Chiefs
Chatter
Chiefs
dominate both sides of the ball
Huard hushes
critics with strong play
Posted
10/3/06
by
Eric Lewis of The Landmark staff
•The Chiefs stomped the 49ers this past Sunday with
a 41-0 shutout in front of a sold out Arrowhead, leaving
everyone with one thought on their minds: this season
is far from over. With the Chiefs coming off a disappointing
loss to the Broncos, and the fear of a 0-3 start looming
over their heads, the chiefs had a must win, and boy did
they win big.
•The Chiefs showed complete mental and physical
dominance on both sides of the ball. The 49’s coming
into the game had a sure game plan to stop L.J and force
the not so experienced Huard into making some plays downfield,
and Huard did just did that.
•On Sunday’s first drive I was in complete
awe of the throws and plays Huard was making. His 208
yards passing and 2 TD’s proved to everyone he is
capable of leading this team until Green’s return.
Huard was making great throws downfield and drove the
team all the way down for the first Dante Hall TD reception
of the year. A perfect wheel route in the right side of
the endzone was placed perfectly by Huard.
•Huard, a career backup for many top NFL QB’s,
was the best scout team QB at New England when it came
to practicing for upcoming games against the Indianapolis
Colts. And who was he supposed to scout as? That’s
right MVP QB Peyton Manning. In yesterdays game you could
see some of those abilities shine.
•Having a mistake-free day Huard was able to lead
the Chiefs offence to 333 total yards and 41 relentless
points punishing the 49’ers defense.
•As far as our big boys on the line, this week was
something special. With Turley out with a strained back,
the worry was the pass protection would struggle.
•They not only held the 49ers who had 12 sacks on
the season already, from getting Huard even a little bit
dirty. They also opened up passing lanes you could drive
a truck through. And for any QB that’s going to open
up their downfield vision and make for better throws.
Jordan Black came into the game for Turley’s spot
at LT and had a solid day. Kevin Sampson at the RT spot
as well had a great day protecting Huard from the outside
pass rush. As for the inside 3 Wiegman, Shields, and Waters
it was just another day at work. They pulled and opened
up holes all day despite the 49’ers keying on LJ
with 8 or 9 guys stacked at the line of scrimmage. And
LJ yet again got his 100 yards with 30 carries for 101
on the day.
•Michael Bennett out with a sore hamstring didn’t
give the Chiefs their one two punch of speed and power
they were wanting. Dee Brown stepped up to give LJ some
breathers.
•The receivers all day were making great catches.
Kennison had 6 catches for 86 yards and one TD. Gonzalez
was finding ways to get open and also made some impressive
grabs. If they can continue to find the ball downfield,
Huard will have no problem keeping his numbers up, and
with receivers actually fighting to get the ball for once,
his opportunity to throw interceptions will be minimal.
•The X-factor Dante Hall showed up Sunday and torched
the 49ers punt team with a 60-yard punt return putting
him third all time in returns. With his TD reception as
well, Hall showed he can be used at both receiver and
return man.
•The defense. What positive things can you not say
about their performance on Sunday’s game? The Chiefs
defense was in complete control of the 49’ers efforts
to move the ball down the field from the very first snap.
•The Chiefs D is back; their 4 turnovers and only
165 yards total on the day fired up the crowd and stopped
all negative talk on our personnel. They sacked the scrambling
Alex Smith 5 times, and forced the young QB to run scared.
• Everyone on the D was making plays, something
that has been needed all year long. Every time the ball
was snapped KC had 2 or three guys there making the play.
•Huge plays from KC's first round draft pick Tamba
Hali, with mom and family in the stands for the first
time ever. Gave the newly-acquired Chiefs fans something
to cheer about. Being new to the game of football the
cheering of the fans, loud music and constant jumping
up and down was I'm sure awe inspiring to the Hali family..
Hali came into the game fired up and forced a fumble on
the first drive. We can only expect this young man to
get even better as the year goes on; a great pick from
the Chiefs staff is proving to be a solid piece to this
new Chiefs D.
• Big plays from linebacker Derrick Johnson in one
of the best days of his career. Was able to spy QB Alex
Smith and make huge hits forcing RB Frank Gore to fumble.
His solid play made it almost impossible for the 49’ers
to make plays on the outside.
•The Defense altogether was great; the pass coverage
was one of the best I’ve seen in the past few years.
They forced 2 interceptions and kept Smith from finding
too many options downfield.
They can only get stronger and play harder as the year
continues. I see this defensive play as a growing trend
for the rest of the season. We have the personal on the
field and in the booth to do it. Everyone making plays
and smacking the opponents in the mouth will be expected
every week. Like I said before, KC has the making of one
of the best defenses in the league.
•Green on the sidelines suggesting plays gave the
team a sense of completion. With their veteran leader
on the sidelines, you could tell the team came in with
a swagger. And Green has that type of presence for this
team. A much needed boost to a team on the rebound.
• Local boy, un-drafted free agent Steve Williams
from Northwest Missouri State, got his chance Sunday to
throw on that beautiful red yellow and white uniform.
And show the organization that it doesn’t matter
where you come from or how small the school. Coming from
a Division 2 school, I'm sure the size and speed of the
game was jaw-dropping. His tackle on RB Michael Robinson
was his first in his NFL debu, and gave the young man
something to smile about. His hard work and determination
got him there. And for Coach Herm Edwards, I applaud his
taking a chance on the young man.
• In Edwards' first win for the Chiefs, he did a
heck of a job managing the game, and firing up his boys
on the sidelines. So far Edwards scheme of revamping the
defense and getting players to make big plays has slowly
emerged. Coming off this week's win KC will face the Arizona
Cardinals. With this kind of dominant Chiefs football
I see the ream rolling on to a 2-2 record with yet another
huge victory over the Cardinals. Now that Huard has proven
he can make plays downfield, the passing game is still
a solid option. And with a RB like LJ leading the way,
KC's offense is no longer one-sided. The defense will
only continue to get even better. And this season will
not turn out as horrible as some thought on that dreadful
day Green was taken out of the game.
•Catch the action Sunday October 8th at 3:05 on
CBS! The Chiefs face the Arizona Cardinals in Arizona.
(Eric Lewis provides Chiefs' commentary
for The Landmark. Reach him at Platte County's most powerful
newspaper by emailing eric@plattecountylandmark.com)
|
