David Bell
After I had a heart-stopping, emotion-laden, witnessing of the Kansas City Chiefs Division round victory against a great Buffalo Bills team, the K.C. coaching staff immediately turned the page and their focus to the next game on the agenda: the Chiefs football club is prepping for the team about to arrive in Kansas City as Chiefs host, for the fourth season in a row at Arrowhead Stadium, the Cincinnati Bengals. Before I too move on from the Division Playoff game which is one that will be remembered as one of the greatest football games ever played, I want to wallow in the revelry of our Chiefs winning that game.
Patrick Mahomes led the Chiefs comeback from behind to take the lead, and then lost it and then got a tie. The last exchange was where miracles occurred, first with the Josh Allen comeback to take the lead by 3 points, only to be stymied by Patrick Mahomes whose 4th Quarter heroics tied the game and led to the OT. The Coin Toss was won by the Chiefs and Mahomes drove the team into the red zone and then threw the TD pass to TE Travis Kelce to win the game. What a miracle finish.
But, let us move on and take a look at the not-distant future.
What It Will Take? More of the Same and More!
No question about it! The fans believed the impossible was possible last week. Do it again. We know that the players believe. I am here to tell you the fans believe too!
Go Chiefs!
Relish for Player Contributions
As I mention player names, I am lauding the players on this roster. They may not be starters but they are making huge contributions and have bought into the Chief’s Persona. It Works.
We have a slew of players on this roster that are solid contributors. They are making plays. Sure we have Clyde Edwards-Helaire, but look at what Jerick McKinnon brings to the table. Keep Him Involved! Our receivers who are not named Hill or Kelce are making plays: Mecole Hardman, Byron Pringle, Demarcus Robinson, and Noah Gray.
Keep them in the game as part of the overall picture that the Bengal Defenders will be seeing.
Injury Concerns
My biggest injury worries includes Tyrann Mathieu who is in Concussion Protocol. At the same time, we are missing both Rashad Fenton and Darrel Williams. I do not know if this trio will be ready to go or not. Before the Division Round Fenton and Williams were “Questionable.” however, they both practiced in Full on Wednesday. My especial concern is for Mathieu.
Focus Pocus!
When the players are executing their every assignment –> the Chiefs play good football. When plays break down, they must utilize their skills and talents to obviate as much as possible, any negative results. When they’re playing focused football, the Chiefs move the chains and roll.
The coaching staff needs to stay on top of each play. For Steve Spagnuolo and Co: get the playsets called in on defense in a timely manner. We may need to see players who are not starters and they must be utilized such as Ben Niemann or Dan Sorensen. Get each of them involved and ready to rock! However… use the primary defenders to take the majority of snaps.
Here, I am saying Keep Willie Gay involved and make sure Nick Bolton sees the field as much as possible. I don’t care about hurt feelings. The object is to put the two players on the field as much as possible. We have three LB’s with the right talent when you put Anthony Hitchens in the mix. These three LB’s have the ability to stuff the hole, pursue the run and defend passes. At safety? Dan Sorensen has a role but it is not in pass coverage and certainly not as the single high. This means that the focus on safety should be on the Tyrann Mathieu-Juan Thornhill pairing. Utilize Armani Watts! When pass coverage is needed, use Watts. Our guys up front can control the LoS.
The Chiefs have top players who excel in big games: Frank Clark, Jarran Reed, Chris Jones, and Mel Ingram.
Mix in Alex Okafor and Derrick Nnadi. Use them to stop the run and then substitute for the best combo for rushing the QB.
DO NOT IGNORE THEIR TOP GO-TO WR FACING THE DEFENSE. C’mon’ Man!
Focus on what the offense is trying to do and counter their efforts. For Andy Reid and Eric Bieniemy, the play mix is crucial. A proper sequencing of plays works well and even in the first 15 play script, adjust if necessary. While the game proceeds, develop the next 15 play-script on the fly and be prepared for the half-time break, the opponent adjustments and have the next series of plays scripted and ready to roll. The play calling in the division round was nearly perfect.
Keep it up flowing in the AFC Championship match-up.
Infraction Free and Turnover Free Football
In the game versus the Buffalo Bills, the yellow flags were held in check, and the players executed without a lot of stupid penalties.
Get the snap count. Don’t hold, and get after them. Do not give the zebras the choice to throw a flag.
Facing Another Great Young QB: Joe Burrow
An essential Rookie QB picked the Chiefs to pieces on January 2nd. Do not allow him to do this again. The Chiefs don’t lose two in a row to anybody and it’s not happening in the AFC Championship game.
Four C’s Arise Again
It’s up to the coaching staff to get the players ready for the game. It is another Win or Go Home Game. Get the players all utilizing their skill and talent and things will fall into place. What are the Four C’s?
- Consistency
- Cohesion
- Continuity
- Communication
… then add to that, “playing fast”… but not hurried.
Play Chiefs Football and Win!
What do I mean by, “Chiefs Football?” Play for each other and include a tip-o’-the-hat to the fans. Pay attention to detail. Focus. Keep the 4 C’s in your every execution. Besides that? Have Fun! When the above thinking pervades the players… the Chiefs win. Just Do It! Out here in the Chief’s Kingdom: We Love Our Chiefs!
Note: I know that I left naming some players out that have roles to play. This not a slight against anyone. It was not intended to be anything but an encouraging fandom commentary about the AFC Championship.
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David Bell – ArrowheadOne
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