Kansas City Chiefs: So What If She Ain't Pretty? (A Week 6 Love Story)

The Chiefs are kings of Missouri. 

No touchdown, no problem. Head coach/offensive coordinator Todd Haley, quarterback Matt Cassel, and general manager Scott Pioli, the new triumvirate in Kansas City, earned their first victory by beating the Washington Redskins 14-6. 

Game notes included, “one team earned a victory only because both teams can’t lose,” and, “KC blew key opportunities with great field position and a chance to take the lead late.”  However, since this is a joyous event for the deprived fans of the red and gold, this article will maintain a primarily positive tilt. 

A few facets of the game emerged as key to the win.

Where did this rushing attack come from?

Washington has struggled this year, but its run defense ranked fourth in the NFL coming into today’s game. The pricey acquisition of pro-bowl defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth has paid dividends. 

Haynesworth gave the Kansas City offense fits all day as viewers winced when running back Larry Johnson ran into the teeth of the Redskin’s defense. 

However, it was Johnson and the Chiefs’ offensive line that asserted themselves this week as LJ posted his best game of the season with 83 yards on 3.6 yards per carry average.  Not exceptional numbers, but the run game was potent in the first half and stayed steady through the second.

Where is the love?

Mr. Irrelevant, kicker Ryan Succop, was 4-for-4 on field goal attempts as he scored all but two of KC’s 14 points. Just for kicks (pun intended) let’s pose a question. Who has been a better draft pick, number three overall pick defensive end Tyson Jackson, or seventh rounder, number 256 overall, Succop?

Not to mention which player has a better cost to benefit ratio.

For anyone who argues that kickers are “supposed” to do their job, one needs only point to the end of the Ravens and Vikings game. Kickers are supposed to do their job the way Dwayne Bowe isn’t supposed to drop passes, but all is temporarily forgiven in the wake of a victory. 

If Tamba Hali didn’t already have a cool name, he has become nickname worthy.

In a brand new role, transitioning to an outside 3-4 linebacker from a 4-3 defensive end, Hali continues to be the pride of Liberia and a monster for the Chiefs.

Hali has matched his sack total of last season by earning his third of the year when he swung down Redskin quarterback Todd Collins for a safety to seal the victory.

Play of the game: Already up by three and looking to extend the lead with 1:47 left, Cassel hit playmaker wide receiver Dwayne Bowe on a quick slant on 2nd-and-14.  Bowe broke tackles and ran hard for a 32-yard gain. This type of “quick-hitter” is something the Chiefs need to do to fend off aggressive pass rushes and convert short yardage situations when the run game is getting stuffed. 

This play type has been seen before, but Bowe has had some drops running before he has the ball. The difficulty of bringing Bowe down and his ability to break tackles for additional yards is what makes these drops particularly devastating to witness.

The losing streak extending into last season will not reach double digits. Kansas City said nine consecutive losses is enough.  It’s time to start a winning streak next week against San Diego.