KC vs. Oakland: Parting Thoughts
Paging Dr. Hill
Tyreek Hill shines again in this latest game versus the Oakland Raiders. He isn’t just making big plays, he is making game changing plays. Pretty much any time he steps on the field for a return, there is a high probability for a house-call, if they kick it to him. Kick/Punt returns for touchdowns are momentum changers and we can’t forget the last second, game-tying, touchdown catch versus the Broncos. He even had the presence of mind to bobble the ball so he wouldn’t be down by contact at the 6-inch line.
Although I wasn’t at Arrowhead (unfortunately), I have read several articles and comments talking about the stadium chanting his name before his punt return TD in the Raider game. That isn’t common. It is also surprising given his predraft history. From all accounts so far, he seems to be attempting to make up for the egregious mistake and is being embraced by some with this second chance. Let’s hope he can keep his head on straight, as electric barely does him justice.
Two Steps Forward and One Step Back
While it is hard to get too upset when the Kansas City Chiefs win, there is still some discontent based on their underperforming. We can watch a KC team dominate in spits and spurts, there seems to be the occasional quarter where all focus leaves the field and the team plays some of the most unexplainable, inexcusable, poor play ever.
I would really like to see a 60 minute game of consistency. The reason I say it that way is that I will see an offense that comes out and scores like crazy and racks up the yards in the first half and then throws and INT, fumbles and is shutout in the second half. Or, defensively, gives up yards and some points in the first half and then shuts out the second half. Why so different? Are we not adjusting? Or, are the opponents adjusting better?
When you have watched a player, game phase, or team play better, it is hard to watch them not live up to that same level. Whether it is for a play, a series, quarter, or a half, it is difficult to comprehend.
I think I could understand an off game more than the back and fourth, quarter to quarter, we seem to see. That is mostly in the offense, but has been seen in defense and special teams.
In this last game, the offense was moving the ball in the first quarter and seemed to be firing on all cylinders in the second quarter. However, they come out in the second half and start by turning the ball over twice and then get shutout the rest of the way. In other games, the offense has pulled off amazing comebacks late in the game. If we are going to be a Super Bowl team, we need to show some consistency and be able to deliver play after play.
Final thought on the game is the unfortunate injury to defensive leader Derrick Johnson. Between his leadership, game savvy for setting the defense, and superb skills, he is going to be missed on the team. There were some comments by Andy Reid regarding having DJ continue to work with the team this year as a coach. It has apparently been an interest of his and this may be a great opportunity for him and the team. My fingers are crossed they can make that work and he can keep his hand in the season.
We win the game but lose a key defensive team member. Get well soon Derrick.
I Don’t Miss Him Anymore
Terrance Mitchell put together a nice game out on the corner. While I am not ready to say he is the next defensive star, we can be a little optimistic at this point. The loss of Sean Smith to the Raiders in the offseason created some concern around how well our defensive backfield could perform. We have put a number of different players out there and they really haven’t done a bad job so far. They have at least been serviceable.
At this point, I am glad John Dorsey didn’t pony up the funds to retain him. Those are better spent elsewhere. That being said, thanks to Sean for his time as a Chief and I hope he gets to enjoy a long offseason watching Chiefs games on TV.
Team Success Hinges on Pinky and Guard
While those of us that watched the game thought we actually beat the Raiders, apparently they didn’t field a 100% team like we did. (Tongue is deep in cheek on that comment, reference Laddie’s Article on the players we had out, even before losing DJ). Illness to the starting left-guard and an apparent regression of the injury to Derek Carr’s pinky doomed the Raiders to defeat. I haven’t read anything yet on what happened to his pinky since the Buffalo game, so please share if you know.
It has been a while, so I have forgotten the excuse when we beat them in Oakland, but I don’t think this is the same one.
Anyway. Doesn’t. Matter. Chiefs Get The W!
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And that’s The Rub
