Monday Morning Quarterback: Chiefs 27, Ravens 24
October 5th, 2004 @ 2:18 pm; by Raider Hater
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Everyone had already counted them out, but the Chiefs responded with their season on the line, to win in Baltimore 27-24. It wasn’t always pretty, but when your 0-3 who cares how you get it done, a win is a win. And it couldn’t have come at a better time. Now the Chiefs can go through the bye week with a renewed confidence, and look forward to the rest of the season. Here are my thoughts on the game:
The Chiefs offense was simply amazing. They put together four drives of over 10 plays, all resulting in points, and controlled the ball for 39:43 of the game.
Looking at the stats, this game should have been a blowout:
KC had 25 first downs, compared to Baltimore’s 13
KC had 398 yards of offense, compared to Baltimore’s 207
KC had 178 rushing yards, compared to Baltimore’s 80
KC had 220 passing yards, compared to Baltimore’s 127
KC was 8 of 16 on third down conversions, compared to Baltimore’s 1-8
Two big plays made this game a lot closer than it should have been.
Trent Green may not be the fleetest of foot, but he uses his scrambling ability to make big plays week after week. Monday he avoided several sacks and broke out of the pocket to convert on several third down situations.
On Monday, Green started his 62nd consecutive game at quarterback, breaking Len Dawson’s franchise record.
The Chiefs offensive line dominated one of the best defenses in the NFL, and showed everyone that they are still the best in the NFL. Everyone did their job, including Jordan Black, replacing an injured Brian Waters.
I loved hearing Ray Lewis complain about being double-teamed all night, then seeing the replays and watching as one Chief blocked him time after time.
Priest Holmes continues to amaze me. Playing inspired football after receiving a message from his dad in Iraq, Holmes ran for 125 yards and two touchdowns on 33 carries. He was also the first running back to gain 100 yards against Baltimore in their last ten games.
Backup running back Derrick Blaylock filled in nicely when Holmes needed a rest, running for 28 yards on six carries.
I am still a little surprised at the disappearance of Holmes and Derrick Blaylock from the passing game. Neither one caught a pass on Monday, and Holmes has only five receptions on the season.
Did Tony Gonzalez and Jason Dunn switch jerseys in the first half? Green came out firing, and finding Dunn on KC’s first possession, connecting with Dunn three times for 23 yards and a touchdown.
Johnnie Morton stepped up big on Monday. His numbers won’t overwhelm you, five receptions for 64 yards, but he made huge catches all night working against Pro Bowler Chris McAlister.
Appearing in only his second NFL game, wide receiver Chris Horn also shined against Baltimore. Horn caught five passes for 60 yards, but his biggest catch of the game was nullified by a holding penalty.
Lawrence Tynes is slowly starting to win me over. He converted on field goals of 41 and 38 yards.
The rest of the special teams sucked. Especially the punt coverage unit. They surrendered a 58 yard touchdown return in which no one even touched the return man.
Jason Baker has got to go. He punted five times for an average of 36.2 yards and had absolutely no hang time on Sams punt return for a touchdown.
Punt return yardage:
KC 44 yds. Baltimore 250 yds.
When will Steve Cheek be back again?
The Chiefs defense played brilliantly. The contained Jamal Lewis (15 car. 73 yds.) and gang tackled him all night. They kept the pressure on Kyle Boller and never let him get comfortable.
The Chiefs surrendered only 127 passing yards and 57 of them came on a flea-flicker.
Starters Scott Fujita and Ryan Sims both missed time in the game due to injury, but their replacements stepped in and played great.
The three best defensive performers: Eric Warfield, Lional Dalton and Scott Fujita.
Penalties continue to hurt the Chiefs, especially phantom calls such as the pass interference call on Dexter McCleon that led to a Ravens touchdown in the fourth quarter. For the game, Kansas City was penalized ten times for 72 yards while Baltimore was flagged six times for 54 yards.
Scott Fujita (right ankle), Ryan Sims (left hamstring) and Julian Battle (achilles) were all injure in this game. Let’s hope the bye week gives them the time they need to be healed and ready to go in Jacksonville.
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