K.C. Chiefs Have Come of Age
The Kansas City Chiefs beat the Atlanta Falcons 29-to-28 on Sunday which signaled the end of the innocence… for a franchise that has suddenly, matured. It was like a hunting trip with your dad when you bagged your first deer… it was a sweet 16 party where you danced the night away… it’s the turning of the tassels when you graduate from college. It’s all of that and more. While last week’s game was a game for the ages, this game was all about growing up. It was an “event”… an event where players were courageously announcing to the world that, “We, the 2016 Chiefs, have come of age.”
Kings of the Homecoming Parade
If you think about the two players who had the best games for the Chiefs in Atlanta, one on offense and one on defense, the answer would have to be Eric Berry and Albert WIlson. For both Eric and Albert, playing in Atlanta Georgia was a homecoming, one that was everything you might hope for a homecoming to be. Berry had a pick-6 that looked eerily similar to one he had just a few weeks ago.
If you haven’t had the chance to catch B.J. Kissel and Mitch Holthus’ Post Game thoughts, mostly having to do with Eric Berry and Albert Wilson, check this out:
Postgame thoughts with @mitchholthus after the #Chiefs‘ 29-28 victory over the #Falcons. pic.twitter.com/7VopSe6684
— BJ Kissel (@ChiefsReporter) December 5, 2016
Passive or Aggressive
Andy Reid has “matured” in his own way. Being predictable was a huge negative critique I always had for Chiefs head coach Marty Schottenheimer during the 1990s. Smash mouth had it’s advantages and it’s obvious drawbacks like: everyone in the stadium knew what was coming when you are 3rd and goal from the 4 yards line. Andy Reid has had his own issues with calling the same plays repeatedly. However, he’s also not known for a surprise plays like… an onside kick to start the second half of a field goal such as Sean Payton called when New Orleans beat the Colts several years back.
No, Andy Reid is known to stick to the script. So, someone please tell me who the “H” was dressed up in the Andy Reid costume on Sunday? When he called for, and then the team executed, the fake punt resulting in a touchdown, everything I thought I knew about Andrew Walter Reid came to a screeching halt. Props to you. I bow to your renewed genius. I will cease calling you “Andy of Mayberry” from hence forth.
Overcoming Penile Tease (you have to read that quickly or you just end up grossed out)
Maturity. Maturity? Did someone say the “M” word? Wow… I think the Chiefs had more penalties than the TV station the Chiefs were playing on went to commercials and what’s really disturbing is that I’m not sure which one was more disgusting. Maybe the players were thinking ahead to the Oakland Raiders’ game in 4 days and getting ready to match them P-for-P. What was especially heinous was LT Eric Fisher’s back-to-back assaults on the rules of play. What we can hope for is that… when the team goes back and rewinds the tape on this one… wisdom takes hold and that manhood blossoms and that perfection is achieved. H3ll, I just hope they’re all embarrassed and shamed into changing the way they perform. Yep, I’d be happy going the shame route.
Killing Cancer
Enough can’t be written about Eric Berry’s fortitude and influence. Eric Berry is a super-star. No doubt about it. He’s not only having a Pro Bowl season but he’s rubbing off on his teammates. Having a vision for how you will make a play… or imagining how you’re going to perform is part of Berry’s game, reputation and impact. This isn’t nearly the first time this has happened so take a gander at what he shared in a post-game interview.
Berry says he decided before the game he would give an interception ball to his mom. Says their support during his illness was incredible.
— Jeanna (@jeannathomas) December 4, 2016
Eric Berry then added:
Berry says he’s already focused on the Raiders on a short week. Says he only reason he’s talking about this win is because we kee asking him
— Jeanna (@jeannathomas) December 4, 2016
The Redefining of Alex Smith
Sure, we all know that one game does not a reputation make but in the case of quarterback Alex Smith, it’s not just about one game. It’s about going through bad times and persevering to re-emerge with a great game when necessary. Sunday, it was necessary. Yes, I was heart broken when Smith overthrew his wide open receiver down the left sideline because it looked like a TD in the making. However, Smith completed 21-out-of-25 passes for 270 yards with no interceptions and one touchdown. That gave him a QB Rating equaling a 91.2 and while dueling Matt Ryan, who had a 71.3 QB Rating for the game (and who was second only to Tom Brady up until this game).
Supports-man-ship and Selflessness
Travis Kelce had an even better game than Alex Smith and if not for Kelce, you have to wonder what kind of day Alex would have had. Kelce made 8 sure handed catches for 140 yards. What was the reason for Travis’ outstanding day? It all comes back to Eric Berry, but let’s hear in Travis Kelce’s own words:
“I think everyone on the team wanted it for him more. I remember my first year here [in 2013] when Andy Reid went back to Philadelphia for the first time and everyone on the team wanted that [win] for Andy, for the situation that he had there. It’s one of those things that the chemistry that we have on this team is really a family atmosphere. And when you want something for the guy next to you it is really something special.”
Every truly great defense has a leader and for the Chiefs that guy is Eric Berry. Yes, the Chiefs have other great players on defense but Berry is a leader, the of which I have never seen on a Kansas City Chiefs roster.
Now that these Chiefs have turned the tassel, they need to apply what they have learned (win the rest of their games including Thursday night’s battle with the Raiders)… then hit the pavement and get a great job (win some playoff games)… then bring home some bacon (make it to the Super Bowl)… then get married (win a Super Bowl)… and of course start a family (win several Super Bowls)… and pass this legacy down to the next generation in the family.
