The Kansas City Chiefs finished a thrilling matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. There are many things that can be looked at from this game but there were three big takeaways. This game showcased a top offense in Atlanta versus a top defense in Kansas City. Both teams are thinking playoffs as they enter the month of December. The Chiefs defense was forced with a tough task as they had to try and slow down Matt Ryan and Julio Jones. Atlanta has been having a rough season on that side of the ball but were hoping to improve since they went against Alex Smith. Something had to give this game.
Kansas City Chiefs Week 13 Takeaways
Eric Berry Deserves a Big Contract
It would be impossible to talk about today’s game and not address Eric Berry. The four-time Pro-Bowler had the game winning score as well as an interception returned for a touchdown. Berry is showcasing why he deserves to be paid handsomely by the Chiefs or even another team. Matt Ryan drove the Falcons downfield and threw a touchdown pass to Aldrick Robinson to give Atlanta the lead 28-27. The Falcons decided to go for two to give the home team a three-point lead. Eric Berry hopped in front of the pass by Ryan and took the ball the length of the field to give the Chiefs two points and the lead. This would be the deciding factor of the game.
Penalties, Penalties, Penalties
Andy Reid’s team usually does not commit a lot of penalties. They currently rank in the top ten of least penalized teams of the NFL. Kansas City averages roughly 6.4 penalties a game. They had 13 penalties against the Falcons for a total of 128 yards. The penalties either kept the Falcons offense on the field or backed up the Chiefs offense. Those two things are not something a team wants to happen if they are trying to win the game. The team must get that under control if they want to win the AFC West, even if the division leading Oakland Raiders are dead last in penalties. The Chiefs offense is very conservative so penalties does not help them when they are trying to move the ball.
Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill
Kelce is a Pro Bowl tight end, that is a fact. Alex Smith must do what he can to get him the ball a lot. The former Cincinnati Bearcat had eight receptions for 140 yards against the Falcons. For the Chiefs to succeed they must get the ball to Kelce and rookie sensation Tyreek Hill. The rookie Hill runs a 4.2 40-yard dash. The former West Alabama standout is now second on the Chiefs for receiving and has really stepped up with Jeremy Maclin being out the past few weeks. As Maclin continues to be out due to a groin injury the Chiefs offense will lean towards Hill, Chris Conley, and Albert Wilson. The Chiefs will continue to use these younger receivers to build towards a bright future on offense.
Next up, Kansas City has a tough matchup on a short week. On Thursday, December 8th, the Chiefs faces the Oakland Raiders for the top spot in the AFC West.
