Ten Things About Today's Game

[gblowfish]

Ten Things About Today's Game

10. Let me begin by saying. I'm old. No, really. I'm getting cranky, creaky and old. I've had one of those weekends where all I want to do is crawl under a comforter and sleep for fourteen hours.The lovely and talented Mrs. Blowfish finished the play she was directing last night. So afterwards it was tear down a set, pack a bunch of stuff in the Jeep, have a cast party, drive 35 miles home very late, unload the car, get to bed around 2:30am, get to sleep around 3am, pop back up out of bed around 8:30am. Then force down a cup of strong black coffee, get a shower, do a "Where's Waldo" hunt for my long johns then out the door to meet up with fellow CPer Holden 315, his son, and two wide eyed Seahawk fans who tagged along for a ride into Arrowhead. Much too cold to tailgate, so off we went to Hi-Boy for burgers, then into the stadium early to watch some of warm ups and get ready for some football. After the game I took them back to their car, wished them a safe trip back to Iowa, got a call from my wifey who's friend's truck had run out of gas on the side of the road. So I went and got my gas can, filled it up, bailed them out, then went to dinner. Oh, by the way we're out of cat food! So off to the store for cat food then home. I sit down to write my "Ten Things" and open my web browser. The Jackwagon who replaced Reid the Red on the Chiefs website has posted a "Ten Observations About Today's Game" thread on the Chiefs site! Well, snooze ya lose I guess. So If you want to read his ten things and read MY ten things, I'll give you 20 total things!

http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/article...41116_35708287

9. Yeah, it was cold. It wasn't stupid, dangerous, Green Bay Ice Bowl cold, but plenty cold enough. I think Kendall Gammon on the sideline said it was 18 degrees in the shade at kickoff, and with the wind chill it felt like six degrees. I very seldom leave my seat to go warm up, but I did today. And missed a very big chunk of the third quarter because so many people were headed for warmth. Feet are the hardest thing to keep warm. But if you can move around a little, or walk a bit, your feet will generally warm back up. The Chiefs players all stayed well bundled in their Batman style sideline capes and pointy stocking caps. Usually cold weather benefits the Chiefs when they play a non-cold weather city, but it didn't today. KC is the one who had turnovers, not the Seahawks. In general though, one of the reasons I'm glad we don't have a roof is because I think it puts San Diego and Oakland at a disadvantage when they come here in December. It was nice to turn the crowd noise tables on Seattle today, and give them a taste of what a real "12th Man" is. The fans were very loud. It's harder to be loud
in cold weather, because the glove muffle hand claps and the bulky clothes absorb noise, like sound proofing a room. But there was plenty of noise, especially in the last six minutes of the fourth quarter. Fans did their part today to help the homies win.

8. As this game unfolded, I thought whoever had the ball last would win. Technically, it happened that way with the Chiefs doing a victory formation to kill the clock at the end. During most of the game the stats were quite even. Both teams had good balance of run and pass, both had feature backs who went over 100 yards. The Chiefs were extremely efficient in their first half scoring drives, so eventually TOP went over to the Seahawks, because it took them more plays to move the ball. Chiefs moved in chunks of yardage. Seattle ended up with around 12 more minutes of possession, which is a huge difference, and they forced two fumbles, and we forced no turnovers. Difference again this week was Bob Sutton making crucial defensive adjustments in the second half, pitching a shutout in the fourth quarter, and stone walling Seattle three times on critical fourth downs. Chiefs did not give up a sack, and the defense got Wilson twice, although they let him loose for 71 yards rushing. Lynch and Wilson were good for nearly 200 yards on the ground. They are a handful, that's for sure. Both are impressive.

7. Both QBs hit seven different receivers, so spreading the ball was a push. Tony Brokeaki caught a one yard pass for a TD. I was surprised he didn't hurt himself walking off the field afterwards. That guy is fragile as a potato chip. No serious injuries for the Chiefs today that I could tell. Seahawks losing their center in the second half was big. The noise screwed up their snaps, forcing Seattle into taking a delay of game at one point. During crunch time in Seattle's last possession, Poe destroyed Seattle's back up center and just road graded Wilson. That was (as Mitch Holthaus would say)....HUUUUUGE.

6. Andy Reid's familiarity with NFC teams generally helps us in those match ups. We haven't been blown out by an NFC team in a long, long time. Even though we lost to SF, we played them well in their park. Reid's play calling, especially early on, was excellent. I never had the feeling that Seattle was going to stop the Chiefs offense all day. Seattle hadn't given up an opening drive TD in their last 29 games... and we ran the opening drive right down their collective throats. Charles got twenty rushing attempts, which is about perfect. He's been great against Seattle, running for huge production against them the last two times we've matched up. Knile Davis ran hard, and is a wonderful one-two punch with Charles, especially when you bring him in once the defense gets worn down. Like Lynch, he's a beast. Speaking of Lynch, even though he got his yards the Chiefs defense did a great job stacking him up when they had to, and another week goes by without surrendering a rushing touchdown.

5. Ron Parker got a taste of how quick you can go from Penthouse to Outhouse today. Last week he was the toast of KC, and everybody on the CP wanted to give him an extension and bonus. In Seattle's first scoring series, Parker gave up a stupid penalty on a third down and twelve to sustain the Seahawk drive. He then whiffed on a tackle on Kearse for subsequent pass play allowing the ball down to the KC five yard line. Then on third and goal, Baldwin beats him for a TD in the back of the end zone. The good news is, Parker led the team in tackles again, and didn't have any issues in the second half. One thing about this defensive secondary is, Ken-Dick Lewis is long gone. Abdullah has been underrated as our safety. He has been excellent in that role. I never feel like we're going to get torched over and over and over down the field like I did last year. That's good work by John Dorsey.

4. With the cold weather, neither place kicker was especially noteworthy. Kicking into that northwest cold wind was like kicking a brick. There were many kickoff return chances for both teams. KC covered well. Colquitt's punt with a little under three minutes left to pin Seattle was beautiful. Hemmingway made a nice play to kick the ball back to his team mates, Cooper had the presence of mind not to touch the ball because his foot was on the line, and Albert Wilson got it downed. Seattle was out of time outs, so couldn't challenge, and they would have lost if they had tried. Speaking of challenges, Andy Reid had a big one challenging a God-Awful first down spot for Seattle on the KC 36 as they were driving to try to score a go ahead TD in the fourth quarter. Instead it was fourth and one, and KC stoned Lynch cold. That was a great stand, and without Andy reviewing the spot, the game may have flipped for Seattle. Well done.

3. Things that improved this week was line blocking, no sacks surrendered and Charles ran wild. KC's red zone defense was very good against one of the more dangerous offensive teams in football. And of course stopping Seattle all three times on fourth down attempts was the game changer. Things that wasn't so good this week was our own third down efficiency was around 33%. We gave up more first downs, but our yards came in chunks, so that, and TOP didn't matter. Ball security is a bit of an issue, but on a cold day like today, we're lucky we only lost the ball twice. And, Reid's coaching has toughened these guys up to be more resilient when things like that happen. This team doesn't get rattled. They are maturing as a collective unit, and the experience is paying dividends.

2. Richard Sherman had three tackles and no picks. Just wanted to point that out. Bowe still doesn't have a TD. Also wanted to point that out.

1. I hope to GOD this team does not overlook the Faid Thursday night now that they've tied the Donks for the division lead. I don't think they will. Division road wins are too valuable to overlook. I think playing in a warmer climate will help, and hopefully the short week will hurt Oakland's preparation for us more than vice-versa. The Raiders just flat out stink, but nevertheless KC needs to concentrate on the job at hand and take care of business. And if they can, they'll get a mini-bye weekend of extra time to prepare for the return of The Fivehead to Arrowhead.

Game video highlights are here:
http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/article...41116_35708287

Game pictures from the KC Star are here:
http://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl...le3968254.html

[scho63]

Originally Posted by gblowfish

Ten Things About Today's Game

10. I sit down to write my "Ten Things" and open my web browser. The Jackwagon who replaced Reid the Red on the Chiefs website has posted a "Ten Observations About Today's Game" thread on the Chiefs site!
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery!

8. Seattle ended up with around 12 more minutes of possession, which is a huge difference, and they forced two fumbles, and we forced no turnovers.
Our offense went into their usual lull and dull mode after their first two scores and 22 minutes into the game. We nearly gave away the game after not being able to convert third downs late in the game. I was 50-50% on the outcome after we kept giving them the ball back. They made us sweat it out. Our "D" saved our ass today for sure!

7. During crunch time in Seattle's last possession, Poe destroyed Seattle's back up center and just road graded Wilson.
Thank God for that-timing was perfect!

5. Ron Parker got a taste of how quick you can go from Penthouse to Outhouse today.
I said roughly the same thing in another thread that is now touting Sean Smith as the second coming of Jesus Christ for his good game.

4. Speaking of challenges, Andy Reid had a big one challenging a God-Awful first down spot for Seattle on the KC 36 as they were driving to try to score a go ahead TD in the fourth quarter.
Andy has been nearly flawless on challenges and picks his moments very well when tossing the red flag. Great job by his spotters in the booth.

3. Things that improved this week was line blocking, no sacks surrendered and Charles ran wild.
Our O-line played incredibly well today, not just on pass blocking but opening up some HUGE holes for our run game. Kudos to them for once, even Fisher!
What more can you say about JC, he is good for one or two great big runs almost every game. Guy is like an elusive cat.

2. Bowe still doesn't have a TD.
I predict this ends this Thursday in Oakland!

1. I hope to GOD this team does not overlook the Faid Thursday night now that they've tied the Donks for the division lead. And if they can, they'll get a mini-bye weekend of extra time to prepare for the return of The Fivehead to Arrowhead.
I really don't like going into the Black Hole with Oakland having no wins. This is their Superbowl and they will play harder in this game then any other game this year.
We need to do 3 things to ensure a victory:
1. Score several TDs early to put on a nice lead and take the crowd out of it
2. Get pressure on rookie QB Carr and sack him over and over
3. Don't let the Raiders stay close late in the game or else they might think they can win.

I'm really jacked and pleasantly surprised at our 7-3 record. I was dead wrong thinking we would win only 5 or 6 games and glad I was.

I have a standing bet with former Oakland Raider linebacker and Super Bowl winner Phil Villapiano for a 6 pack of Heineken each time the Chiefs and Raiders play. So far he owes me about 5 cases so I hope to build on that inventory Thursday Night.

Eager already for the week to speed up!

GO CHIEFS AND THANKS AS ALWAYS GEORGE!!!

BTW-I've tried giving you some POS REP but I have to toss some around to others first! DAMMIT!

[Sandy Vagina]

10 things with my first a.m. coffee makes a great start to the day!


Looks like you covered the essentials pretty well again. I absolutely hate the cold, and live lots of miles away, but grand props to all of the die-hard Chiefs fans that made it out in support.

I knew going in that Seattle was hurting on their DL.. but still found myself surprised that the run and screen game was kicking ass.. and that it seemed Smith had enough time to throw on most pass attempts.

I was taking the Chiefs run D pretty hard throughout much of the game.. but Lynch is Lynch... the refs were not calling holds against the Hawks on both pass or run blocks. That was infuriating.. but the important thing is.. the D stood strong when most needed.

Hate the nail-biters... they seem to age and exhaust me.. but when they pull out the WIN? It's all good.

[jkw87]

This is the highlight every Sunday night for me on CP. It's a shame that I live on North Carolina and can't get the Chiefs game unless it's a scoring drive on red zone through my phone... First year in about fifteen where I haven't watched every game they play and it's painful

[Big Poppa Payne]

Great read as always George. Thank you for doing this every week!

[MahiMike]

Thanks for doing these. I only get to see about half the games prior to the NFL replay. And since they only show 5 mins of replays all week for the Chiefs, I have to wonder what happened.

[Mugalug]

Thanks George. Hope you got some rest! Lynch's kung fu is strong. It was a great game!

[Halfcan]

Great job as usual!! Sucks some interloper D bag is trying to steal your gig.

I said before the game- in the past-these type of games are the ones the Chiefs should win and don't. I guess we will see what the Chiefs are made of.

Well now we know we have a legit contender in KC. There were many reasons we should have lost this game. Namely going -2 on the turnovers- cuts your winning % by half. Not being able to stop their running game. Ineffective play by the Chiefs WR's. Alex throwing for just over a buck in yardage.

But with all those reasons-the Chiefs sucked it up-took the opening drive down and scored-then counter punched with another big TD. They spotted the Seahags 10 points off turnovers and still dominated them in the 4th quarter.

I watched the highlights 10 times- JC running is just a thing of beauty-he glides, he stutter steps, he has speed to burn, he is a smart runner and knows when to tuck his head and plow in for extra yards. A big LOL and **** you to Jimmy Johnson-who made a crack about him not staying healthy then says "JC is not a big strong runner." Really? Why don't you try and tackle him you old ****. JC has shown his toughness in the blocking game and also in short yardage. He takes big hits and gets up. It was like it was going to kill them to compliment the Chiefs as they were so rooting for the Seahags.

Props to Andy- he was perfect in his play calling, won a big challenge and out-coached the last SB winner. I think this was his best game he has coached for us-one notch up from the Pats game. He is having a great year and will be in the discussion for coach of the year.

Hali- jeez I love this guy. I know he will have to take a pay cut-but he is just relentless. I want him to retire a chief. Big sack and a huge play to pressure Wilson on the last play of the game. He has a heart of a lion. Chief forever I hope!!

Poe- had Wilson in the grasp-about as tight as you could-should have been a safety-but the refs made it clear they were going to let it play out and try not to be a factor. Poe follows that up and gets a huge sack and several stops in the run game. 5 sacks on the year and playing his best football!!

Alex- yawn- he is the Maytag repairman of the NFL. But no mistakes, no sacks and is getting great at that little flip-out to JC on TD runs-love that play!! With such poor receivers-it is hard to tell who should get more blame for a pedestrian pass attack.

Arrowhead- props to the fans-who got louder as the game went on. Glad they were rewarded with a big win!!

[gblowfish]

Fox is the NFC network, so yeah, they're going to favor the NFC team in the broadcast. Also, Seattle is the defending World Champions, so they've got that going for them.

Doggity Report is here:

http://doggitychiefs.blogspot.com/20...chiefs-24.html

[BlackHelicopters]

In. Great job. Thank you.

[bevischief]

Thanks again.

[acasas4]

Great read gb. Thanks!

[Chiefs4TheWin]

You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to gblowfish again.

Grrrrrr

[Goldmember]

Good read. Regarding Oakland, with little prep time, I think it favors the team with more talent. Chiefs just need to play hard as they always do and not coast on them. I think this team is to focused since the TN debacle to let that happen

[Goldmember]

"Alex- yawn- he is the Maytag repairman of the NFL. But no mistakes, no sacks and is getting great at that little flip-out to JC on TD runs-love that play!! With such poor receivers-it is hard to tell who should get more blame for a pedestrian pass attack"

The WRs on this team wouldn't even make the practice squad on most teams. He has also been one of the most sacked QBs in the league in the last four years. That combination isn't good for ANY QB

[Chiefsallday]

Thanks and well thought out. I enjoy the way you present the total picture that Chiefs fans are concerned about