For four quarters the Kansas City Chiefs battled the Philadelphia Eagles and never gave up. Despite a late game motion of frantic Brett Favre like quarterback play from the Eagles Carson Wentz, and then a successful onside kick, the Eagles did too little, too late. The Chiefs and Eagles played each other with valor, and showed the NFL both deserve to be in top power ranking considerations. The Chiefs, however, came out on top, winning 27-20. Through four quarters of frantic and fun chess-like football, the Chiefs victory over the Eagles provided key Chiefs takeaways.
Week Two Kansas City Chiefs Takeaways
1) Chiefs Defense Makes Arrowhead Stadium Loud and Proud
The Chiefs defense stood strong time and time again on Sunday afternoon. As Wentz repeatedly attempted to attack the middle of the field, the Chiefs defense saw a multitude of players step up to fight Doug Pederson’s plan of attack.
Running the ball worked on occasion for the Eagles, as Darren Sproles bolted a few times too much for comfort. Wentz was also able to escape the pocket of pressure, scrambling for 55 yards. However, the secondary negated schematic opportunity by forcing the Eagles into passing situations.
Wentz was sacked six times, forcing several long third downs. Consequently, the situation to turn a tangentially successful power running game into success never came to fruition, and Sproles finished with only 48 yards.
Although Eric Berry was out, the corner backs in his place played aggressive. Naturally, a strong pass rush helps corners successfully cover the deep side of the field. As the game drew on, the Eagles never were allowed to pass deep. The longest pass was a 53-yard juggle reception by Zach Ertz just before half. Deep target Torrey Smith saw only one explosive target.
Phillip Gaines, Eric Murray, Ron Parker and Marcus Peters all played their role in the secondary for a functional team win. Daniel Sorensen, however, deserves special mention for turning into a missile several times. His play on special teams and on defense was electrifying; playing with controlled emotion that precise defensive technique shine.
Chris Jones also receives priority notation for three different sacks and finding a tip interception that would align the Chiefs for their go-ahead-touchdown. His power gave a direct path for the Bennie Logan and Allen Bailey to be an insistent nightmare all game long.
The Chiefs defense established ownership of Arrowhead Stadium and showed when they play according to an aggressive scheme and intensity, they will be the synthesis for quarterback’s nightmares.
2) Inconsistent Offensive Line is Awkwardly Aggressive
Offensive line production was of the utmost importance for the Chiefs to secure the win. Despite the win, the production was mediocre on pass protection, and good enough in creating running lanes. Kareem Hunt finished with 81 yards on 13 carries and two touchdowns; and the proud owner of multiple momentous running plays that allowed the Chiefs offensive to keep driving.
Coherent technique on running plays was one of the most powerful and positive signs of the offensive line’s play. Hunt was given time to foresee the hole opening, and then accelerate through the opening. There is an aura of confidence and trust between Hunt and the offensive line.
However, the pass blocking was subpar. Alex Smith was sacked four times by a highly talented and athletic Eagles pass rush. Both Fletcher Cox and Chris Long landed two finesse sacks from the outside, while Tim Jernigan provided consistent pressure from the middle.
Cleaning up the offensive line’s play needs to become priority for the remainder of the season. The mental play did not reflect an offensive line that comprehended how to protect from multiple twist and stunts. A plethora of different looks from the Eagles confused the Chiefs offensive line, and created consistent pressure on Smith. If the Chiefs want to go deep in 2017, poor pass blocking must become a distant memory.
3) Raw Athleticism and Power
Hunt’s running is not fully encapsulated in his statistics. In fact, a mere 81 yards under sells how hard and dedicated he ran. On the goal line and in the middle of the field, Hunt could not be stopped. Every down, Hunt was running for his life, punishing tacklers who tried to arm tackle him.
Hunt is a rare and special talent through two weeks, and shows no sign of slowing down.
However, Hunt was not the only overtly powerful and athletic player. Tyreek Hill, again, was fast and explosive on four receptions for 43 yards. His routes were used as a decoy scheme in the under and flats this week, but those four times he touched the ball forced the Eagles injured secondary to honor his position.
Travis Kelce, usually seen as a bully in the middle of the field, proved his athleticism as well. Smith went to his historically favorite target eight times on Sunday afternoon. Although this may have been due to consistent pressure, Smith and Kelce effectively connected to make the Eagles play for playing their linebackers upward.
Kelce powered over defenders for 103 receiving yards, including a crucial 44-yard catch, and later a Y-screen, dump-off pass touchdown that clinched the Chiefs victory. Kelce is no doubt the key target for Smith to negate effective pass rushes.
The game would not be complete without a special play from Dave Toub’s special teams unit. Besides forcing a missed field goal, James Winchester, the long-snapper on punts, proved every player can compete. Winchester bolted down field and forced a fumble that would give the Chiefs the football back, setting up a field goal just before half-time.
Sunday afternoon saw a competitive Chiefs team with players competing for each other. From punter Dustin Colquitt (who was fist-pumping after his punts) to Cold Stone Jones, the Chiefs had the will and valor to win.
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