Final: Chiefs 33, Browns 29
It sure wasn’t pretty, but it was a win, and I’ll take it. Actually, it was lot more of not pretty for almost three and a half quarters, but at the end of the game, the Kansas City Chiefs were on top. Add to that, they played what’s arguably the second-best team in the AFC. All things considered, I’d venture to say the Chiefs did darned good for their first game of the season.
Also, kudos to the Chiefs fans at ArrowheadOne last Sunday. They showed up and showed out with 674 comments here on AO.
Offensive Line: B-
The OL did a pretty decent job for their first regular season game playing as a unit, although Lucas Niang and Orlando Brown struggled in handling their matchups at times. They were, in part, responsible for the Chiefs lackluster running game. Also, Mahomes hitting the turf twice on sacks is never a good thing. I look for them to gel and improve as the season progresses.
Running Backs: F
The Chiefs netted just 73 yards total rushing, 18 of which was due to Mahomes. That means: 55 yards for the RBs. Mahomes also had the Chiefs only rushing touchdown of the game. I realize some of the blame lies with the revamped offensive line, but less than 100 yards earns you an F. Always.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: A+
Wide receiver Tyreek Hill and tight end Travis Kelce gave a master lesson in the art of receiving on Sunday. After all the NFL’s week one games were done and over with, the pair were the leaders at their respective positions. I’ve long since said Cheetah is the best wide receiver and Zeus the best tight end in the NFL. Their performance against the Browns just adds to my case.
I was disappointed in both Byron Pringle’s and Mecole Hardman’s performance. The Chiefs need a consistent #2 Wide Receiver, and those two just aren’t cutting it.
Quarterback: A+
MVPat is the best in the game, hands down. No matter the score, no matter how little time is left, if Mahomes is under center, you’re still in it. His 131.4 passer rating on 27-of-36 for 337 passing yards, with 3 TDs, zero INTs, 2 sacks, earned him NFL Offensive Player of the Week, and deservedly so. I’m quite sure his running touchdown factored into that decision, as well. The Chiefs QB is the Red & Gold’s star pupil.
Defensive Line: C-
The defensive line got knocked around quite a bit in the first half. The 153 rushing yards the Browns hung on the the defense hurt. The four Browns running touchdowns didn’t help either. Luckily, Spags made some adjustments and the defense stepped up in the second half. The hopefully, they won’t get off to such a slow start this Sunday against the Ravens.
Linebackers: B+
Rookie linebacker and Mizzou alumni Nick Bolton sold himself short, giving himself just a B-. I thought his performance was a solid B if not a B+. Bolton had four solo tackles, one for a loss, and three assists, tying for the team lead with 7 overall tackles.
This linebacker corps already looks a lot more fierce than last years. I’m looking forward to seeing more of them as the season progresses. I stand by my prediction that Nick Bolton will be a serious contender for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
When Willie Gay finally returns, them boys are going to be bad. Like Michael Jackson Bad!
Defensive Backs: A
The Chiefs defensive backs did surprisingly well despite being Honey Badger-less. Although, his absence was notable, as the Browns put up 304 yards passing. However, the Chiefs secondary held them to zero touchdowns. The D-backs played just well enough to ensure a win. CB Mike Hughes’ interception dashed the Browns last hope of besting the Chiefs with his game-clenching interception of Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield. All in all, a solid performance.
Special Teams: A-
New Chiefs cornerback Chris Lammons is an absolute stud on special teams. He’s a perfect fit for Dave Toub’s unit. He’s going to be dynamic this season.
Tommy Townsend put in a decent performance, averaging 45.5 yards per point, and kicker Harrison Butker was perfect, nailing two field goals, and three extra points. The tandem kickoff and punt return team of Pringle and Hardman was mediocre, at best. They’ve got to do better going forward.
Coaching: C+
It took Reid and company over three quarters to make the adjustments necessary to shut the steamrolling Browns offense down. Better late than never. However, they have to tighten up their game planning and play calling going forward. Otherwise, it’s going to be a harrowing season with much pulling of hair and gnashing of teeth.
Overall Team Grade: B
As editor-in-chief Laddie Morse wrote in his game review Monday, “A win is a win, is a win.” Championship teams find a way to win. While some Browns fans lament that the Chiefs got lucky or merely survived the game rather than, won it, I say how’s that crow with them sour grapes. Bon Appetite, Dog Pound.
Player of the Game
I hate to do this, because it feels like a cop out, but, I have to split the Player of the Game among three players: Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, and Travis Kelce. This trio is the most dynamic in the league. I’m looking forward to the many aerial shows that they’re sure to put on this season.
Coffin Nailed
Since the Play of the Game rightfully belongs in the Game Review that Laddie writes each day after game day, I’ll no longer include it in the Game Report Card that appears each Friday. Instead, I’ve chosen to include in the the Nail in the Coffin section. This is the pivotal play in the game which the winning team has either clutched the win, or made a play that changes the momentum to the eventual victor’s favor. It is the “Turn out the lights, the party’s over” moment in the game. The shrieking voice of the fat lady singing is unmistakable.
While many might argue that it was the muffed punt by Browns punter Gillan, or linebacker Mike Hughes’ game-clenching interception… it was Browns running back Nick Chubb’s fourth quarter fumble when I knew that the game was in the bag for the Chiefs. I’ve read on the various fan sites where Browns fans think the only reason the Chiefs won is because of a muffed punt, a fumble and a late game interception. That makes as much sense as saying the only reason the Chiefs won is because they scored more points. Great teams make mistakes happen. The Chiefs are a great team.
Great teams are also able to overcome mistakes. The Browns are not a great team… yet.
“C’mon Man”
Moment of the Game
Both Chiefs running back coach Greg Lewis and Browns safety Ronnie Harrison were in the wrong with their altercation during the game. Both should know better. Football is violent enough without resorting to fisticuffs. Leave that stuff to hockey players.
C’mon, Man!
Future Shock
The Chiefs are in the national spotlight this Sunday evening when they take on the 0-1 Ravens in Baltimore. Mahomes is 3-0 when facing Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. This Sunday night will make it 4-0. Sorry about your luck, Raven fans.
Rosey Outlook: Chiefs 42, Ravens 24
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Michael Travis Rose — ArrowheadOne
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