In a game many were calling meaningless, the Kansas City Chiefs put another “W” in the win column ending their season at 10-6. The game not only told us much about the possible future of the quarterback position but other position players as well, not the least of which was the Chiefs 2nd round draft pick this year, Tanoh Kpassagnon.
The game itself was not filled with the normal angst of a regular season game that counted towards winning or losing of the AFC West because that had already been determined prior to the game. However, QBOTF Patrick Mahomes II not only looked the part of a quarterback who could one day be the Chiefs starter but, displayed some of that arm talent and field awareness he’s become known for. Yes, he threw an early INT but the question is always… how does a QB respond to that kind of heat? In 2PM’s case, he continued to appear calm, cool and collected plenty of other notable achievements, namely a game winning, 11-play-67-yard-drive for a comeback, setting up Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker for a 30-yard Field Goal with no time left on the clock.
As I mentioned up front, DL/OLB Tanoh Kpassagnon had a great game. He ended up with 6 tackles, 2 sacks and 3 tackles for a loss. That’s a great day on any day in the NFL. His future is looking up, way up. We’ll likely see much more of him next year… maybe even in the playoffs.
ILB Ramik Wilson had a career game with 8 tackles and a fumble recovery for a TD. In the short space of one year, the Chiefs inside linebacking crew has grown some gonads and some depth as well as a future, because all of the ILBs are young with speed and pop… besides DJ of course.
Speaking of another Wilson… Albert also had a career day with 10 receptions for 147 yards. That’s soooo good… that the 147 yards represents more than 10% of his total 4-year career numbers, which was 1,397 receiving yards. When you consider that Wilson only had 407 yards receiving for the year, before this game began, it was an incredibly exceptional day. His clutch catches and overall performance reminded of the Albert Wilson I witnessed personally in multiple training camps when I thought he’d be the next big thing.
Also, as I expected, RB Kareem Hunt came in and played the first series of plays and produced one run for 35 yards and a TD, but more importantly, wrapping up the NFL rushing title:
- Kareem Hunt 1,327 (Kansas City Chiefs)
- Todd Gurley 1,305 (Los Angeles Rams)
- Le’Veon Bell 1,291 (Pittsburgh Steelers)
On the flip side, 3rd string Tyler Bray was brought in during the in 4th quarter, presumably to get some reps, but ended up fumbling his first touch, a hand-off which Denver returned for a TD cutting the lead to one touchdown at 24-17. A second failed drive by Bray and a TD by the Broncos tied the score but Patrick Mahomes was forced back into action and he led a drive the length of the field to set-up the 30-yarder by Butker.
The Chiefs Playoff Foe is the Titans
With the Titans winning their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars and with a loss of the Baltimore Ravens to the Cincinnati Bengals, the Kansas City Chiefs will be hosting the Titans who finished, 9-and-7.
Some will want to talk about the abysmal history of the Chiefs in the playoffs. I find that a little useless. Can the Titans come into Arrowhead and beat the Chiefs? Sure. Remember they did just that one year and two weeks ago winning 19-to-17. However, this year’s Titans are not the 2016 Titans. They’ve been the NFL’s most consistently inconsistent team.
While the Titans just ended a three-game losing streak, the Chiefs are now sporting a four-game winning streak. The Chiefs appear to have returned to the formula and performance level that helped them open the year with a five-game winning streak while whipping both the top ceded teams: the New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Titans look like they’re a much better match up for the Chiefs than the Baltimore Ravens, although the Chiefs would be favored against either team. With key players getting their rest and relaxation during this final regular season game, the Chiefs should be ready for a run in the playoffs, as much as they have been ready for a run since they went to the Super Bowl in January of 1970.
For now, we’re still relishing a strong performance by Patrick Mahomes and what it means for the organization’s future. Meaningless game? Harrumph! Go Chiefs!
I was told you can't get away with plays like this in the NFL. Defenses are going to hate playing Mahomes. HATE it. pic.twitter.com/L3e6PxSsGh
— Seth Keysor (@RealMNchiefsfan) January 1, 2018
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