Arrowhead Pride - Broncos vs. Chiefs 2013: Welcome to game day!Kansas City Chiefs news, rumors, roster updates and more.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46893/arrowheadpride_f.png2013-12-06T14:00:04-06:00http://www.arrowheadpride.com/rss/stream/49265012013-12-06T14:00:04-06:002013-12-06T14:00:04-06:00That's my quarterback
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jtiO3WJ4i4rQ9XlMvtw-tu_U0zo=/0x473:2900x2406/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/24627553/452928321.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jamie Squire</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>I'm off the fence about Alex Smith, and you should be too.</p> <p>Several weeks ago <a href="http://www.arrowheadpride.com/2013/11/22/5130994/alex-smith-kansas-city-chiefs-qb-fans">I wrote about being on the fence about Alex Smith</a>. I've been able to understand all season why some are down on the Chiefs starting quarterback. Unfortunately for my mental health, I've also been able to understand all season why some are NOT down on the quarterback. So all season, I sat on my fence and waited.</p>
<p>I waited as Smith started suddenly throwing the ball down the field a lot more three weeks ago at Denver. Then I waited as Smith chucked three touchdowns and 7.7 YPA against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers">Chargers</a>. Did he look different? Sure. But twice can be a coincidence. I kept telling people, "Three times is a trend."</p>
<p>I'm not on the fence any more.</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="sidebar">
<a href="http://www.arrowheadpride.com/2013/11/22/5130994/alex-smith-kansas-city-chiefs-qb-fans">
<h2>The fence-sitter's guide to Alex Smith</h2>
<img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/23720097/450326311.0_cinema_1050.0.jpg"></a> <span></span>
</div>
<p>I'm on board the Alex Smith express. And as someone who has decided to buy in (for now. I'm fickle, remember), it becomes my duty to explain why you should buy in too (us homers are like a cult. We always want you to join us and be happy).</p>
<p>Let's start with the basic stats. Smith went 26/42 (61.9% completion percentage) for 293 yards (6.98 YPA), with two touchdowns and one interception. That's a pretty respectable day. Of course, stats alone don't tell the whole story (and often not even half of it). So we're going to need to look at how Smith got to those stats, and how he looked doing it. Which means...</p>
<p>All-22 snap review time. For every single play Smith made in the air or on the ground last Sunday vs. Denver.</p>
<p>Go get a snack, tell your kids to be quiet, and settle in. This is going to be a long one.</p>
<p><i>(Quick note: we're only looking at Smith's throws and / or runs here. "Snap 7" will not be the 7th snap the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Chiefs</a> offense took, but the 7th snap in which Smith threw the ball or ran the ball. Hopefully that helps avoid confusion.)</i></p>
<h4><b>Snap 1</b></h4>
<p>1st and 10, pistol formation (for the sake of this column, it's all going to be "pistol" unless Smith is clearly at least five yards back. So basically, always pistol). Throws a short out to <span>Dwayne Bowe</span> to the left about 6-7 yards up the field. Hits him in stride, Bowe gets a few extra yards. Nine yard gain. Nice start, although that throw is one that should be hit nine out of 10 times.</p>
<h4><b>Snap 2</b></h4>
<p>2nd and 1, pistol again. <span>Jamaal Charles</span> is to his left, with <span>Dexter McCluster</span> lined up left of the line (though not wide). At the snap JC goes left, Smith fakes (in what appears to be a designed play) the throw to him, then fires across the middle to Dex. Champ Bailey's corpse is draped all over him, but Smith throws leading Dex farther inside, where Bailey's corpse has no chance. Six yard gain.</p>
<p>Two things of note. First, even though it was a mere six yards, that was a nice throw. Gunning it into tight coverage accurately is not easy, even from that range. Second, if the design was indeed to fake a screen to JC, that makes me happy. Teams are sitting on the Chiefs screens now, and plays like that will force them to back off a little.</p>
<h4><b>Snap 3</b></h4>
<p>1st and 20 at the 50 after a holding penalty (darn you, <span>Jeff Allen</span>). Pistol formation, <span>Cyrus Gray</span> (my boy!) lined up behind Smith. Play action to Gray, then Smith surveys the field. Not liking his options, he dumps off to Gray at the line of scrimmage, and Gray does a nice job making his man miss and getting seven yards.</p>
<p>Re-watching on All-22, the dump-off was the correct option. With two receivers and a tight end on routes, no one was open and were in fact all heading into more coverage on their routes. This is why you watch All-22, so you know whether the check down was the right decision.</p>
<p>Also, I've had people tell me that Smith has been making receivers out of the backfield work too hard for the catch due to inaccuracy issues. I can say that this wasn't even kind of true on this particular play. Right in stride, it allowed Gray to catch and turn upfield in time and make golden boy <span>Von Miller</span> look foolish.</p>
<h4><b>Snap 4</b></h4>
<p>2nd and 13, I-formation. Play fake to <span>Knile Davis</span>, then a quick throw to <span>A.J. Jenkins</span> (we're winning that trade, guys!) for a gain of five. Just a quick curl pitch and catch. Nothing major to see here, except maybe to say good velocity on the ball.</p>
<h4><b>Snap 5</b></h4>
<p>3rd and 7, pistol formation. Dwayne Bowe manhandles "elite" Broncos DB Chris Harris and throws him to the ground (way to try and be physical, Harris!). Smith hits him in stride (though Bowe had to slow down a little) across the middle of the field, with the ball traveling about 17 yards in the air. Bowe does his thing, gain of 24. That's a throw you HAVE to make as a quarterback, as Bowe did a great job.</p>
<h4><b>Snap 6</b></h4>
<p>2nd and 8 from Denver's 11, shotgun formation with Smith alone in the backfield. Quick slant to <span>Anthony Fasano</span> (I think he released the ball about a second after the snap) on the right, perfect ball placement, gain of eight and a first down. The coverage was there, but the pass was perfect and Fasano did a great job sealing the cornerback off.</p>
<h4><b>Snap 7</b></h4>
<p>The interception. So what happened? Some have said Smith waited too long to throw the ball, but that wasn't the problem. Fasano was WIDE OPEN initially, but the play was a a bootleg right, so Smith didn't see Fasano initially (as he was busy with the fake and the turn). He sees Fasano open and makes the throw pretty quickly. I believe there were two issues here.</p>
<p>First, I'm not sure Smith even saw Wesley Woodyard, who was coming out from behind the line and did a great drop recovering from the fake and gaining ground in coverage.</p>
<p>Second, it wasn't a particularly good throw. Smith didn't set his feet at all but seemed like he was trying to gun it in there (maybe realizing how open Fasano had been and over-correcting?). Because of that, the ball had almost no air under it, allowing Woodyard (who again, did a great job getting depth in his zone after biting hard on the fake) to get the pick. Had he lofted the ball a little more, or led Fasano rather than trying to gun it right to him, that's a touchdown.</p>
<p>One myth to bust: No, <span>Anthony Sherman</span> was not open. However, Smith could have tried to run and hope that Sherman started blocking the CB in his path. Of course, seeing a wide open Fasano I'm not sure why he'd do that. The real mistake here was either not seeing Woodyard or a poor throw. It's tough to say which.</p>
<p>Here's what Smith said about the play:</p>
<p>"No, I saw him late. I really think it was a good decision, I thought he was open. You know (it was) first down, it was just a bad throw. First down passing, you look back and you miss that ball high. You really throw it to (Anthony) Fasano or nobody because it wasn't fourth down or third down. Looking back on that, I thought it was a good decision. I thought he was open; I still think he was, it was just a bad throw, bad execution."</p>
<h4><b>Snap 8</b></h4>
<p>2nd and 8 on Denver's 19. He hits JC out of the backfield coming back toward the middle (JC easily beating the coverage). Right in stride, gain of 16. This seems like as good a time as any for a picture to give your eyes a break.</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1951141/29933573-c059-4cf1-a838-4edbf84aa33e_zpsccf57338.png"><img alt="29933573-c059-4cf1-a838-4edbf84aa33e_zpsccf57338_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1951141/29933573-c059-4cf1-a838-4edbf84aa33e_zpsccf57338.png" width="100%" height="390"></a></p>
<p>A couple takeaways here. First, JC just burned that corner (who'd passed off Dex to take JC). Absolute humiliation. Second, that's great ball placement, which lead to a short throw going for 16 yards. Nice play (nothing super special, but nice) that might get overlooked.</p>
<h4><b>Snap 9</b></h4>
<p>1st and 10 from the 50, I-formation. Play fake, attempted screen to Knile Davis, who gets hung up and isn't available for the throw. Broncos' Danny Trevethan sees the screen and tackles Davis, leaving Smith with no options. Smith takes off, finds the edge with that speed that keeps surprising me, and gains 13 yards. Something out of nothing.</p>
<h4><b>Snap 10</b></h4>
<p>2nd and 10 on Denver's 17. This is the TD pass to <span>Junior Hemingway</span>. Smith looks first to Bowe, doesn't see anything he likes, resets, and fires it to Hemingway for the touchdown.</p>
<p>Fun fact: That throw was even better than it looked initially. The only reason Hemingway had to reach out for the ball is that as Smith released the throw, the beaten corner grabbed him and held him for a second. Hemingway broke free and made a nice catch. Great play by everyone involved.</p>
<h4><b>Snap 11</b></h4>
<p>1st and 10 at Denver's 22, double tight end, single back with Smith under center. Goes for the money shot to <span>Sean McGrath</span>, just a yard or two long. Chris Harris was right there with The Beard, so the throw had to go a little long. Very near miss. One thing I've noticed (and it happens here) is McGrath gets slowed down by light contact when he's on routes. The ball was probably a tad long regardless, but McGrath needs to work on that.</p>
<h4><b>Snap 12</b></h4>
<p>Very next play, four-receiver set, Smith under center with JC alone in the backfield. Looks to Bowe, who is covered, then goes to Hemingway, who sets up perfectly in the middle of the zone. Nine yard gain. I really, really like how Hemingway found the open spot there (time to see more of him). I'm still adjusting to seeing the quarterback go through reads and not panicking when the first read isn't open.</p>
<h4><b>Snap 13</b></h4>
<p>Touchdown to Fasano. The primary thing I've heard on this is that Fasano made a great catch to overcome a bad throw by Smith. Now, half of that is true; Fasano made a GREAT catch (we really miss that guy on offense when he's out, get well Anthony!). However, take a look at this.</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1951189/Alex3_zpsee4b6e18.png"><img alt="Alex3_zpsee4b6e18_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1951189/Alex3_zpsee4b6e18.png" width="100%" height="397"></a></p>
<p>Look at the yellow circle (I know, I know, it's skinny). You see Fasano's gigantic hand reaching for the ball? Great. Now look what is immediately below that hand. Yep, the defender's arm. Smith HAD to lead Fasano to that point. If he hadn't "overthrown" the ball, it's knocked down or intercepted.</p>
<p>The coverage was actually very good. Smith and Fasano just made a better throw and catch. This is why you don't base your perception off watching the game live one time. Because you'll say stuff like, "That was a bad throw and Fasano bailed him out." And be absolutely wrong.</p>
<h4><b>Snap 14</b></h4>
<p>Good Lord, I need to shorten these up. Incomplete pass to Sherman, should have been caught. It would have only been a gain of about two, but for stat geeks that makes a difference.</p>
<h4><b>Snap 15</b></h4>
<p>3rd and 8 on the five. Fasano comes wide open off the line. Smith hits him quickly, but the throw is high and requires Fasano to jump. He dives for the first down but is ruled out of bounds when he went over the marker. Had Smith hit him in stride, i think that's got a shot at a first down. On the flip side, if Fasano had headed straight upfield as opposed to toward the sideline it's got a shot, too.</p>
<p>Also ... does anyone else remember two weeks ago, when a Denver player was awarded the first down even though he dove forward with the ball clearly out of bounds? Because I sure do. Good times.</p>
<h4><b>Snap 16</b></h4>
<p>3rd and 5, ball at Denver's 19. Pistol formation. Smith is looking for Bowe on a crossing route, but he's hit by the linebacker in the middle of the field (WHY aren't the Chiefs doing more of that?). As that happens, <span>Donald Stephenson</span> gets beat. Charles is available (although he's being tracked by a cornerback on his wheel route), but Smith has to tuck the ball and run for his life before he can reset to throw. He breaks several tackles (including one very fun duck under a rusher's arms) but eventually gets run down.</p>
<p>This play could have ended in a big scramble, but as Smith ran right several of the Chiefs offensive linemen (Rodney Hudson, Jeff Allen, Branden Albert) all give up on the play and started walking, clearly thinking he'd get sacked. When Smith pulled a "How the crap did he do that" escape, they tried to recover and block for him but it was too late. That is absolutely unacceptable, and I hope Smith or Andy Reid said something to them afterwords. Block until the whistle, guys.</p>
<p>Oh, also happening on this drive (the prior play)</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1951333/969b0d77-ee54-40f0-b58b-1845a6244c85_zps726e6198.png"><img alt="969b0d77-ee54-40f0-b58b-1845a6244c85_zps726e6198_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1951333/969b0d77-ee54-40f0-b58b-1845a6244c85_zps726e6198.png" width="100%" height="343"></a></p>
<p>Looks like Denver has finally found the solution to JC running by your defense: just trip him. This'll come back later, because it was happening all game. Feel free to show a Broncos fan the next time they claim Vickerson was their only dirty player.</p>
<h4><b>Snap 17</b></h4>
<p>Von Miller blows by Albert and hits Smith as he throws, resulting in an underthrown ball and a pick. Fortunately, a hold gives it back. Not much to be done here other than that might've been a time to just take the sack rather than throw as you get hit.</p>
<h4><b>Snap 18</b></h4>
<p> </p>
<div class="pullquote"><b>Looks like Denver has finally found the solution to JC running by your defense: just trip him</b></div>
<p>No one open (although Bowe could've maybe been hit on the slant), pressure comes up the middle. Smith is all, "Fine, I'll do it myself," and takes off right. A <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Broncos</a> defender badly underestimates Smith's speed and takes a terrible angle. Smith runs right by him and gets 26 yards. That guy can move. I also like that he rarely takes a real hit when he runs. Promotes longevity.</p>
<h4><b>Snap 19</b></h4>
<p>The intentional grounding play. Wow. Looks like the refs were feeling needy and were looking for some attention.</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1951963/Alex1_zpsf01d9f31.png"><img alt="Alex1_zpsf01d9f31_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1951963/Alex1_zpsf01d9f31.png" width="100%" height="368"></a></p>
<h4><b>Snap 20</b></h4>
<p>Pistol formation on 2nd and long. Hits Sherman out of the backfield for eight yards. Nothing to report on Smith, but I still can't BELIEVE Sherman got brought down by a secondary player like that. He's normally such a bruiser.</p>
<h4><b>Snap 21</b></h4>
<p>3rd and long, Smith throws to Dex for about two yards to effectively end our half. The throw to Dex has been criticized as a poor decision. I disagree. Smith was about to get killed by a blitzer. He absolutely HAD to get rid of the ball and had zero time.</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1951999/Alex3_zpsf61771a9.png"><img alt="Alex3_zpsf61771a9_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1951999/Alex3_zpsf61771a9.png" width="100%" height="371"></a></p>
<p>Notice the free man sprinting toward Smith? That was a very well-executed blitz. Smith made the right choice.</p>
<p>What I WILL criticize, though, is the throw itself. Bad throw, and Dex had to dive for it. In Smith's defense, he had a guy screaming his way. But a better throw allows Dex a little room to run (though he still would've been tackled well short, as Denver's corner correctly passed deep coverage to come up on Dex).</p>
<h4><b>Snap 22</b></h4>
<p>We're in the 2nd half now. 2nd and 9, pistol formation. A VERY quick out to Avery. One of those plays Reid uses to replace running plays, and I wish he'd stop. Denver was all over it.</p>
<h4><b>Snap 23</b></h4>
<p>3rd and 8 on Denver's 48. Pistol formation. Four receivers and JC go out on routes, Denver does a solid job in man coverage. Hudson gives up some ground to cause pressure up the gut, and Smith tries to take off. He looks to have a good shot at the first down, but slows down while leaving the pocket (we'll get back to that). A hold is called on <span>Branden Albert</span> and the whole thing comes back. Except...</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1952017/63d1624c-4329-4cf2-a689-da6259ee12c9_zps845b531b.jpg"><img alt="63d1624c-4329-4cf2-a689-da6259ee12c9_zps845b531b_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1952017/63d1624c-4329-4cf2-a689-da6259ee12c9_zps845b531b.jpg" width="100%" height="348"></a></p>
<p>Now we see WHY Smith slowed down. Von Miller (who, to be fair, was being held) blatantly tries to trip Smith as he runs by. This should have been offsetting penalties and a replay of 3rd and 8. But nope. I hate everything, but especially Von Miller. <a href="http://i994.photobucket.com/albums/af64/MNchiefsfan/63d1624c-4329-4cf2-a689-da6259ee12c9_zps845b531b.jpg"></a></p>
<h4><b>Snap 24</b></h4>
<p>3rd and 18. Smith hits Avery on an out route for ... 16 yards. Bad throw. Avery had to come back for it. I get that a 15 yard out from the opposite hash is a tough throw, but still ... if credit should be given to Smith when he makes a good play, it's gotta be pointed out that his throw is what cost the Chiefs a first down on this particular play.</p>
<p>(I'm still steamed Reid didn't go for it here, but whatever.)</p>
<h4><b>Snap 25</b></h4>
<p>1st and 10 on Denver's 20, Chiefs now down by a touchdown. Pistol formation with double TEs. Really well drawn-out play forces Woodyard to choose between Fasano and The Beard. He tries to bump Fasano and gets slammed into for his trouble (Fasano's a big dude). McGrath comes open across the middle, Smith hits him in stride. First down.</p>
<h4><b>Snap 26</b></h4>
<p>1st and 10 on Denver 31. I-formation, Two receivers, one tight end. NICE play fake to JC and Smith makes an absolutely gorgeous throw 40 yards in the air to A.J. Jenkins ... who drops it.</p>
<p>I mean, seriously...</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1952587/Alex3_zpsaec950b5.png"><img alt="Alex3_zpsaec950b5_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1952587/Alex3_zpsaec950b5.png" height="380" width="667"></a></p>
<p>See the red circle? that's the ball, about to hit a running Jenkins in stride. There are drops, then there are bad drops, then there are "OH GOOD GOD HOW COULD YOU DROP THAT?????" drops. This falls in the last category. Jenkins hauls that in, even if he falls down immediately we're in field goal range (around the 30).</p>
<p>But since this is about Smith, I'm not going to stew too much longer over the drop. My main point is Smith just tossed a beautiful 40 yard bomb. He was overthrowing these earlier this year, but has been sticking them lately. Throws like this are the reason I'm no longer on the fence with Smith.</p>
<h4><b>Snap 27</b></h4>
<p> </p>
<div class="pullquote"><b>Throws like this are the reason I'm no longer on the fence with Smith.</b></div>
<p>3rd and 8, same drive. Smith takes ANOTHER deep shot down the field, this one to Fasano. This throw was decent, but not all that good. Fasano dives and gets both hands on it, but drops it when he hits the ground (having very likely concussed himself). Von Miller was screaming up the middle toward Smith as he released.</p>
<p>When I first watched the game I was furious about this drop. But now, I'd chalk this up as a "meh" play for Smith. The throw wasn't that good. I don't think Fasano had to lay himself out QUITE so much for it, but it would've been a very good catch.</p>
<h4><b>Snap 28</b></h4>
<p>1st and 10 on the 20. Fourth quarter, Chiefs down 14. Quick throw right to Bowe. It's high, but Bowe is able to get both hands on it ... and lets it go between them. I am filled with rage. Much worse drop than Fasano's in my opinion. Would've only been six yards or so, though.</p>
<h4><b>Snap 29</b></h4>
<p>Next play, out of shotgun. Von Miller owns Albert and is on Smith almost instantly. Smith breaks free and runs left for a gain of one. Literally no one even remotely open, and in my opinion Smith deserves props for not taking a sack here. A one ard gain isn't much, but when compared to an eight yard loss...</p>
<h4><b>Snap 30</b></h4>
<p>3rd and 17 (because of a hold on the aforementioned play). Smith in shotgun. No one gets open immediately, and you can see Smith start to dance around. But instead of taking off, he keeps his eyes down the field, keeps scanning, and throws right before the rush gets to him. Junior Hemingway in the middle of the field, having found the soft spot in the zone. Low throw but Hemingway snags it for the first down.</p>
<p>What I like about this play is Smith clearly understood he HAD to keep his eyes downfield and find a receiver. The Chiefs absolutely needs a first down, and Smith was patient in waiting for someone to get open. Really nice play (and by Hemingway, too, who needs to see the field more).</p>
<h4><b>Snap 31</b></h4>
<p>I'm starting to wonder if Avery isn't part of some elaborate prank on Alex Smith. 35 yard back shoulder throw (though "stop running all of a sudden" throw would be more accurate) that arrives literally in Avery's lap...</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1952629/8f54b8e3-18ba-47aa-8ec1-ca24aa964b99_zps9dced027.png"><img alt="8f54b8e3-18ba-47aa-8ec1-ca24aa964b99_zps9dced027_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1952629/8f54b8e3-18ba-47aa-8ec1-ca24aa964b99_zps9dced027.png" height="412" width="586"></a></p>
<p>... and he dropped it. I have no idea how he even managed to drop it. I'm almost impressed. Avery is the ultimate quarterback tease. He's got wonderful speed and quickness and so gets separation very well. But his catching is about as consistent as ... something super inconsistent (you know I'm upset when I can't even come up with a bad analogy. Ugh).</p>
<h4><b>Snap 32</b></h4>
<p>I'm not even going to ... I can't even ... I just...</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1952641/Alex3_zpsb29f3aab.png"><img alt="Alex3_zpsb29f3aab_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1952641/Alex3_zpsb29f3aab.png" height="374" width="656"></a></p>
<p>In case you're wondering, that got dropped. Re-watching the play 900 times or so, it seems like Avery was surprised the ball got there when it did and only got his hands up at the last second. But still ... Donnie, are you angry with Alex? Let's talk about this. You guys can work it out.</p>
<h4><b>Snap 33</b></h4>
<p>Pass rush closes in before Smith can get past his first read, but he manages to run up the middle for a six yard gain. Very "something out of nothing."</p>
<h4><b>Snap 34</b></h4>
<p>Miller badly beats <span>Eric Fisher</span> on the right side. Smith steps up and delivers a throw to Dex that falls incomplete (Dex was well covered). If Smith had waited a split second longer, he would've seen Junior Hemingway coming open across the middle for what could've been a pretty big gain. He could have and should have waited, as he'd stepped up and out of danger. Poor play.</p>
<h4><b>Snap 35</b></h4>
<p>Screen to Knile Davis. Not a great throw, Knile has to turn around to catch it. Knile compounds the issue by doing so very awkwardly. Gain of five.</p>
<h4><b>Snap 36</b></h4>
<p>3rd and 5. Single back with Davis, Smith under center. Hits Davis on a wheel route to the right, this time in stride. Gain of 11, first down. Good looking play.</p>
<h4><b>Snap 37</b></h4>
<p>1st and 10 on Denver's 17. Another screen, this time to Jamaal Charles. Executed very well, another first down.</p>
<h4><b>Snap 38</b></h4>
<p>1st and goal from the six. Another super quick out to Avery, knocked down at the line of scrimmage. Even had it gotten to Avery, the defender was all over it. Seriously, I hate that play call. Limits options (as Smith is clearly supposed to go straight to Avery) and is NOT an acceptable substitute for a run with our rushing attack.</p>
<h4><b>Snap 39</b></h4>
<p>Quick out to Dex, this one run slightly better (I still hate this play, though. Gets guys running horizontal rather than vertical). Dex gets facemasked to the ground at the one (otherwise he makes it across in my opinion).</p>
<h4><b>Snap 40</b></h4>
<p>3:32 left in the game, down seven, the defense FINALLY got a stop, and the Chiefs got the ball on their own seven yard line. Attempted back shoulder throw to Bowe. Very good coverage, high throw, incomplete.</p>
<h4><b>Snap 41</b></h4>
<p>2nd and 14 (because of course the Chiefs got a false start). The Avery non-fumble. And yes, it was a non-fumble. He was bobbling it as he started to run, never had full possession. Get over it, Broncos fans, and quit acting like it's even close to the same thing as the garbage non-calls you got or that it "evened things out."</p>
<p>(Sorry, got sidetracked there. I'm still irritated about the trips and the "intentional grounding.")</p>
<p>Anyway, as far as decisions go, I would've rather seen Smith dump the ball off to Charles, who would've had only one defender to beat in the open field. "Meh" play.</p>
<h4><b>Snap 42</b></h4>
<p>You know what happened here. 3rd and 14, ball on the four, pressure on. The Broncos bring SEVEN on the blitz, so many that Bowe stays in to block (WHAT?????). And Alex Smith is all, "Whatever," as he does this...</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1952665/d3aa40ba-d133-4e99-a3f3-be45602050ed_zps9d93939e.jpg"><img alt="D3aa40ba-d133-4e99-a3f3-be45602050ed_zps9d93939e_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1952665/d3aa40ba-d133-4e99-a3f3-be45602050ed_zps9d93939e.jpg" height="441" width="623"></a></p>
<p>... which led to this...</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1952671/ae845a17-ba05-4c58-94e6-82036f399f97_zps5ed6add1.png"><img alt="Ae845a17-ba05-4c58-94e6-82036f399f97_zps5ed6add1_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1952671/ae845a17-ba05-4c58-94e6-82036f399f97_zps5ed6add1.png" height="390" width="685"></a></p>
<p>I could watch that play a million times. Stands tall in the pocket, sees the corner is fronting Jenkins (who was basically standing still when the ball was thrown) and the safety is too deep, so throws it up over the head of the corner where only Jenkins can catch it.</p>
<p>Alex Smith: the calm in the storm. That's a play that gets a fence sitter to take a side.</p>
<h4><b>Snap 43</b></h4>
<p>1st and 10 on Denver's 30. Shotgun, 3 WR's and The Beard. Smith overthrows McGrath down the middle of the field. Tight coverage, required a long throw. McGrath once again allowed jostling to slow him down, but I believe it would've been overthrown either way.</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="pullquote"><b>Alex Smith: the calm in the storm. That's a play that gets a fence sitter to take a side.</b></div>
<h4><b>Snap 44</b></h4>
<p>Shotgun again, Smith gets great protection and throws 30 yards down the middle of the field to Dex. He fits the throw between three defenders (coverage was solid so he had to go over the top) who were in the area, and Dex makes an exceptional diving catch (Smith should've taken about a yard off that ball). Great protection, good (but not great) throw, and great catch.</p>
<h4><b>Snap 45</b></h4>
<p>You know what is absolutely impossible to defend? A back shoulder throw 20 yards down the field when it's put right here...</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1954273/Alex3_zpsd00fef87.png"><img alt="Alex3_zpsd00fef87_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1954273/Alex3_zpsd00fef87.png" height="388" width="681"></a></p>
<p>Holy crap. That might be the best throw of the day, considering the timing and placement with a back shoulder throw that far down the field. Unbelievable play, and a great job by Bowe as well.</p>
<h4><b>Snap 46</b></h4>
<p>Overthrown to Bowe down the left sideline. Very good coverage on the play, ball was put where it was either Bowe or no one. Another yard lower and that's a completion, so it's gotta be noted as an overthrow.</p>
<h4><b>Snap 47</b></h4>
<p>Quick throw right to Dex, who had gained separation with a fake inside. Smith throws it a few feet high, forcing the ever-tiny Dex to jump for it and gain only a couple yards. Hitting Dex in stride makes that a 5-6 yard play.</p>
<h4><b>Snap 48</b></h4>
<p>3rd and 7 at the 17. Smith is alone in the backfield with four receivers bunched to his left. He motions Dex to the backfield and it's a screen to Jenkins with Bowe and Hemingway blocking, with a quick play fake to Dex going right. Ends up as a four yard gain.</p>
<p>This was a very creative play call, and I like the idea of Bowe / Hemingway blocking (both are excellent. However, I hate the fake to Dex, as it delays a throw that should be instantaneous. Denver's defense didn't bite and they were swarming pretty quickly Also, a few things went wrong execution-wise.</p>
<p>Bowe and Hemingway didn't hold their blocks as well as one would hope, Smith threw the ball too low (in a hurry to get it there I assume), and Jenkins hesitated before cutting to the outside. Had any one of those things been different (especially the blocks), that play goes for a first down.</p>
<p>All that said, I like that play call ... in the first half of a game. Late in the fourth on a drive where your quarterback and receivers have been winning the battles straight up? I hated it. Smacked of over-coaching in my opinion. Again, though, had it been executed better (and had they left out the silly play fake) that play could have been a good one. I hope to see it again.</p>
<h4><b>The Last Down</b></h4>
<p>A few things here. First, Adams was sitting on Bowe's route and didn't bite when Alex looked right to Avery and then briefly at Charles coming out of the backfield. Really good discipline by the safety.</p>
<p>Second, Sean McGrath gets mauled during his entire route, well past five yards. I understand officials don't want to be the reason games change radically, but good Lord, you can't play press coverage all the way down the field (I wish they could, but they can't). It's made even worse by the fact that it literally happened right in front of the official. Ugh.</p>
<p>Third, the left side of the line allowed <span>Robert Ayers</span> to gain penetration and get in Smith's face. Stephenson didn't help Allen engage (though he had no one else to block), and Allen lost Ayers on a solid spin move.</p>
<p>Fourth, I think Smith made the wrong throw here, AND (after re-watching about 50 times), I'm not sure if Bowe wasn't his second or third read. He genuinely appears to be looking to go to Avery first, but doesn't like what he sees. Either that or it's a heckuva fake.</p>
<p>That said, I think the correct throw is a corner route to Avery. Had Smith kept his eyes on Avery for a split second longer, he would've seen Avery do a decent job beating the press and starting to gain separation heading toward the corner. Now, it would've required a fantastic throw and a great catch, but I think it's got a better chance of succeeding than the throw to Bowe.</p>
<p>That said, when Alex looked away, Avery hadn't really gained any traction yet. And by the time Smith got to Bowe as a read, Ayers was coming quickly. At that point, there was no other option but to try and squeeze the throw in there. So one can knock the throw to Bowe, but it was either make that throw or take a sack. The correct thing to (maybe) knock is the lack of taking a shot on the corner route.</p>
<h4><b>What does this all mean?</b></h4>
<p>We've taken a long road to a short thought: Alex Smith played an exceptional game. I thought he was solid on my live viewing and first re-watch, and my opinion of the game only got better upon the more detailed re-watch. Several of the major "mistakes" Smith made that people have criticized were not, upon All-22 review, mistakes at all (like the throw to Dex that ended a drive).</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="pullquote"><b>My overall point is that Smith has me off the fence. The man has been making plays for weeks now.</b></div>
<p>Smith made multiple exceptional throws, more than I've seen him make in any game yet (including the more statistically impressive Chargers game). He also made very good plays with his feet on multiple occasions.And had he not been the victim of several inexcusable, horrific drops (leaving out even "borderline" drops), he tosses for 375 yards.</p>
<p>My overall point is that Smith has me off the fence. The man has been making plays for weeks now. He's shown he can push the ball down the field. He's shown that he can stay calm in a tough spot.</p>
<p>The bottom line is simple: if Alex Smith plays at this level for the remainder of the year and the defense bounces back to even 75 percent of what it has been this year, the Chiefs are going to make noise in the playoffs. If the receivers decide that hey, catching the ball down the field is a good thing (paging MOAR Junior Hemingway), the Chiefs are a legitimate contender. And no, I'm not kidding.</p>
<p>So someone take care of that fence for me. I won't be needing it for now.</p>
<p><i>(For MOAR Chiefs analysis, give me a follow <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/RealMNchiefsfan">@RealMNchiefsfan</a>. I use pretty pictures these days)</i></p>
<p>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3604021/nextclicks.css"></p>
https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2013/12/6/5176106/alex-smith-kansas-city-chiefs-quarterback-denver-broncos-gameMNchiefsfan2013-12-04T19:33:45-06:002013-12-04T19:33:45-06:00Broncos vs. Chiefs: The best and the worst
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/WJda4q_y4rx_6H0Xx51j0UOmTaA=/0x278:4000x2945/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/24519137/20131201_jla_sm8_363.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><a href="http://www.twitter.com/hisdirkness" target="new">@HisDirknesS</a> recaps the Chiefs 35-28 defeat to the Broncos with the best and worst moments of the week.</p> <p>The sorrows of Sunday. The perspective of Monday.</p>
<p>The harsh realities of re-watching the game Tuesday. Trying to put it all together on Wednesday...</p>
<p>Lets start with my eternal burning flame of optimism before getting to the reports of the sky falling on Sunday.</p>
<p>The Chiefs are in a great position right now. Seriously.</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="sidebar">
<a href="http://www.arrowheadpride.com/2013/12/3/5171654/nfl-playoff-scenarios-chiefs-broncos-patriots-colts">
<h2>How the Chiefs can clinch a playoff spot this weekend</h2>
<img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/24433189/452928025.0_cinema_1050.0.jpg"></a> <span></span>
</div>
<p>They're back to nobody taking them seriously (ALWAYS a good thing for the Chiefs), they're probably the 3rd best team in the AFC (I promise you, New England and Den would rather see Cincy or Indy over KC in the playoffs), and are a win away from clinching a playoff berth.</p>
<p>This season now comes down to one game. A Wild Card round playoff game to be played in either Cincinnati or Indianapolis.</p>
<p>Now that the dream of obtaining the #1 seed is dead (a potential relief?), and the Chiefs are virtually locked into being the #5 seed, they can use these next 4 weeks as an essential tune-up for that one game. Rest everybody up, get healthy, and get this defense turned around.</p>
<p>Lets not forget, the defense was considered the best in the league for about 8 weeks, so they absolutely have the potential to get it going again. Not to mention, the offense is surging right now, looking better than it has all year long. If KC can find a way to get both units firing at the same time, look out.</p>
<p>Just remember, it's not about being the best team in the NFL in September or October or November or December.</p>
<p>It's about being the best team in January.</p>
<h3><b>The Best & Worst w/ His Dirkness</b></h3>
<p><b>Best coach in the NFL for 6 days, 20 hours, and 54 minutes of every week</b> - Andy Reid. He has to be. Because, for as much success as he's had throughout 15 years of being an NFL head coach, he's terrible on game day. To win as consistently as he has, he must be a level up on the competition in all other facets. I've already made <a target="_blank" href="http://www.arrowheadpride.com/2013/9/21/4755536/chiefs-vs-eagles-the-best-and-the-worst">this comparison once before</a> this season, but he's so Gary Pinkel it's not even funny.</p>
<p>Lets break this down "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly" style for our beloved Big <strike>Blondie</strike> Red:</p>
<p><b>The Good</b> - Revived this franchise from 2-14 laughingstock to 9-3 contender. Had his team ready to go for the biggest game of the season on Sunday. His offense is improving greatly as the season goes on. He's a proven winner.</p>
<p><b>The Bad</b> - Those three words that everybody utters to themselves at one point or another on Sundays: "Run. The. Ball." Jamaal Charles is unquestionably the best player on this offense. His season high in carries is only 22. His 19 carries on Sunday were his most since Week 7. His yards per carry is skyrocketing over the last 4 games (5.7 ypc). I understand he doesn't want to wear him down (Hi, Knile!), but at some point you put the ball in your best player's hands and rely on him to win the game. Give me 30 God Jam carries in that playoff game.</p>
<p><b>The Ugly</b> - The decision making. Ohhhhh, the decision making. Punting on 4th, in the 4th, two weeks ago. No onside kick. His early timeout blunder from last week. And two more egregious errors this week...</p>
<ul>
<li>Punting on 4th and 2 at the Broncos 42 yard line - The game is tied 21-21 at the time. Denver has scored on a TD on 2 of their previous 3 possessions and looks poised to take over the game unless KC's offense can respond. At this point, you know you have to score points. Look, I'm an advocate of almost always going for it on 4th and 2, so it's of little surprise this pissed me off. But at this point in the game, the situation completely dictates going for it. Needless to say, two plays later, the Broncos had advanced to the Chiefs 15 yard line on their way to a TD to take the lead.</li>
<li>Accepting a 5 yard offensive penalty on 2nd and 15 - Here are your choices after that Broncos infraction: 2nd and 20 or 3rd and 15. This should be a no-brainer. I was get-hit-by-a-car-while-playing-catch-in-the-parking-lot-drunk on Sunday and knew this was an asinine decision right away. Hell, the ref double and TRIPLE checked with the Chiefs sideline before making the announcement. Not to mention, this happened late in the 4th quarter, when KC was already using timeouts, which means you want Denver running as few plays as possible.</li>
</ul>
<p><b>Worst play of the day, defense</b> - Ironically, the ensuing 2nd and 20 play. <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/HisDirknesS/status/408294052011204608">Here, look at it</a>. LOOK AT IT! Where do I start? How about with Quintin Demps, who comes underneath the pick on a 2ND AND 20! Go over the top and tackle him for 8 yards (still worse than 3rd and 15, btw). Then you have Sean Smith, who looks like he's playing two-hand touch, while Kendrick Lewis can't even get that far (what is he DOING on this play?).</p>
<p><b>Worst play of the day, special teams</b> - Dexter McCluster fielding a punt at the 3 yard line. In my rewatch, I noted this as the biggest play in the game, and here's why: KC had all the momentum at the time, up 21-7 and just forced a Broncos punt. This completely handcuffed an offense that was RED HOT. Here, let me show you...</p>
<ul>
<li>The 4 drives before McCluster's gaffe: INT in end zone, TD, TD, TD.</li>
<li>The 5 drives following McCluster's gaffe: Punt, punt, punt, punt, punt.</li>
</ul>
<p><b>Worst play of the day, offense</b> - Alex Smith's INT in the end zone. Heh, no I'm not going to criticize Alex now. He played a near perfect game outside of 2 throws - the final play of the first drive (probably could've run it in) and the final play of the last drive (not really his fault, nobody was open). But it's fantastic to know that Alex has this in him. It ranks right up there with his playoff performance against the Saints from 2011. And the beauty of that is that those were two of the biggest games of his career and he showed up in a big time way. Very good to see.</p>
<p><b>Best hands on the team</b> - Junior Hemingway. Why do we have all these WRs on the field who can't seem to catch but don't play our WR with the best hands? I just don't get it. In the midst of the Avery-Jenky Gum Drops (a staggering 5 drops in 6 throws from Alex!!) was Junior Hemingway recording a reception. His TD was nice as well. Play this man!</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="pullquote">
<b>Best hands on the team</b> - Junior Hemingway.</div>
<p><b><strike>Best </strike>Longest play in Chiefs history</b> - Knile Davis' 108 yard kick return. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eatVvW11Rz8">Roll Tide</a>.</p>
<p><b>Bests</b> - AJ Jenkins' 4th quarter catch. Fasano's TD catch. Hitting Peyton on the first drive. Eric Berry as a pass rusher. Allen Bailey. Demaryius's Jon Baldwin impersonation. Knile Davis's emergence. Schwartz and Stephenson starting on the OL. Arrowhead's weak metal detectors. Everybody who doesn't have a voice left on Monday.</p>
<p><b>Worsts</b> - Eric Decker. The PI calls on Cooper and Smith. The tackling on Montee Ball's 45 yard run. Demps' play on Denver's 3rd TD (probably the worstest). My "Cooper owns Peyton" T-shirt business. Eric Decker. Our deep safety play. The grounding call on Alex. Donnie, Who Loved Dropping lining up wrong on the nullified TD to Bowe. Whatever the hell that was <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/christhorman/status/407277532153528320">coming out of Knowshown Moreno's eyes</a>. Eric Decker.</p>
<p><b>Worst beatdown on Sunday</b> - No, not Marcus Cooper or even Brandon Flowers (who's getting a bit of a free pass). It was Peyton Manning over Bob Sutton, and here's why: The Denver Broncos rolled up 244 yards of total offense in the 3rd quarter. To Antonio Smith, this is obviously cheating. To the rest of us, those are halftime adjustments and that is a shellacking. Combine that with his <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/Jacobs71/status/405388924161245184">questionable coverage scheme on the game winning TD</a> vs. San Diego and his unit flailing over the past 4 games, and it's fair to say Bob Sutton needs to step it up. He is of the upmost importance in order for the Chiefs to turn things around in 2013.</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="sidebar"><a href="http://www.arrowheadpride.com/2013/12/3/5169866/dontari-poe-kansas-city-chiefs-most-valuable-player">
<h2>Is Dontari Poe the most valuable Chief?</h2>
<img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/24424401/20131021_ter_sr9_954.0_cinema_1050.0.jpg"></a></div>
<p><b>Best thing for Dontari Poe</b> - Rest. This defense was at its best when Hungry Hungry Hip Poe was out there making plays. We haven't seen as many plays from him lately (more attention, tons of snaps, lack of opportunity at his position). Come playoff time, Poe needs to be at his best. And that's why I love the signing of the Poe man's Poe, Jerrell Powe, to give him a breather or two.</p>
<p><b>Best sign at the game</b> - "Choke - Official Soft Drink of the (Denver Broncos' logo)." Three reasons I think KC has a shot if they go back to Denver in the playoffs: 1. Justin Houston, arguably the team's best player, will be back. 2. Peyton Manning in the playoffs (9-11 career record). 3. It won't be 50 degrees in Denver come January (Peyton's career record in games played under 40 degrees: 10-12, 0-3 in playoffs).</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://amateurhourpodcast.com/2013/12/02/amateur-hour-postgame-broncos/"></a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://amateurhourpodcast.com/2013/12/02/amateur-hour-postgame-broncos/">Amateur Hour: Chiefs/Broncos Postgame Show (two very beaten down voices)</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://amateurhourpodcast.com/2013/12/03/nick-at-night-chiefs-week-14/">Amateur Hour w/ Nick Wright</a></p>
<p>Go Sporting,</p>
<p>His Dirkness</p>
<p>
<link href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3604021/nextclicks.css" rel="stylesheet"></p>
https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2013/12/4/5176144/broncos-vs-chiefs-the-best-and-the-worstHisDirkness2013-12-03T09:03:01-06:002013-12-03T09:03:01-06:00Chiefs had winning stats vs. Denver
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Sx6yYs-AJe1AmphAPyqho7VunjY=/190x226:3900x2699/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/24363315/20131201_jla_sr9_684.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Kansas City Chiefs lost to the Denver Broncos on Sunday but it wasn't a bad game. In fact, the Chiefs had three key stats which usually indicate they'll win.</p> <p><span>The KC </span><a style="background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;" href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chiefs</a><span> dropped their third straight game in Denver on Sunday, 35-28. The upside is that the Chiefs had the ball on the 13-yard line with a chance to tie in the final minutes, meaning they're capable of competing with Denver. The downside is that they made too many mistakes elsewhere to allow another </span><span>Peyton Manning</span><span> comeback.</span><br><span></span></p>
<p><span>What I found interesting about this game is that the Chiefs had several key advantages in the game against Denver that usually results in a win.</span></p>
<h5>1. Win the turnover battle</h5>
<p>The Chiefs won the turnover battle, 2-1. Turnovers are one of the strongest indicators of success, which means if you win the turnover battle, you're usually winning the game.</p>
<p>Alex Smith's interception was costly. The Chiefs were on the goal line with a first down when he threw that pick. The Chiefs did drive right back down there after getting their own interception off of Peyton Manning though. Manning threw two total interceptions to Alex Smith's one. KC fumbled once but recovered it.</p>
<p>The Chiefs split the turnover battle last time around in Denver and lost by 10 points.</p>
<div class="sidebar">
<a>
<h2>More Chiefs stuff to read</h2>
<img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/24342689/452973201.0_cinema_1050.0.jpg"></a><a href="http://www.arrowheadpride.com/2013/12/2/5166896/kansas-city-chiefs-alex-smith-andy-reid-jamaal-charles">*Popular post: Chiefs are making me a believer</a><a style="href=">*The current AFC playoff picture</a><a href="http://www.arrowheadpride.com/2013/12/2/5166882/andy-reid-kansas-city-chiefs-offensive-line-branden-albert-injury">*Update: Branden Albert day to day</a><a style="href=">*Chiefs just need to make that ONE play</a><a href="http://www.arrowheadpride.com/2013/12/2/5165998/kansas-city-chiefs-jamaal-charles-rushing-record">*Jamaal Charles breaking records</a><a href="http://www.arrowheadpride.com/2013/12/2/5165066/kansas-city-chiefs-secondary-marcus-cooper-brandon-flowers-eric-berry">*The Chiefs biggest problem</a>
</div>
<h5>2. Special teams TD</h5>
<p>Remember those people saying the Chiefs were winning games because the defense and special teams were scoring points? Well ... that happened. <span>Knile Davis</span> took one 108 yards to the house, the largest kick return in Chiefs history.</p>
<p>The Chiefs were living off of non-offensive touchdowns for a stretch. The way the Chiefs were playing, with an offense struggling and a defense playing lights out, non-offensive touchdowns were huge, and it proved to be the same in this game.</p>
<h5>3. Alex Smith plays well</h5>
<p>Besides the goal line interception, Alex Smith had a good day. He completed 62 percent of his passes (26-of-42) for 293 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. There were a number of drops by the Chiefs receivers or his numbers would be even better. He also added 46 yards rushing. This was a good day for Alex Smith.</p>
<p>If your quarterback plays well, you probably win a lot of games. To be fair, Alex Smith's best games have coincided with the Chiefs losing games, which is interesting.</p>
<p>***</p>
<p>It was an odd game. I'm still getting used to this idea that the Chiefs offense is good and the defense is bad. Whether it's the offense or the defense that is playing poorly, the Chiefs will (almost) always compete if they win the turnover battle, score a non-offensive TD and the quarterback plays well. (You can also add in playing at home.) Maybe the Broncos are just that much better.</p>
https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2013/12/3/5167566/kansas-city-chiefs-3-winning-stats-vs-denver-broncosJoel Thorman2013-12-02T16:44:31-06:002013-12-02T16:44:31-06:00Amateur Hour post-game show<h3 class="link-title"><a rel="nofollow" href="/rss/stream/4926501">Amateur Hour post-game&nbsp;show</a></h3>
<div class="description"><p></p></div>
https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2013/12/2/5168090/amateur-hour-post-game-showJoel Thorman2013-12-02T10:25:49-06:002013-12-02T10:25:49-06:00Sean McGrath held on the final play<blockquote>
<p><p>On a day full of critical calls and non-calls by officials late in games, the Broncos seemed to get away with one on the Chiefs' failed final fourth down. McGrath was being held by Denver's Duke Ihenacho. And even if it wasn't holding, it was illegal contact because Ihenacho contacted McGrath more than five yards off the ball. It probably should have been first-and-goal at the 8 for Kansas City instead of game over.</p></p>
</blockquote>
<div class="source"><p><a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/miami-dolphins-beat-new-york-jets-stay-playoff-race-hope-for-richie-incognito-return-120113">Miami Dolphins stay in playoff race, hope to get Richie Incognito back later this season - NFL News | FOX Sports on MSN</a></p></div>
https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2013/12/2/5166372/sean-mcgrath-held-on-the-final-playJoel Thorman2013-12-02T08:11:08-06:002013-12-02T08:11:08-06:00Donkeys/Chiefs 12/01/2013<img src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/SE8ZMp76xh9vLIwiSS0MKXTmhgg=/410x410/cdn.vox-cdn.com/fan_shot_images/313131/sUJWNdM.jpg" />
<div class="source source-img"><p><p>The view from the upper level for the game last night, where the Arrowhead was rockin!</p></p></div>
https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2013/12/2/5165854/donkeys-chiefs-12-01-2013HazyNirvana2013-12-01T22:41:45-06:002013-12-01T22:41:45-06:00Post-game tweets from Chiefs players
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vvznLJey-LWEYCXuSIrBXRt88vY=/0x256:4000x2923/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/24318827/452948105.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Peter Aiken</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>What the KC Chiefs players are saying on Twitter after Sunday's 35-28 loss to the Denver Broncos. </p> <blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>I truly do appreciate the love and support from the true KC fans. I promise I will personally get better and we will as a team!! <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23blessed&src=hash">#blessed</a></p>
— <span>Marcus Cooper</span> (@Mr_CooperRU12) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mr_CooperRU12/statuses/407367762650996736">December 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>The love is unreal. I really appreciate you guys. I love all of you!</p>
— <span>Branden Albert</span> (@B_Albert76) <a href="https://twitter.com/B_Albert76/statuses/407366379184979968">December 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Tough loss we gave everything we had. Gotta give <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Broncos</a> credit they played for 60 min. God 1st</p>
— <span>Dwayne Bowe</span> (@DwayneBowe82) <a href="https://twitter.com/DwayneBowe82/statuses/407356060786118657">December 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Man we really have the most loyal fans in the NFL.</p>
— <span>Donald Stephenson</span> (@Don59Wayne) <a href="https://twitter.com/Don59Wayne/statuses/407348655515901952">December 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Pain is temporary. It's weakness leaving the body. We are strong team no matter what! Thank you all for your concern. It really means a lot</p>
— Branden Albert (@B_Albert76) <a href="https://twitter.com/B_Albert76/statuses/407341971053633537">December 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Well <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23ChiefsKingdom&src=hash">#ChiefsKingdom</a>, y'all brought it today! Arrowhead was rocking. Unfortunately we just came up short. Gotta be better and we will.</p>
— <span>Geoff Schwartz</span> (@geoffschwartz) <a href="https://twitter.com/geoffschwartz/statuses/407333374290710528">December 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>All I can say is chief nation weather this storm with us.. We will come through</p>
— NICO JOHNSON (@JOHNSON35BOY) <a href="https://twitter.com/JOHNSON35BOY/statuses/407331392108781568">December 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>After all we've been through <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23ChiefsNation&src=hash">#ChiefsNation</a>, your gonna hang your head because we're 9-3?? Not me.. We still grinding!!! <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23ChiefsNation&src=hash">#ChiefsNation</a></p>
— Donald Stephenson (@Don59Wayne) <a href="https://twitter.com/Don59Wayne/statuses/407318536789299201">December 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Wish I could've went to war today with my brothers....Thank God 4 Everything!! <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23TrulyBlessed&src=hash">#TrulyBlessed</a></p>
— <span>Justin Houston</span> (@JHouston50) <a href="https://twitter.com/JHouston50/statuses/407315185431355392">December 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p>
<link href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3604021/nextclicks.css" rel="stylesheet"></p>
https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2013/12/1/5165172/kansas-city-chiefs-player-reactions-denver-broncosJoel Thorman2013-12-01T19:39:09-06:002013-12-01T19:39:09-06:00Death in parking lot at Arrowhead Stadium
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/n-xKOoihr6WFPczyUCIaFwsKiu0=/0x0:600x400/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/24311091/gyi0063799122.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jamie Squire</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A man is dead after an altercation in the Arrowhead parking lot during Sunday's Broncos-Chiefs game, according to the Kansas City police department.</p> <p>We have a developing story out of Kansas City this evening, which comes one year to the day after the Jovan Belcher murder-suicide:</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Detectives investigating a homicide at Arrowhead Stadium. Two suspects in custody. Will update as info becomes available.</p>
— chiefforte (@ChiefForte) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChiefForte/statuses/407314891221901312">December 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p><a href="http://www.kctv5.com/story/24107400/homicide-reported-at-arrowhead-stadium-after-chiefs-broncos-game">KCTV5</a> and others report it occurred in Lot A after the game. USA Today quotes a KCPD official: "<a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641759&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatoday.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fnfl%2Fchiefs%2F2013%2F12%2F01%2Fsuspicious-death-arrowhead-stadium%2F3799641%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.arrowheadpride.com%2F2013%2F12%2F1%2F5164550%2Ffan-fight-death-arrowhead-stadium-chiefs-broncos-2013" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">At this time, we're not calling it a homicide</a>, but we'll investigate it as one."</p>
<p>And KCTV has more:</p>
<blockquote>Police sources tell KCTV5 that a man and his son had gone to their vehicle during the game. When they arrived, they found another man rifling through the vehicle and a fight broke out. The man who apparently did not belong in the vehicle died. Police officials did not say whether the two in custody were the father and his son or not.</blockquote>
<p><a href="http://www.kansascity.com/2013/12/01/4663108/police-arrest-two-in-homicide.html">Here is the KC Star story.</a></p>
<p>From Kansas City police chief Darryl Forte:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Incident did not involve any fan rivalry.</p>
— chiefforte (@ChiefForte) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChiefForte/statuses/407336663350652928">December 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Multiple parties are being interviewed at police headquarters. Exact cause of death undetermined. Victim died while struggling w/2 subjects</p>
— chiefforte (@ChiefForte) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChiefForte/statuses/407346523039875072">December 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>We'll be updating this post as more details emerge.</p>
https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2013/12/1/5164550/fan-fight-death-arrowhead-stadium-chiefs-broncos-2013Chris Thorman