Each week during the 2005 season I will choose an offensive, defensive and special teams player of the game. Here are my selections for the Chiefs after their embarrassing loss to the Giants:
Offense: RB Larry Johnson
Johnson extended his franchise record of consecutive 100 yard rushing games to seven, finishing the day with 167 yards and two touchdowns, but he came up short on one pivotal series in the second quarter. With the game scoreless, the Chiefs had a first and goal from the Giants 3 yard line, Johnson ran the ball on three straight plays and could get no closer than the Giants one. The Chiefs had to settle for a chip-shot field goal from Lawrence Tynes and the Giants quickly answered with a touchdown run by Tiki Barber.
Johnson has now rushed for 1,418 yards on the season, good for fourth in the NFL.
Defense: What Defense?
There is absolutely no one on the defensive side of the ball worthy of this honor based on their performance on Saturday. The Chiefs defense was shredded by the Giants ground game, giving up a Giants franchise record 220 yards to running back Tiki Barber. In the second quarter, Barber broke at least five tackles in route to a 41 yard touchdown run that put the Giants ahead 7-3. They never looked back.
After 14 games the Chiefs defense is currently rated 28th in the NFL. Glad to know all the offseason acquisitions are paying off.
Special Teams: KR Dante Hall
The Chiefs special teams units have been anything but special in recent weeks, and Saturday’s game was no exception. No big hits on punt or kickoff coverage, and once again, no game changing returns by kick returner Dante Hall.
This week’s honor goes to punter Dustin Colquitt who averaged a pedestrian 38.4 yards on his five punts.
