Remember that time the Kansas City Chiefs went into Foxboro and mounted a fourth quarter comeback against Tom Brady and the New England Patriots? Me too. Let’s look at the snap counts from that game. (Snap counts come via the NFL)
Quarterback
QB Alex Smith: 69
69 snaps is a nice, healthy amount, although the Patriots ran 81 offensive plays. Alex Smith was his usual efficient self but he added the big plays. That’s really the difference here, the big plays.
Offensive line
C Mitch Morse: 69
G Bryan Witzmann: 69
G Laurent Duvernay-Tardif: 69
OT Mitch Schwartz: 69
OT Eric Fisher: 69
Credit the Chiefs offensive line who was strong throughout the night. The national media will talk about the Patriots not having a pass rush and all that but in Kansas City we know how improved this line is and we know what a difference they can be. The lone personnel note here is that Witzmann did indeed get the start. Parker Ehinger was inactive.
Tight end
TE Travis Kelce: 67
TE Demetrius Harris: 26
TE Ross Travis: 8
Two things to note here. First, how about Demetrius Harris? The Chiefs investment in him is starting to pay off. Second, Kelce was shut down by the Patriots defense, which they’ve done to Kelce before. He still made a difference - penalty aside - with a key block on a Kareem Hunt run down the left sideline.
Wide receiver
WR Chris Conley: 65
WR Tyreek Hill: 50
WR Albert Wilson: 40
WR De’Anthony Thomas: 8
WR Demarcus Robinson: 5
Tyreek Hill played 50/69 snaps which is a tick up from his snaps last year. He was targeted on eight of his 50 snaps and caught seven of them. I would expect that to keep going up as he continues to get in game shape. He was missing in action for a bit with cramps. At the end of the day, I suppose I’ll take 133 yards and a touchdown. Demarcus Robinson had just five snaps but drew a goal line pass interference penalty on one of them.
Running back
RB Kareem Hunt: 40
RB Charcandrick West: 24
FB Anthony Sherman: 12
Guess you only need two backs, huh? I can’t believe Kareem Hunt only played 58 percent of the snaps. It felt like he was in there every play until the end. Also, how about Charcandrick’s one carry going 21 yards for the score? Him running out of the end zone pointing to the sky as the Chiefs clinched it is an unforgettable moment.
Linebacker
LB Derrick Johnson: 81
LB Justin Houston: 81
LB Dee Ford: 74
LB Ramik Wilson: 25
LB Frank Zombo: 7
LB Kevin Pierre-Louis: 2
I see little bits of DJ slowing down but it’s not coming all at once. He’s still a plus player who makes the Chiefs better without question (and his coverage skills in a game like this are key). Justin Houston got the pass rush started in the second half and that was great. I’m just as excited about his run defense. Difference maker.
Safety
S Ron Parker: 81
S Eric Berry: 70
S Daniel Sorensen: 48
S Eric Murray: 13
Sigh ... The Chiefs are deep at safety and should be prepared to withstand the loss of a key player but Berry is different. He’s not just any player. The Chiefs can replace some of his play on the field but not all. I’m more concerned about the mental and emotional side of things. Note who broke the Chiefs down in the locker room after the game.
Cornerback
CB Marcus Peters: 81
CB Terrance Mitchell: 74
CB Phillip Gaines: 53
Sure, Mitchell and Gaines had some rough moments. We expected that though, right? Two guys without a ton of experience going against the GOAT. Mitchell had the penalties and got beat but I do remember a key third down stop he had late in the game that helped make a difference.
Defensive line
DE Allen Bailey: 65
DE Chris Jones: 48
NT Bennie Logan: 44
DE Rakeem Nunez-Roches: 31
NT Roy Miller: 13
Bennie Logan getting into the backfield is what stood out from this group. As Justin Houston started to get to the passer in the second half, you started to see Logan pushing up the middle. 44 snaps is a decent amount for a man that size. (Remember, Dontari Poe was a freak and it’s unusual for a d-lineman to play 90 percent of the snaps)