Chiefs A Level Headed Review AFCCG 2024

DenverChief · 07:18 PM

Sorry for the delay - Sunday night games are difficult to get these written because of Monday mornings.

First and foremost hats off to the Buffalo Bills for a very tough fight in the game. Josh Allen is an incredible talent, however, I think that Buffalo coaches suffer from Marty Schottenheimer disease. When the going gets tough they revert back to what is comfortable rather than what is working. Cook was having successful runs and they got away from it (13 rushes for 85 yards and 2 TDs). More on this later.

The first drive of the game really set the tone for the game. 2 quick passes to Hollywood for18 yards. The third play Caliendo pulls all the way from LG to block the LDE that was being engaged by Noah Grey who releases into coverage, Pat eventually runs for the first down. Then a roll out to the left for a 10 yard first down pass to Worthy, a 3 yard run by Pacheco and then...

Mike Caliendo pulling ALL THE WAY across the formation pic.twitter.com/BfJQiorsB6
— Chiefsplanet (@CPparodies) January 29, 2025

Juju Smith-Schuster a 31 yard catch and run to put us just outside the red zone. This is what JJSS is on this team for, in addition to being a big bodied WR that can block for the smaller WRs downfield as well as catch those soft zone spots like Kelce over the middle. Even at his reduced production I would welcome him back to continue to be that WR for the Chiefs.

Kareem Hunt makes his first appearance with 3 consecutive runs a beautiful 8 yard run that he almost housed if the Buffalo safety doesn't make a TD saving tackle, a 3 yard first down run and the 12 yard TD run.

Every play on that drive was a positive momentum building, high percentage play. 9 plays for 90 yards and only 3 were less than 5 yards gained.

Xavier Worthy has really come together and is becoming an excellent WR for the Chiefs. I really feel that the addition of Dhop has really helped the development of Worthy. I can't wait to see a Rice/Worthy/Brown WR lineup.

Incredible. pic.twitter.com/mDpdcUz9nX
— Chiefsplanet (@CPparodies) January 28, 2025

The contested catch is really a beautiful thing to see. Many people are arguing it was not a catch because he only had one hand on the ball (If a pass is caught simultaneously by two eligible opponents, and both players retain it, the ball belongs to the passers.) or that the ball hit the ground (no movement). It clearly was a catch and will only help cement Worthy as a tremendous first round pick.

Xavier Worthy is 165lbs and just MOSSED someone!!

Simultaneous possession rule!!! Tie goes to the offense.
pic.twitter.com/0AT5WOi8Zi
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) January 27, 2025

As amazing as Mahomes and the offense were this game, we really need to give a ton of credit to the defense. Stopping the Bills twice on two point conversions, and two critical 4th downs is really the story of this game. I know the 4th and 1 QB sneak stop is controversial but the picture below really shows how Allen never got to the line of gain. Why they wouldn't continue to hand the ball to Cook who averaged 6.5 YPC is beyond me. As a Chiefs fan I love that they went conservative as a football fan I am perplexed.

Doesn’t get any clearer, no first down. pic.twitter.com/ViAB9c9TOB
— Chiefsplanet (@CPparodies) January 27, 2025

There are many good and great players on this team that make key contributions, we are extremely fortunate to have the talent and the coaching to maximize that talent on this team. I never in a million years thought that I would be able to see the greatness I am seeing today out of the Kansas City Chiefs. Growing up in Broncos country during the John Elway years was painful to say the least.

Finally, to see Chris Jones break down in tears on the sideline at the end of the game really shows how much he cares about this team and that he leaves it all on the field. There is no doubt in my mind that bringing Jones back was the best decision Veach has made regarding keeping a player or letting them walk. I don't think words can describe what he means for this defense and the team as a leader.

On to the Super Bowl and a re-match with the Eagles - Barkley is going to be a really difficult test for us and I look forward to seeing the Chiefs rise to the challenge.

**HemiEd** · 01-28-2025, 06:45 AM

Well done, good read.

That last quarter had my heart rate in the 90s. Started watching it again last night.

BlackHelicopters · 01-28-2025, 07:46 AM

Great work. Thank you.

SD15 · 01-28-2025, 08:20 AM

Write-up definitely worth waiting for.

duncan_idaho · 01-28-2025, 08:25 AM

Great stuff.

Low snap count for Chenal was impactful in the run defense, IMO. Plus having to defend Allen as a threat with his arm and his dangerous running ability makes it a challenge to man up as much as you want.

I suspect we’ll see more base against the Eagles, possibly even when they’re in 11 sets, to defend the run game a little different.

Hurts is a threat, but he is not Hosh Allen. Eagles WR/TE room is better, though.

**Buehler445** · 01-28-2025, 09:11 AM

Good read DC.

I was thinking about the sneak plays. He got a couple, and that option play with Allen and Cook was an excellent play.

I was trying to remember, but I think this is the first time I've seen the play shut down. Much less 2 times in a row to end drives. Really profound stuff. I was trying to figure out what we did different that made it work. The honest answer is, I haven't the first clue. There are things, like Romo pointed out he likes going off LG, so we piled our best horses up there, but that's not different than anyone else. It's not like our corners or safeties pulling on it is different than anyone else. Obviously we worked on it, and the execution was good.

But what it comes down to in my very humble and probably wrong opinion is effort. You look at the way the Commanders lined up vs the way we lined up there, is a notable difference in body language. IMO the buy in and effort this staff and crew has gotten out of this group (and some of them are fairly low paid. Some of them are on the downside of their career). And they got it done. I'm probably as proud of those plays as any. Absolutely incredible.

KCUnited · 01-28-2025, 09:30 AM

Good call out on the Bills coaching staff. The lack of innovation and watching them continually slam Allen up the LGs ass all night really highlighted it

I know Allen is a beast and those are usually high percentage plays but imagine having an MVP level QB and above average RB and and that's all you can come up with in critical situations. They dialed up some good plays during the game but they got really tight at critical times

I can't remember if it was said here or on one of the TV clips but the Bills ride Allen like a rented mule

DenverChief · 01-28-2025, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KCUnited

Good call out on the Bills coaching staff. The lack of innovation and watching them continually slam Allen up the LGs ass all night really highlighted it

I know Allen is a beast and those are usually high percentage plays but imagine having an MVP level QB and above average RB and and that's all you can come up with in critical situations. They dialed up some good plays during the game but they got really tight at critical times

I can't remember if it was said here or on one of the TV clips but the Bills ride Allen like a rented mule

It was really stark to me on re-watching the game how much they reverted to what felt comfortable vs what was actually working. Felt very marty-esque

DRM08 · 01-28-2025, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KCUnited

I know Josh Allen is a beast and those are usually high percentage plays but imagine having an MVP level QB and above average RB and and that's all you can come up with in critical situations. They dialed up some good plays during the game but they got really tight at critical times

I think James Cook is a lot better than just above average. He's VERY good. He has blazing speed, really good vision, and very good hands in the passing game. Andy Reid would love to have him.

scho63 · 01-28-2025, 12:19 PM

In regards to the "first down or not a first down" controversy, I said it immediately in the game thread and speaking with others by text: when Josh Allen turned away from the defenders and tried to back over the line, he moved the ball AWAY from the first down line and the Chiefs barely stopped him from crossing.

In my opinion, if he stayed facing forward, he would have gotten it.

The prior jump over the line and fumble he luckily recovered on the previous 4th down try scared him to really shield the ball.

It cost him the 1st down.

DenverChief · 01-28-2025, 06:04 PM

Updated the broken link

DenverChief · 01-28-2025, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scho63

In regards to the "first down or not a first down" controversy, I said it immediately in the game thread and speaking with others by text: when Josh Allen turned away from the defenders and tried to back over the line, he moved the ball AWAY from the first down line and the Chiefs barely stopped him from crossing.

In my opinion, if he stayed facing forward, he would have gotten it.

The prior jump over the line and fumble he luckily recovered on the previous 4th down try scared him to really shield the ball.

It cost him the 1st down.

100%. He had the ball tucked high and to the right. People looking at his back are assuming the ball was tucked low and at the waist, which is not the case at all.

DenverChief · 01-28-2025, 06:28 PM

Just a quick breakdown of Buffalo runs by quarter (minus QB sneaks)

68 total plays (25 rushing)

1st - (5)
Allen - 4 yards
Cook - 4 yards
Johnson - 1 yard
Cook - 9 yards
Cook - 3 yards

2nd- (4)
Davis - 4 yards
Cook - 6 yards (TD)
Johnson - 6 yards
Johnson - 3 yards

3rd- (12)
Cook - 5 yards
Cook - 33 yards
Cook - 5 yards
Johnson - 2 yards
Allen - 2 yards
Allen - 3 yards
Johnson - 8 yards
Allen - 13 yards
Cook - 1 yard
Cook - 1 yard (TD)
Cook - 9 yards
Davis - -1 yard

4th- (4)
Cook - 2 yards
Cook - 2 yards
Johnson - -1 yard
Allen - 13 yards

MahomesKnows · 01-28-2025, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DenverChief

Just a quick breakdown of Buffalo runs by quarter (minus QB sneaks)

68 total plays (24 rushing)

1st - (5)
Allen - 4 yards
Cook - 4 yards
Johnson - 1 yard
Cook - 9 yards
Cook - 3 yards

2nd- (4)
Davis - 4 yards
Cook - 6 yards (TD)
Johnson - 6 yards
Johnson - 3 yards

3rd- (12)
Cook - 5 yards
Cook - 33 yards
Cook - 5 yards
Johnson - 2 yards
Allen - 2 yards
Allen - 3 yards
Johnson - 8 yards
Allen - 13 yards
Cook - 1 yard
Cook - 1 yard (TD)
Cook - 9 yards
Davis - -1 yard

4th- (3)
Cook - 2 yards
Cook - 2 yards
Johnson - -1 yard

Is this designed runs only? Allen scrambled for about 12 yards on their last drive.

DenverChief · 01-28-2025, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MahomesKnows

Is this designed runs only? Allen scrambled for about 12 yards on their last drive.

yep, I missed it - it's all runs minus the QB sneaks

01-28-2025, 04:22 AM	Topic Starter
DenverChief Pedantic Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Rocky Ford Casino cash: $3432617	A Level Headed Review AFCCG 2024 Sorry for the delay - Sunday night games are difficult to get these written because of Monday mornings. First and foremost hats off to the Buffalo Bills for a very tough fight in the game. Josh Allen is an incredible talent, however, I think that Buffalo coaches suffer from Marty Schottenheimer disease. When the going gets tough they revert back to what is comfortable rather than what is working. Cook was having successful runs and they got away from it (13 rushes for 85 yards and 2 TDs). More on this later. The first drive of the game really set the tone for the game. 2 quick passes to Hollywood for18 yards. The third play Caliendo pulls all the way from LG to block the LDE that was being engaged by Noah Grey who releases into coverage, Pat eventually runs for the first down. Then a roll out to the left for a 10 yard first down pass to Worthy, a 3 yard run by Pacheco and then... Mike Caliendo pulling ALL THE WAY across the formation pic.twitter.com/BfJQiorsB6 — Chiefsplanet (@CPparodies) January 29, 2025 Juju Smith-Schuster a 31 yard catch and run to put us just outside the red zone. This is what JJSS is on this team for, in addition to being a big bodied WR that can block for the smaller WRs downfield as well as catch those soft zone spots like Kelce over the middle. Even at his reduced production I would welcome him back to continue to be that WR for the Chiefs. Kareem Hunt makes his first appearance with 3 consecutive runs a beautiful 8 yard run that he almost housed if the Buffalo safety doesn't make a TD saving tackle, a 3 yard first down run and the 12 yard TD run. Every play on that drive was a positive momentum building, high percentage play. 9 plays for 90 yards and only 3 were less than 5 yards gained. Xavier Worthy has really come together and is becoming an excellent WR for the Chiefs. I really feel that the addition of Dhop has really helped the development of Worthy. I can't wait to see a Rice/Worthy/Brown WR lineup. Incredible. pic.twitter.com/mDpdcUz9nX — Chiefsplanet (@CPparodies) January 28, 2025 The contested catch is really a beautiful thing to see. Many people are arguing it was not a catch because he only had one hand on the ball (If a pass is caught simultaneously by two eligible opponents, and both players retain it, the ball belongs to the passers.) or that the ball hit the ground (no movement). It clearly was a catch and will only help cement Worthy as a tremendous first round pick. Xavier Worthy is 165lbs and just MOSSED someone!! Simultaneous possession rule!!! Tie goes to the offense. pic.twitter.com/0AT5WOi8Zi — Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) January 27, 2025 As amazing as Mahomes and the offense were this game, we really need to give a ton of credit to the defense. Stopping the Bills twice on two point conversions, and two critical 4th downs is really the story of this game. I know the 4th and 1 QB sneak stop is controversial but the picture below really shows how Allen never got to the line of gain. Why they wouldn't continue to hand the ball to Cook who averaged 6.5 YPC is beyond me. As a Chiefs fan I love that they went conservative as a football fan I am perplexed. Doesn’t get any clearer, no first down. pic.twitter.com/ViAB9c9TOB — Chiefsplanet (@CPparodies) January 27, 2025 There are many good and great players on this team that make key contributions, we are extremely fortunate to have the talent and the coaching to maximize that talent on this team. I never in a million years thought that I would be able to see the greatness I am seeing today out of the Kansas City Chiefs. Growing up in Broncos country during the John Elway years was painful to say the least. Finally, to see Chris Jones break down in tears on the sideline at the end of the game really shows how much he cares about this team and that he leaves it all on the field. There is no doubt in my mind that bringing Jones back was the best decision Veach has made regarding keeping a player or letting them walk. I don't think words can describe what he means for this defense and the team as a leader. On to the Super Bowl and a re-match with the Eagles - Barkley is going to be a really difficult test for us and I look forward to seeing the Chiefs rise to the challenge. Last edited by DenverChief; 01-28-2025 at 07:18 PM..
Posts: 16,973	20 0

01-28-2025, 06:45 AM	#2
HemiEd Supporter Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ozarks Casino cash: $630564	Well done, good read. That last quarter had my heart rate in the 90s. Started watching it again last night.
Posts: 34,362	2 0

01-28-2025, 07:46 AM	#3
BlackHelicopters Spiraling down the Drain Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Dante's Ninth Circle Casino cash: $230588	Great work. Thank you. __________________ "We're both part of the same hypocrisy, Senator, but never think it applies to my family." "Fredo. You are my brother, and I love you. But never take sides against the Family again. Ever." 2019 Adopt a Chief - Travis Kelce #87
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01-28-2025, 08:20 AM	#4
SD15 Veteran Join Date: Nov 2019 Location: Free State Of Florida Casino cash: $2620400	Write-up definitely worth waiting for.
Posts: 2,748	1 0

01-28-2025, 08:25 AM	#5
duncan_idaho M-I-Z-Z-O-U Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $-989692	Great stuff. Low snap count for Chenal was impactful in the run defense, IMO. Plus having to defend Allen as a threat with his arm and his dangerous running ability makes it a challenge to man up as much as you want. I suspect we’ll see more base against the Eagles, possibly even when they’re in 11 sets, to defend the run game a little different. Hurts is a threat, but he is not Hosh Allen. Eagles WR/TE room is better, though. __________________ "You gotta love livin', cause dying is a pain in the ass." ---- Sinatra
Posts: 21,800	5 0

01-28-2025, 09:11 AM	#6
Buehler445 Supporter Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Scott City KS Casino cash: $-455266	Good read DC. I was thinking about the sneak plays. He got a couple, and that option play with Allen and Cook was an excellent play. I was trying to remember, but I think this is the first time I've seen the play shut down. Much less 2 times in a row to end drives. Really profound stuff. I was trying to figure out what we did different that made it work. The honest answer is, I haven't the first clue. There are things, like Romo pointed out he likes going off LG, so we piled our best horses up there, but that's not different than anyone else. It's not like our corners or safeties pulling on it is different than anyone else. Obviously we worked on it, and the execution was good. But what it comes down to in my very humble and probably wrong opinion is effort. You look at the way the Commanders lined up vs the way we lined up there, is a notable difference in body language. IMO the buy in and effort this staff and crew has gotten out of this group (and some of them are fairly low paid. Some of them are on the downside of their career). And they got it done. I'm probably as proud of those plays as any. Absolutely incredible.
Posts: 59,430	2 0

01-28-2025, 09:30 AM	#7
KCUnited Cheat Death Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Land of Drincoln Casino cash: $-481756	Good call out on the Bills coaching staff. The lack of innovation and watching them continually slam Allen up the LGs ass all night really highlighted it I know Allen is a beast and those are usually high percentage plays but imagine having an MVP level QB and above average RB and and that's all you can come up with in critical situations. They dialed up some good plays during the game but they got really tight at critical times I can't remember if it was said here or on one of the TV clips but the Bills ride Allen like a rented mule
Posts: 36,397	2 0

01-28-2025, 12:19 PM	#10
scho63 Politically Incorrect Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Casino cash: $-80000	In regards to the "first down or not a first down" controversy, I said it immediately in the game thread and speaking with others by text: when Josh Allen turned away from the defenders and tried to back over the line, he moved the ball AWAY from the first down line and the Chiefs barely stopped him from crossing. In my opinion, if he stayed facing forward, he would have gotten it. The prior jump over the line and fumble he luckily recovered on the previous 4th down try scared him to really shield the ball. It cost him the 1st down. __________________ *"The only difference between sex for free and sex for money is that sex for free costs you a WHOLE LOT more!"* ~Redd Foxx~ ~~2018 2019 2020 20212022 2023~~ 2024 Adopt a Chief - Clark Hunt and Brett Veach "The men who drafted Patrick Mahomes"
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01-28-2025, 06:04 PM	#11
DenverChief Pedantic Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Rocky Ford Casino cash: $3432617	Updated the broken link
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01-28-2025, 06:28 PM	#13
DenverChief Pedantic Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Rocky Ford Casino cash: $3432617	Just a quick breakdown of Buffalo runs by quarter (minus QB sneaks) 68 total plays (25 rushing) 1st - (5) Allen - 4 yards Cook - 4 yards Johnson - 1 yard Cook - 9 yards Cook - 3 yards 2nd- (4) Davis - 4 yards Cook - 6 yards (TD) Johnson - 6 yards Johnson - 3 yards 3rd- (12) Cook - 5 yards Cook - 33 yards Cook - 5 yards Johnson - 2 yards Allen - 2 yards Allen - 3 yards Johnson - 8 yards Allen - 13 yards Cook - 1 yard Cook - 1 yard (TD) Cook - 9 yards Davis - -1 yard 4th- (4) Cook - 2 yards Cook - 2 yards Johnson - -1 yard Allen - 13 yards Last edited by DenverChief; 01-28-2025 at 07:03 PM..
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