Monday Morning Quarterback: Chiefs 56, Falcons 10
October 25th, 2004 @ 3:30 pm; by Raider Hater
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Finally, the offense from last season and the defense from a decade ago returned to Arrowhead. I cannot remember a more complete victory than the Chiefs 56-10 triumph over the 5-1 Atlanta Falcons yesterday afternoon. Here are some of my thoughts on the game:
Memo to Al Saunders: See what happens when you don’t get cute with the play-calling and actually play to the offense’s strengths. You’ve done that in two games and the Chiefs have won them both.
It was also nice to see the return of the screen pass to the Chiefs arsenal.
After a disappointing performance in Jacksonville last week, the offensive line dominated a very good Falcons defense. They gave Trent Green all day to throw the ball and Priest Holmes seemed to go untouched into the secondary every time he ran the ball.
The Falcons defense entered the game with 20 sacks in six games, they still had 20 when they left Arrowhead.
Priest Holmes was his usual amazing self. He was well on his way to breaking the franchise’s single-game rushing record (200 yards) before an ankle injury ended his day, but what was with the two fumbles?
Derrick Blaylock came in and showed everyone why he is the number two back, rushing for 90 yards and four touchdowns on just 19 carries, though I probably could have gained 90 yards running behind the Chiefs line yesterday. OK, maybe not.
Trent Green had another good game, throwing for over 250 yards, but what I like most is his leadership. Did anyone else see him yelling at the field goal team to get off the field on the last play of the first half? No way was he settling for a field goal.
Lawrence Tynes rebounded nicely from his rough outing last week, going a perfect eight-for-eight on PAT attempts and sending several kickoffs deep into the end zone.
The punt coverage team continues to be the Chiefs weakest link. They gave up a 75 yard return for Atlanta’s only touchdown and have now allowed two runbacks for touchdowns in the last three games. Too bad Dante can’t return one against this unit.
The defense put together their best performance since the days of Neil Smith and Derrick Thomas. They shut down the Falcons ground game and pressured and hit Mike Vick on every pass attempt. I’d like to see what the Nike “Michael Vick Experience” would look like for this game.
Monty Beisel continues to improve each week.
You have to feel good for everyone’s favorite “whipping-boy”, William Bartee, who got the start at corner in place of Dexter McCleon and played great. Let’s hope he can build on this and continue to contribute for the rest of the season.
The defense did not give up a single touchdown.
The defense allowed only 103 net passing yards.
Michael Vick ended the game with a 13.9 quarterback rating.
The defense held the Falcons to just one of eleven (9%) third down conversions.
The Chiefs committed only five penalties for 45 yards, and unlike in previous weeks, none of them wiped out any big plays.
The Chiefs are no longer in last place.
The Colts come to town next Sunday and they will be a big test for the Chiefs defense. I’d love to see Peyton Manning enjoy his trip to Arrowhead as much as Michael Vick did. One thing is for sure, the Chiefs will be fired up and looking for revenge, and so will the fans. Arrowhead will be rocking. Go Chiefs
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