Third down: we went 2-10 on third downs. Additionally, we turned it over on a 4th down late (and converted a totally meaningless fourth down at the end of the half.) That means we were 2-11 when the drive was at stake.

Baltimore went 10 for 17 on third downs, and converted the only 4th down they tried, when they ran in the clinching touchdown at the end. That's 11 for 18 for them when the drive is at stake.

They converted several third and longs: a third and ten, a third and 14, and a couple of third and 8s IIRC. KC on the other hand, had two drives stopped short when Bradley failed to get the first down after making the catch near the marker. Haley pointed out "When you’re on the sticks on a third down, you’ve got to get the first down. That’s just the NFL. You’ve got to get the first down and keep the drive alive."

Which leads to another disappointment that hurt our chances:

Mental errors: Bradley's first down failures were two big mental errors. He didn't pay attention to the first down marker, and killed two drives because of it. There were some other mental mistakes that hurt too-- the penalty that wiped out the safety, Croyle not getting the play off early in the game, among others.

Which leads to another disappointment that hurt our chances: the horrible start. Baltimore had 11 first downs before we had one. The defense couldn't get off the field in the first half, and I think that came back to haunt us late, as our D-line seemed tired. They pushed us two yards back off the line on almost every play late, and I think part of that was because our defense was out there so long early. Additionally, even when we scored our first couple TDs, it wasn't because of long drives by the offense, it came off special teams and defense, so our D had to go right back out there again quickly. I think it caught up to us at the end.

But overall, considering everything-- playing a very good team on the road, which has two very good lines, without Cassel or Flowers,  falling behind early-- we looked pretty good.

But we obviously need to make more plays on third down to win games. Can we? Will we? Why couldn't we do it today?