himself vulnerable for a turnover with the way he carelessly carries the ball (someone buy that man a clue and tell him that he won’t hurt the ball if he cradles it tightly)!

While I’m complaining, I will say that I love Mecole Hardman and the potential he brings with him… but… I trust him as a KR and PR as much as I trust a Taco Bell fart.

Something positive: I was impressed with Kelce, as always, but what stood out to me Sunday was how he is always aware of the first down marker. After a catch… you can visibly see how he is aiming for that mark, he jukes, he spins, and he dives, with that target in his sights. It’s quite the thing of beauty.

I will conclude by saying that the Chiefs defense has recorded 15 sacks in the last 3 games. Clearly, Spags has found a game plan he likes! Keep it up guys. As I write this, All 3 of our AFC West opponents won and are still nipping at our heels. Go Chiefs!

Phillip Maxwell –- ArrowheadOne

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