Chiefs Keep Winning

 

The Kansas City Chiefs hosted a resurgent Houston Texans team on Saturday.  While the game was destined to be a defensive matchup, the Chiefs still held the clear edge.  Their defense is their advantage against most opponents, and last week’s divisional matchup was no different.

The Chiefs defensive prowess starts with the defensive line anchored by Chris Jones.  Kansas City has the luxury of rotating eight starters on their defensive line.  This allows the Chiefs front to stay healthy and fresh.  Coach Spagnuolo and his staff developed their defensive linemen well over the course of the season.

The Houston Texan’s offensive line didn’t stand a chance against the Chiefs defensive front four.  The Chiefs front four collected seven sacks with an eighth sack secured by defensive back Chamarri Conner off a corner blitz.  The sack parade was led by George Karlaftis who walloped CJ Stroud thrice.  Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Chris Omenihu, Tershawn Wharton and Chris Jones collected a sack each.  Jone’s sack came when he kicked out to defensive end and overwhelmed the Texan’s beleaguered right tackle.

Kansas City Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis defends against the Houston Texans during the second half of an NFL football divisional playoff game, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025 in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs defeated the Texans by a score of 23-14. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)

While the defense did their part, the offense still needed to perform.  Scoring points against the Texan’s defense is a tall order.  Both of their defensive ends secured double digit sacks on the season and their corner backs ranked in the top ten in the whole NFL this year.  The Texan’s defense is well coached and they were hungry.

Patrick Mahomes attempted passes to only four wide receivers on Saturday.  Xavier Worthy is the only Chiefs wide receiver to pull down a pass in the divisional matchup.  Targeted six times, he collected five receptions for 45 yards.

The Texan’s run defense is stout.  They held the Chiefs to 50 yards on 22 carries.  Yet, Kareem Hunt was able to secure rushing touchdown.  Isiah Pacheco is clearly still recovering from injury has he failed to run with his customary violence.  Hunt proved to be the more efficient runner of the two averaging 5.5 yards a carry.

The Chief’s offensive star of the afternoon was Travis Kelce.  He collected seven receptions for 117 yards and a touchdown.  He has gone over 100 yards in nine playoff games in his career.  Some might say he just knows how to step up when he needs to.  While that may be true, it is clear that when it comes to the playoffs, Andy Reid wants to ensure that his best players consistently get the ball.

Coach Reid’s approach to the playoffs has become predictable, yet the rest of the NFL has failed to stop it.  In the last Super Bowl, the Niners knew that getting the ball to Travis Kelce was the plan, and thus Dre Greenlaw shut him down.  When Greenlaw tore his Achilles, Kelce started to shine and the Chiefs ended up winning in overtime.

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) heads off the field after an NFL football divisional playoff game against the Houston Texans, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025 in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs defeated the Texans by a score of 23-14. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)

While Andy Reid’s goals for a playoff game are predictable, his play selection and scheme are not.  Kelce lined up all over the field.  He motioned.  He delayed release.  He chipped and released and sometimes he would just block.  Kelce’s unpredictability strains any defense.  The strength of the Houston defense was their edge rushers and their corners.  Coach Reid and Kelce exploited the Texan’s soft middle.

Much has been said about how NFL official’s referee the Chiefs in particular.  There can be no doubt that the Chiefs benefit more from calls then the average team.  Yet, it is a misnomer to call the Chiefs cheaters.  They benefit from the calls the referee’s make.  That is it.

The Chiefs have a tall order for next week’s AFC Championship.  The Bills will look to finally advance to the Super Bowl.  Next week’s matchup is going to be a classic for years to come.

 

 

 

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