Offense, defense & special teams all contribute in Victory No. 2
From the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
On a sunny Sunday afternoon in the East Bay, the Chiefs once again made themselves right at home in the house Al Davis built, vacated and now lives in again.
Victory No. 2 of the grueling and disappointing 2008 season came with a 20-13 decision over the Raiders and the Chiefs saw all three phases of their game contribute to the victory.
The offense got the job done with a strong drive in the second half that ate up clock and ended with RB Larry Johnson in the end zone. QB Tyler Thigpen led his group to 301 yards and successfully ran the game’s last minutes off the clock with several key first downs. TE Tony Gonzalez had eight catches for 110 yards.
The battered and bruised defense went into the game unsure of how many healthy bodies would be available to play on the defensive line. But they ended up forcing a big second-half turnover and did not give up a big play all day, allowing Oakland 271 total yards. After giving up 300 rushing yards in the season’s second week, they allowed just 139 yards in this game.
And the special teams stepped up and produced a touchdown on one of the most unusual plays of the day and kept Oakland’s explosive punt returner Johnnie Lee Higgins under wraps with good coverage.
The teams traded field goals in the first quarter, as both defenses stiffened in the scoring zone. The Chiefs won the pre-game coin toss but were unable to mount a scoring drive on their first possession. On its first chance with the ball, Oakland was able to drive the ball 80 yards on eight plays. The big plays were a 28-yard completion from QB JaMarcus Russell to TE Zach Miller and then a 16-yard hook-and-ladder play from Russell to WR Ronald Curry, who tossed a lateral to RB Darren McFadden
The Raiders had a first-and-10 at the Chiefs 14-yard line, but the Chiefs defense allowed just seven yards on three plays and K Sebastian Janikowski kicked a 25-yard FG to give Oakland the 3-0 lead.
Starting at their own 25-yard line, the Chiefs offense was able to move down the field, going 55 yards on 11 plays. Using a combination of Johnson’s legs and Thigpen’s arm, they picked up three first downs. The big plays were a pair of third down completions from Thigpen of 15 yards to RB Jamaal Charles and 15 yards to WR Dwayne Bowe. But the drive got bogged down and had to settle for a 38-yard FG from K Connor Barth.
The game’s first touchdown came on one of the most unusual plays of the Chiefs season. The Raiders were set up for a 43–yard FG attempt by Janikowski. But holder P Shane Lechler took the snap and then tried to lateral the ball to Janikowski, who had gone in motion to the left. Janikowski muffed the low lateral and CB Maurice Leggett roared in, picked up the ball and ran it back 67 yards for the touchdown. Barth added the PAT kick and the Chiefs had a most unusual 10-3 lead.
When it got the ball back, Oakland drove all the way to the Chiefs 22-yard line. The Raiders decided to go for it on fourth-and-three, rather than take what would have been a 40-yard Janikowski FG attempt. Russell’s pass in the end zone for Curry was overthrown and the Chiefs took over on downs.
For the rest of the quarter neither offense was able to mount a sustained drive and the half-time score had the Chiefs still holding a 10-3 lead.
The Raiders offense began the third quarter but after giving up a 15-yard run by Fargas, the Chiefs defense stiffened and forced a punt. Lechler’s kick went into the end zone for a touchback and the Kansas City offense began play at its own 20-yard line.
After a nice 13-yard run by Johnson, Thigpen took off on a bootleg left. On the run, with FB Mike Cox open as a short receiver, Thigpen decided to go downfield. His throw for Gonzalez was high and picked off by Oakland CB Chris Johnson, who returned the ball 44 yards to the Kansas City one-yard line.
Fargas scored on the next play, diving over the middle of the Raiders offensive line. Janikowski’s PAT kick tied the score at 10-10 with more than 11 minutes to play in the quarter.
The teams traded the ball for the rest of the period. The Chiefs best possession was their last of the third quarter and it eventually produced a touchdown. Starting at its nine-yard line, the Kansas City offense put together six first downs and moved the ball 91 yards on 16 plays.
The score came on a two-yard run by Johnson on a first-and-goal play. Barth’s PAT kick gave the Chiefs a 17-10 lead with just under 14 minutes to play in the game.
On the next Oakland possession, the Chiefs defense got another takeaway. Fargas fumbled after he was hit by LB Rocky Boiman and CB Brandon Flowers recovered at the Raiders 39-yard line.
The offense couldn’t get into the end zone, but Barth nailed a 27-yard FG to give the Chiefs a 20-10 lead with eight minutes, 54 seconds to play.
Oakland added a late FG from Janikowski of 51 yards, but when the Chiefs got the ball back, they did not give it up, as they got a first down run by Johnson and a Thigpen to Bowe pass to move the chains. The game finished with Thigpen taking a knee for three straight plays and the Chiefs had their sixth consecutive victory in Oakland over the Raiders.
A win is a win. Could anyone believe the fake FG/messed up lateral, talk about a play to describe the game. I suppose this means herm and coaches are improving the team.
HALALUJUAH! Thank you Lord for answering our prayers.
They did play better than they have against a team that beat us at home 23-8 and last week beat the donks. I want the team to get better. I seen a lot I didn’t like but I was impressed with Babin and Dorsey today. I do have a problem with the special teams though on that 51 yard fg by janikowski. How come they didn’t go after that kick. its a 51 yarder I remember last year when page use to block a couple of those. I know hes not on special teams but seeing players just standing around irritates me on special teams they need to go after it at full speed.
The Chiefs played hard and I amglad they won. However, Herm was out out-coached (in other words, faced a worse coach) in Tom Cable who snatched defeat from victory by not letting his All World kicker, Sebastian Janikowski, kick two field goals that would have denied the Chiefs their first touchdown and changed the game to an Oakland victory. I never thought that would happen
Hey! the D looked better today. Some great hits, Bob you were right about Legget, he had another good game. Time will still tell if Herm can coach a team to the Super Bowl, but there is no doubt that he can coach DB’s.
Our D made McFadden and Russell look like busts (as some call it) today. After Russell took a couple good hits he was terrible. Fargas is a stud though.
It wasn’t all pretty but a win is sure nice. GOOD GAME CHIEFS!
Finally, a win! Here’s some credit where credit is due to KC’s coaching staff. Finding and grabbing underrated talent, especially in the defensive secondary, such as:
1. Brandon Carr in the fifth round of the draft. This one’s a steal comparable to Jared Allen in the fourth.
2. Mike Cox, undrafted rookie free agent. The man can block! Not quite a T-Rich yet, but he’s got plenty of time. I saw two pancakes today.
3. Maurice Leggett, undrafted rookie free agent. Tell me two things here please. How could KC find both starting corners and their starting nickle in the same year as rookies and why haven’t they to released Pat Surtain?
4. Mark Bradley, waiver wire. Didn’t do much today (although he did have a block on the big Thigpen run) but he will contribute on a regular basis.
5. Connor Barth, undrafted rookie free agent. Anybody else notice that field goal attempts aren’t “edge of your seat” events anymore? The kid is nine for nine! And, he’s kicking off inside the five on a regular basis. I have noticed no one talking about him on this website and he is barely mentioned in the telecasts.I wish they would have kept him instead of Novak. They might have had two more wins and, laughably albeit, be in the AFC West hunt.
These five guys alone would make a pretty good acquisition year without the addition other drafted rookies. The coaching staff HAS upgraded with young talent, especially at three critical positions, cornerback, left tackle and the place kicker. If the same can be done next year at linebacker and defensive end, they just might have a pretty solid team. I’m not sold on Herm yet, but in spite of all the losses, there are a few things that look hopeful. He might make a believer out of me yet.
A GREAT coaching job Herm!
Keep up the great work Coach Edwards. ALL of KC is behind you and we know that you will lead us back to glory very soon now.
AND NOW, Clark Hunt has RE-affirmed Herm’s The Man!
Looking forward to your return triumphant 2009 Herm & a contract extension!
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!
- AS COMPARED WITH hissssssssssssssssssssssssss (the sound the Herm haters balloon ‘deflating’.)
heh heh heh
Was waiting for that Rin! My comments were meant as kudos for talent evaluation not coaching acumen. Edward’s did, after all, begin his management career as a scout. I’ll reserve my support for Herm as a coach until he proves he can actually win more than he loses. His record, at this date from both KC and the Jets, does not bear that out. His defense is still worst in the league and he has been working primarily on improving that side of the ball since arriving in Kansas City. Granted this particular team is only now becoming truly his own. He gets 2009 of course, but beyond that….well, he better win more than three or four or there will be more than a few fans calling for his head!
Herm can motivate (unlike the coaching staffs in Seattle and Detroit, where they are laying down). Herm and staff deserve credit for going with the young guys at the beginning of the season, and deserve even greater kudos for continuing to patch together a team with mostly guys off the street. He’s also keeping the vets happy. I still wonder if he can finish the job, but give him credit for realizing we needed to start with a new intertube rather than trying to continue to patch the old one.
“larry says”
- I see what you mean - you poked me in the eye Moe! OWW!!!
“Was waiting for that Rin!”
- then you were not disappointed…alas, Rin was refering to another. Go now, and sin no more…
“His defense is still worst in the league and he has been working primarily on improving that side of the ball since arriving in Kansas City.”
- today KC gave up only 13 points- with but an 11 man assortment of band-aids…that 13 be none the less the ‘lowest’ tote this season- ‘progress’ to the educated fan, OAK’s lack to the costive…Rin trusts you suffer not from the latter malady.
“Granted this particular team is only now becoming truly his own. He gets 2009 of course”
- granted AND he gets 2009? Such charity…
“but beyond that….well, he better win more than three or four or there will be more than a few fans calling for his head!”
- you mean like they have ‘all’ season this, same the year afore, and even in his first season- the one whence he took KC to the playoffs - those few fools faux familiarity football? ‘Them’? Pay them no mind, for they do not matter… Herm pays them naught, nor does Rin, neither too doth Clark, and Carl does not, for, tis good to be the King & his court.
Bob, after watching all the games (but Atlanta) I have some questions (and some rambling )for you:
1) Do you think next year the Chiefs will continue with this offense (Thigpen not under center)?
2) Or do you think they’ll work with Thigpen in the off season to learn to receive the ball from under center and do a combination of both?
Seems to me, the passing game is growing but we need to work on the running game and the play action pass. I love to watch a good passing offense and it seems the passing game is blossoming.
I’m concerned we’ll need a bruising running game to match or we’ll be another New Orleans.
Not sure if the injurys, the LJ suspension or the youth movement (or all the above) that limits us today. A couple of weeks ago, we had two 1st and goals and couldn’t punch it in. Despite the yardage we are putting up I think we have a concern. They did punch it in today so this was goodness. I would like to see the Chiefs be able to run the ball more and get better yardage per play when it’s time to run out the clock.
LJ’s looked sharp on some plays and other times he looks like he’s just going through the motion. Not sure this offense is his cup of tea…
And here is where I’m going with these questions:
3) Do you see a trade for LJ in the off season?
The current offense looks more suited for Charles than it does LJ. They could trade LJ for a draft choice or two and pick up a short yardage back in the late rounds to pound it out.
4) And with 4 games left and a 2-10 record do we give Quinn Gray one of these games to see what he can do? (especially since he’s comfortable under center)
I didn’t like the second game of the year when we tried 4 quaterbacks, the was stupid, but now with 4 games left, and a losing record, the Chiefs have a decision to make on LJ and parts of the offense in the off season. (I’m all behind Thigpen but it might not be a bad idea to see Quin start a game before the off season so the Chiefs can see which way they want to go before putting all the marbles behind Thigpen)
Heck even if for some reason they do decide to go back to a more traditional offense I’ll bet LJ will be gone anyway.
What to you think?
I don’t like the idea of “seeing what Quinn Gray can do” nor do I think its necessary. He has been in the league 5 years now, and seen a decent amount of playing time, we know what he is capable of.
Rin,
I do get a kick out of your posts. Knew I could poke a stick in your kennel and get one out of you. The 2009 season isn’t my charity, its Clark Hunt’s as you say. IMO, I think his patience might wear a little thin without significant improvement next year (more than a few fans). Why? Even in KC, fans do not fill the stadium to watch 4-12 teams. Herm better win alot next year or Arrowhead will be empty. That’s what will cost him his job.
As much as I think LJ may be better suited to the Steeler’s Offense. I’m not so sure we will get rid of him as our offense is doing better in the running game with him in there. I also think our OL is starting to get better and better with each game. Now lets see if Thigpen can win two in a row. Great game and a nice win today.
this was a much needed win for Tyler Thigpen, sure it would have been nice had he played better, but he showed enough, was just a tad long on a possible TD to charles, who made several big blocks in the game…Also offensively Bowe came up when he needed to, unlike early in the season…
Defensively finally DJ stepped it up a notch on the intensity, same with Flowers/Leggett/Carr who are quite possibly the most ridiculous rookie trio at corner in the league…Boiman played strong, but I still see LB as the biggest need in the first round this year, as Dorsey/Tank are our DT’s and Hali plays well enough to have the other slot, we can nab a 2nd LB and a DE in free agency…Pass rushers are easier to find than a team leading middle linebacker like Laurenitus.
Ah, and Barth makes me feel a bit better about the kicker position, and his kickoffs are good enough.
I haven’t said anything about Barth because I didn’t want to jinx him. He seems real cool-headed, and is doing fine.
There was some nice hitting by the D today, and they did some stunting and blitzing (wow!). All the LB’s played better, especially DJ.
Wasn’t a great game for Thigpen, but he does hang tough and gets right back up off the mat. He came back from the interception, and did well. Raiders had no answer for his running, which he did wisely, going down at the right times.
Gonzo continues to be savage. We take him way too much for granted. Their best cover corner, Asomugha, couldn’t stop him, even by interference. Here’s hoping he stays put in KC.
LJ seems to be getting more confortable in this offense. Wish they would throw more dump-offs in the flat and over the middle to him.
Bradley is still hurting, hope he gets back to full speed soon. He really compliments Gonzo and Bowe well.
Babin hasn’t gotten a sack yet, but he’s getting hurries. So far, he looks a lot better than just some guy off the street. He could emerge.
Much, much better tackling by the whole D today. Can they keep that up?
Anyway, good to see them get a W. Nice game, Chiefs!
.
Well it wasn’t a work of art by any means, but we’ll take it, especially in Oakland, and from the hated Raiders. I’m sure the bitter old mummy of Al Davis watched the game in disgust as the KC pups put it to his Raiders. Gawd I hope the old buzzard lives another 30 years with his mummified hands on the strings making the calls.
Ask yourself, does Jamarcus Russell look like a QB taken number one over all in last years draft? Nope, me neither.
I don’t want to take anything away from a Chiefs victory, but I could not help but notice that it appeared to me that Al Davis had a hand in the game plan the Raiders used today.
Tell me that Cable would have a field goal fake on 4th and 10 and go for a first down on fourth-and-three (both plays in “Seabass” field-goal range).
Tell me that the Raiders would pass more than 15 times against the second-worst run defense in the NFL.
Tell me that Al Davis isn’t meddlesome.
Tell me that the entire Raider coaching staff doesn’t bend over forward and grab the ankles.
I don’t care what they say about you larry, Rin likes you.
“larry says ‘Rin’ ”
- Rin says ‘yes, what is it now cousin larry?’
“I do get a kick out of your posts.”
- almost as much as does Rin, to be sure…
“Knew I could poke a stick in your kennel and get one out of you.”
- well, Rin was feeling ‘charitable’ - not unlike another of the rich & famous, Clark, as you say.
“IMO, I think his patience might wear a little thin without significant improvement next year (more than a few fans).”
- on that we can agree, tho no less his patience than mine & the rest us ‘fans’, likely. Howe’er, why do you worry about tomorrow whence said may ne’er come? Haven’t these now nigh on almost 40 years passed under ‘9′ but different Chiefs Head Coaches taught KC fans anything? It’s not just a matter the man, any…nor is it in entirety plan too - as much as anything, it’s a fait accompli, based on the certainty of hindsight same as fore -(cue Doris Day) “que sera sera, whatever will be will be, the future’s not ours to see - que sera sera.”
Why was Marv Levy successful in Buffalo but not in KC? Why couldn’t a Marty Schottenheimer ever win the big game, here, there, anywhere? Why too does the sun go on shining, why does the sea rush to shore? To quote Pee Wee Herman: “I DON’T KNOW!”
Remember Wimpy, the “I’ll gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today” fellow? He had the right idea…buy everything on time (a promise to but deliver tomorrow), take credit (when it can be), give no quarter (only conviction), form alliance with Popeye (Clark), separate thyself from Bluto (Carl), then disappear with your hamburger afore the cartoon turns into Hamlet. The condiments on the burger as it were? If the show does goes on, and gets renewed then you can say - ‘I told you so’ & can set the price of the hamburger market, yours, e’er aft.
Do you know why?
“Why?”
- good, I have your undivided attention…here’s where the plot thickens - and yet - ends just as suddenly: reason being…it’s an object lesson - signifying nothing.
OK, ready for your next question now.
“Even in KC, fans do not fill the stadium to watch 4-12 teams. Herm better win alot next year or Arrowhead will be empty. That’s what will cost him his job.”
- I’m going to either a) let you in on a secret or b) tell you what you already know: some ‘fans’ in Kansas City do not like Herm Edwards, and too, ne’er will whether he wins every game he coaches, loses every or is merely a Hamster on a treadmill.
Hank Stram was ‘not’ universally loved here in KC either, & all he did was lead his teams to three Championships (two of them in KC for the Chiefs), and to two Superbowls, winning one) all within a span of eight (8) years.
However, his ‘personality’ commonly refered to as reminiscent of a ‘banty rooster’ rubbed some folk the wrong way. I sense a similar sentiment if not via a similar manner descript, vis a vis Edwards. Some folks just don’t like his style or demeanor or call it what you will. Personally, I find the man committed to his job & capable, as proven by his reverence among players as well as his record getting teams to post season. That he has not yet won a Superbowl- and may/may not ever- places him squarely along side a Schottenheimer who did the same, albeit he got many more years…conversely, Herm has done so and in less time…with the best days his still to come, my opine. Those who don’t like him now probably never will, regardless. . . and as Coach Edwards wouldst himself proffer “and that’s OK, that’s OK”… just leaves more room on the ‘love train’ for those who do.
God I love how I write…goodnite
I’m just glad to see all the Chiefs fans being positive. Its great to see everyone is seeing what I was seeing even when we were in that losing streak. Like I said in earlier blogs just give Herm time to fill in the holes on this roster before you evaluate him as an head coach. WE still need right tackle,right guard,defensive end, and middle linebacker. If Herm can fill those positions and Tyler continues to get better we should have no trouble winning the division next year.
We’re the #1 team in the league in turnovers despite the lack of a pass rusher. Imagine how good the defense will be once we draft a top notch defensive end and Dorsey,Tank,Turk and Tamba continue to get better. Throw in a middle linebacker in next year draft as well and you talk about a good defense. Next I look at Tyler now with Larry and Tony he’s been playing very well with having both guys in there and was playing good the month without Larry. Having him back gives the offense balance and creates that closer you need late in games to produce wins. Imagine how good things will be once Bowe continues to get better and guys like Charles,Cottam,Franklin, and Bradley get more incorporated in this offense. With an improved right side of the offensive line next year I definately think Larry can run for over 1200 yards next year and Tyler can can throw well over 20 touchdowns passes next year. This offense can be as explosive as it was when Al Saunders was calling the plays here.
There is optimism about this team in 2009 and beyond if Herm can fill in those holes left on the roster with good players and if they can continue the development of Tyler.