Reviewing the winners and losers from the Kansas City Chiefs 19-14 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars...
WINNERS
Alex Smith
Although I thought Nick Foles would be better, I debated putting him here in the winners section because he did what you ultimately ask your quarterback to do: win. He didn’t turn it over which ended up being a big part of the game.
Instead I’m putting Alex Smith here. He is one of the winners because it showed to us that Alex does bring plenty of value to this team, deep balls or not. Alex has looked bad before but we know what we’re going to get out of him most weeks.
Foles was fortunate a couple of his passes weren’t picked off. Alex probably hits Tyreek Hill in the end zone. Not that I’m getting into comparing each and every throw ...
The point is that Sunday’s game confirmed to us that this is Alex’s team.
Andy Reid and John Dorsey
Give some credit to Big Red. He and Dorsey make a great team. Reid coaches the hell out of this team. It’s not pretty but the results speak for themselves (that woudl be wins). Some of you may be shaking your head reading this because the Chiefs barely escaped the Jags (the JAGS!) at home.
Remember though who the Chiefs were missing: their starting quarterback replaced by a guy they signed two months ago, their starting running back replaced by a guy off the street replaced by another guy off the street, their starting left guard, their best receiver for all but two plays, their next best receiver with an ejection ... it’s not even worth mentioning the starting guard and defensive lineman out (well, I just did so). Oh and there’s also Justin Houston. He’s pretty good too.
Reid and Dorsey, good job.
The defense, all of ‘em
The Chiefs are quietly one of the best defenses in the NFL. Since that 43-point drubbing at the hands of the Steelers, the Chiefs have given up 10, 21, 14 and 14 points. They’ve given up more than 21 points twice. They have the best turnover margin in the NFL. They are winning because of the defense.
This isn’t a fluke either. The Chiefs defense has been very, very good the past three-plus years. This defense will travel and they will last. And they’re not even at full strength yet.
LOSERS
Chiefs run defense
The Chiefs defense is doing a good job of not allowing points. That’s the most important part of this. They’re No. 1 in the NFL in rushing touchdowns allowed. That may not last however if they continue being ranked 27th in run defense. TJ Yeldon and Chris Ivory ran over the Chiefs defense on Sunday (literally). They have to get that shored up. The Raiders offensive line will take care of business if not.
The rest of the AFC West
The Chiefs will get Alex Smith back next weekend in Carolina. They may get Spencer Ware too and perhaps even Justin Houston. This defense isn’t going anywhere. Taking into account the entire team and the upcoming schedule, the Chiefs should be favorites in the AFC West. They already have a 2-0 record in the division. They’ve proven they can do what Denver can’t: win in Oakland. The Chiefs have been here. The Raiders have not (in a long time). Give me the experience and depth of the Chiefs down the stretch, the biggest challenger to the Patriots.