Colts vs. Chiefs: Live Grades and Analysis for Kansas City

A trend of mental miscues and shaky secondary play dug a Week 16 grave for the Kansas City Chiefs (11-4).

Next Sunday, Andy Reid's squad will travel to San Diego (8-7) for its regular-season finale.

Final

Indianapolis - 23

Kansas City - 7

	First-Half Grade	Final Grade
Pass Offense	D+	D-
Run Offense	B-	B+
Run Defense	A	B-
Pass Defense	D	D-
Special Teams	B+	C+
Coaching	C-	D+

Final analysis for the Kansas City Chiefs

Pass Offense: The passing game was as an afterthought throughout much of the afternoon, as Alex Smith (16-of-29, 153 YDS, 2 INT) and the offensive line failed to hit their collective stride. The Colts defense stonewalled the screen game and hurried Smith on a down-to-down basis. 

Run Offense: Jamaal Charles (13 CAR, 106 YDS, TD) found success early and often, but Andy Reid prematurely abandoned the ground game in the second half. Knile Davis’ fumble spoiled any newfound faith that the coaching staff may have had for him over the past handful of weeks. 

Run Defense: With the exception of a 51-yard run by Donald Brown, Kansas City’s front seven stifled Indianapolis’ backfield. That’s an enormous exception, though, as it lent the visitors a two-possession lead and dictated the Chiefs’ offensive play-calling.

Pass Defense: Blown coverages and lethargic tackling haunted Kansas City’s secondary. Kendrick Lewis arguably authored his worst performance as a member of the Chiefs (which is saying something), regularly committing to poor angles and halfhearted arm tackles. The pass rush only appeared in spurts. 

Special Teams: Notable returns preceded Kansas City’s opening drive in both halves, and Dustin Colquitt consistently thumped downfield mortars. However, Ryan Succop narrowly pulled his only field-goal attempt of the day.

Coaching: The offense oozed with caution, while the defense looked disjointed from the minute the first whistle rang out. 

First-half analysis for the Kansas City Chiefs

Pass Offense: Thus far for Alex Smith (9-of-15, 71 YDS), today has been a far cry from his last snow-laden outing (at Washington). Kansas City’s quarterback has been uncharacteristically inaccurate throughout the first two periods, misfiring on relatively routine throws. 

Run Offense: Jamaal Charles (8 ATT, 62 YDS, TD) handed the Chiefs an early edge on a 31-yard touchdown scamper. However, Knile Davis failed to exorcise past demons, as the bipolar rookie fumbled deep within Kansas City territory (ultimately leading to Indianapolis’ first and only touchdown).

Run Defense: Dontari Poe, Mike DeVito and Derrick Johnson thwarted the Colts ground game with ease. Trent Richardson and Donald Brown have combined for a slender 27 rushing yards on nine carries.

Pass Defense: The Chiefs secondary has performed like a group fresh off their first preseason practice. Dunta Robinson has unseated a benched Marcus Cooper, which has subsequently sent the defensive backfield into a state of disarray. Miscommunication has paved the way for two momentum-swinging bombs from Andrew Luck (19-of-26, 192, TD).

Special Teams: Dexter McCluster electrified the frostbitten crowd with a 25-yard punt return that nearly went the distance. Dustin Colquitt continually boomed punts outside of the stadium's silhouette.

Coaching: For whatever reason (and there’s no shortage of them), there’s no denying that the play-calling has erred on the conservative side. While Bob Sutton’s benching of Marcus Cooper may have sent a message, it has culminated into a confused and chaotic secondary.

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