Kansas City Chiefs: Week Nine Report Card

Kansas City had a winnable matchup in week nine as they faced a struggling Jacksonville team that has been largely one-dimensional on offense and has uncharacteristically struggled on defense. 

The Jaguars have lacked pass rush, accumulating only five sacks on the year going into the matchup with KC, and ranked 26^th in team pass defense. 

So it was disappointing to see Kansas City behind 17-6 entering the fourth quarter.  When the Jaguars scored late in the fourth the lead appeared insurmountable. 

Despite a late rally that left Jaguars head coach, Jack Del Rio, shaking his head on the sideline, Kansas City still fell short.  Here’s the grades: 

Pass offense: B

Stagnant for much of the game, the inadequacies of the passing game can be largely attributed to the narrow scope of plays called. 

As the Chiefs fell behind the only option was to open up the playbook and given the opportunity, quarterback Matt Cassel and the supporting crew showed some good stuff. 

Lacking all year from the Chief’s offense has been a “stretch-the-field” type of speed receiver and with newly acquired Chris Chamber’s 54 yard touchdown catch, almost all of which was Cassel’s throw and not yards after the catch. 

Lance Long appears to have carved himself a niche as a wily slot receiver with consistent hands complimented by a strong execution of quick routes underneath.  If number one receiver Dwayne Bowe can keep the drops down it appears the Chiefs are finally accumulating a body of talent that can scare opponents. 

Still, despite the explosiveness there was no consistency and sustained drives are something of the future, not the present. 

Running attack: C-

Jamaal Charles got the start at running back, but it was hard to tell based on the stat sheet.  Charles only had six carries in the game.  He continued his strong play by averaging six yards-per-carry. 

It’s odd he didn’t get his number called more by head coach and offensive coordinator Todd Haley, but Charles was the closest thing to a “workhorse” getting half of the 12 run plays called. 

Through seven games, the now released, Larry Johnson averaged 18 carries per game for a paltry 2.7 yards-per-carry.  Charles has averaged over five yards-per-carry on the year and he is the invisible man? 

It is true that Charles does not possess the prototype build for a “between-the-tackles” runner, but he is a playmaker and needs to be shown more respect. 

Good grade for production when given the chance, but not enough chances for the run game to earn a better grade.

Run defense: B-

Jacksonville running back Maurice Jones-Drew is a very good running back.  He was held under 100 yards on the day and averaged well below four yards-per-carry.  Kudos to the defense, but alas, the long touchdown run of Jones-Drew’s understudy, Rashad Jennings, the rookie out of Liberty, drops this grade to a minus.    

Pass defense: D-

Kansas City only fielded two safeties.  Mike Brown and DaJuan Morgan were only spelled by nickel back Maurice Legget, who rotated into the safety spot, but the Chiefs were picked on for multiple big-plays including a 61 yard touchdown from which the Chiefs never quite recovered. 

On the score, Brown took a horrible angle on a Jags receiver, Mike Sims-Walker.  Brown appeared to jump the route too shallow and Sims-Walker got behind Brown and took off for the 61 yards score. 

The safeties haven’t provided the Chiefs much safety as KC ranks last in the league in number of pass plays for 40 plus yards surrendered. 

Still, it is important to note the play of cornerback Brandon Flowers as a bright spot.  Particularly, his ability to fight through blocks on a wide receiver screen play and make the tackle for a loss.  This is a corner who does not shy from contact.     

Special teams: A

Dustin Colquit for team MVP?  No?  How about Ryan Succop? 

The kickers on Kansas City are some of the best in the NFL.  Colquit pinned four of his seven punts inside the 20 while averaging over 40 yards per kick. 

Succop faced swirling winds on his way to 2/3 on field goals, the miss coming on a 56 yard attempt into the wind in the fading seconds of the second quarter. 

Jaguar cornerback Rashean Mathis returned the field goal that fell short and appeared to be on his way to a score when caught from behind by none other than the aforementioned Colquit, the punter!  

Succop more than redeemed himself for the miss by recovering his own onside kick late in the fourth. 

These kickers looked like athletes.   

Play of the Game:

Speed on the outside has arrived!  

Emerging from his chambers, Chris Chambers made a splash in his debut wearing Kansas City red. 

On third and 18, Cassel received some time and stepped up into the pocket to deliver a 54 yard pass that traveled easily 50 yards in the air, and landed in the hands of Chambers as he outran the defense.  This weapon is for real.