Turnovers have proven to be the key to games, turning the essential drive of a game and singing momentum. The Kansas City Chiefs defense took matters into their own hands against the New York Jets in week three, forcing not only one, two or three turnovers, but eight. In a complete juxtaposition to the Chiefs offense turning the ball over in week 2, the Chiefs defense left no doubt that they feast on weaker offenses. It was a lopsided 24-3 victory that displayed the best of what a defense in sync can do. From Derrick Johnson to D.J. White, it was a Thanksgiving dinner filling of defensive highlights.
Kansas City Chiefs Defense Crazy Eight – Week Three Retrospect
Opportunities and Stalling
The first half of competition was a mix of mistakes by both offenses. The first drive for the Jets was a quick five plays and a subsequent forced punt. The Chiefs, however, turned an 11-play drive into a mere 45 yards and a punt. Granted seven minutes ran off of the clock, but the offensive woes continued. A holding call and sack stalled the offense after a successful start. A lack of rhythm hurt the Chiefs again as a lack of consistency from Alex Smith or the offensive line could give a start.
The next Jets drive, however, began the feast as Ryan Fitzpatrick threw a desperate third down pass directly to Marcus Peters. The young star was already breaking out of his shell early in 2016 to repeat the dominance from 2015. This play was only the beginning of continuous terrorizing of quarterbacks.
Alex Smith, with the ball at the Jets 35-yard line, commanded the offense for four quick plays. Spencer Ware took the life out of the defense and Travis Kelce capped off the scoring drive with a 12-yard reception. The play calling was quick, the offensive line was in sync, and the demeanor team wide had shifted thanks to the defense.
Only seven plays later, the Chiefs corner Philip Gaines knocked the ball loose from Bilal Powell for the second turnover of the game. The Jets were becoming quickly frustrated and despondent. However, their defense played the part of stalling the Chiefs offense. A series of defunct runs resulted in a field goal from Cairo Santos. Another drive, another stall. Despite the clear swing of the game, the Chiefs could not find their goal line rhythm.
Fortunately for the Chiefs offense, their defense was doing the work for them. The next kickoff saw an instantaneous fumble and touchdown from Chiefs special teamer gunner Demetrius Harris. Despite a rather unspectacular first half, special teams showed how vitally important it can be for the tide of a game.
Interceptions to all
The second half for the Chiefs and Jets was a series of punts, and then turnovers. Again, a false start from Travis Kelce threw off the drive, and a dump off pass was not enough to convert for a first time. The Jets forced a punt, then on the next drive saved a touchdown by forcing a fumble of their own.
A series of unfortunate events occurred that could be chocked up to bad luck. Honestly, however, it was a theme of a lack of focus. Kelce redeemed himself with a 42-yard reception. After a Spencer Ware touchdown, Jets coach Todd Bowles decided the play should be challenged. The Jets won the challenge and the touchdown was dismissed. The Jets were trying to focus, and the Chiefs were doing their best to lose focus.
The next Jets drive proves how important turnovers are to the momentum of a game. Ryan Fitzpatrick slowly worked with receiver Quincy Enunwa and running back Matt Forte to drive down to the Chiefs goal line. This time, it was Eric Berry hovering over the middle of the field who took matters into his own hands and picked off an errant pass.
Conversely, the Chiefs offense could not find momentum and punted the ball away again. The Jets were down only 17-3 and had every opportunity to let one deep pass against a tired Chiefs defense into the go-ahead touchdown. But, Marcus Peters would have no part of giving up the game and intercepted a deep pass intended to accomplish the above.
Another Chiefs three and out led to the Jets having another opportunity. However, it was Daniel Sorensen’s turn to pick off a deep pass intended for Brandon Marshall. Linebacker Derrick Johnson all but sealed the game with three and a half minutes left when he took an interception 55 yards for a touchdown of his own. D.J. White ended the game on the next drive when he picked off a final deep pass attempt with two minutes left. Eight turnovers for the Chiefs defense – all of them gorgeous – all of them vital to the victory.
Takeaways
Despite all the positives that came out of this game, it would be foolish to ignore how bad the Chiefs offense was. With any other defense, the Chiefs were destined to lose this game. Even with wonderful field position on several occasions, the Chiefs offense managed a mere ten points, seven of which came from tremendous starting position.
The most glaring error in the Chiefs offense was with any one position. Statistically both Alex Smith and Spencer Ware produced on several occasions. Many drives would go for ten to 11 plays, but would stall just before midfield due to penalties or short dump off passes. The Chiefs were not comfortable with the playbook and it showed.
The other takeaway relating to the offense was the offensive line’s lack of cohesion. Early in the season the Chiefs blocking was decent (only allowed two sacks for 16 yards lost), but they got overwhelmed in leverage situations. Both sacks stalled drives, and on several occasions the Jets defensive line was able to force holding or a false start.
While the problems for the offense through three games were numerous, they can be fixed in three simple steps. First, focus on the play at hand. Focus begets confidence. Second, Andy Reid needs to call plays in an unrhythmic pattern. Reid’s offense gets predictable at midfield, resulting in stalls. Third, the offensive line must play with confidence and cohesion. Going into 2017, Mitchell Morse will lead a cohesive and familiar unit, indicating this should be the easiest problem to resolve.
Defensively, the highlights were astonishing. Interceptions and fumbles are part of being there at the right time and location. However, it also takes focus to get to the right spot time and time again. Derrick Johnson and Marcus Peters led this defense and refused to let their performance define this game.
Admittedly, Ryan Fitzpatrick had his worst game and was on a downward trajectory. But the Chiefs defense fought like crazy and showed why they are worth every penny. 2017 will need to see the same leadership from a healthy Johnson, Berry, and Peters. Peters has the opportunity to solidify his position as a top corner by preying on quarterbacks and terrifying the Philip Rivers, Tom Brady, and Kirk Cousins of the world in marque matchups.
In closing, if the Chiefs special teams make impressive shut down plays like this, the Chiefs offense will have premium field position throughout 2017 to punch the ball into the end zone and remove any concerns of a defunct offense.
