Hodges: Chiefs drop Packers
CHIEFS BUILD SOLID 14-0 LEAD BEFORE HOLDING ON TO DEFEAT PACKERS, by Wayne Hodges
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Sound the trumpets. Coach Todd Haley, after two years and five days, finally recorded his first career preseason victory. Seriously, somebody pop the cork. After building a shocking 14-0 lead inside an half-empty Arrowhead Stadium, the Kansas City Chiefs held on to squeak out a narrow 17-13 win over the Aaron Rodgers-less Green Bay Packers. Afterwards, Haley was as giddy as Tiger Woods at a model shoot. “Overall, I think that’s good for our team to come out there and get a win,” Haley said. “We knew this whole preseason was about one thing, and that was being prepared for the start of the regular season.”
“It was important for our team to continue to make positive strides and I thought we did that throughout the preseason in all areas.” Don’t be fooled by the triumph. Packers coach Mike McCarthy didn’t dress three key starters, including QB Rogers. And he pulled most of his 1st string players immediately after the initial series. In other words, the Chiefs beat up on Green Bay’s Junior Varsity team. But, hell, when you’re burdened with an 0-7 career preseason record, a win’s a win. And I’m positive Haley wouldn’t disagree. Besides, many pundits have already made the Packers the team to beat in the NFC. So the win, nevertheless, is still impressive.
After the game, McCarthy didn’t offer any excuses. “We came into Kansas City to win the football game,” McCarthy said. “We came here to make sure we gave a lot of people as many opportunities as we possibly can. I thought we accomplished that.” The Chiefs offense, after struggling to move the football the first three preseason games, found much success on Thursday night. Both quarterbacks, Matt Cassel and Brodie “Broken Bones” Croyle, directed touchdown drives.
Cassel, after another slow start, completed just 4 of 9 passes for 58 yards. He had one touchdown (2-yarder to Leonard Pope) and an interception. Cassel’s quarterback rating was a measly 63.4. Croyle, injured the previous 2 games, rose from the dead to complete 11 of 16 passes for 119 yards. His QB rating was a solid 90.4. As previously described, Packers QB Rodgers didn’t play. However, backup signal-caller Matt Flynn, not known as a prolific passer, filled in rather nicely. He scorched the Chiefs secondary by completing 23 of 37 passes for 304 yards in just three quarters of play. For a moment, I thought Dan Marino had suited up for Green Bay.
McCarthy came away impressed with his 2nd string QB. “I like Matt Flynn,” said McCarthy. “I thought Matt has put together a fine preseason. I thought he did good keeping us in good plays tonight at the line of scrimmage. He missed some throws early in the game. He didn’t quite have his feet set but I thought overall for his three quarters he did a very good job.” Green Bay’s receivers were equally impressive. Wideout Brett Swain delivered a fine impersonation of Jerry Rice by reeling in 6 catches for 130 yards. His partner-in-crime, receiver Charles Dillon, caught 6 passes for 85 yards. Patrick Williams chipped in with 5 catches for 70 yards.
The Chiefs struggled big-time defensively in giving up 433 yards of total offense
While Green Bay was busy attacking from the air, the Chiefs countered with 145 yards on the ground. Reserve halfback Jackie Battle continued to impress. He led all rushers with 10 carries for 67 yards. Battle also scored a touchdown. Rookie Dexter McCluster (my pick for preseason MVP) finished with 3 carries for 37 yards; good for a 12.3 average. Defensively, the Chiefs struggled big-time in giving up a ridiculous 433 total yards of offense. The lone bright spot was linebacker Demorrio Williams.
Williams, a 30-year-old veteran, picked up another sack (his 3rd in the last two games). He was also credited with a tackle for loss. The rest of KC’s defense took the night off. That said, now is certainly not the time to nitpick. The Chiefs (1-3) finally won a game. And that’s all that matters. Now we can look forward to KC’s prime-time matchup with division favorite San Diego. Chiefs rookie safety Eric Berry talked about the importance of collecting a victory going into the regular-season opener on Monday, Sept. 13.
“It’s very important. Just get that momentum going into Monday night football and make sure we’re ready to play,” said Berry. The rookie is right. Playtime is over. From here on out, the scores actually count. Let’s hope for our sake, the first regular season win comes much sooner than this one.
Wayne Hodges, an MBA from St. Mary University, is the Editor-in-Chief of “Mass Appeal News.” He is also a candidate for Kansas Senate District #7, an adjunct professor, and MPA at the University of Kansas. Wayne welcomes your comments at whodges@massappealnews.com
September 3rd, 2010 at 6:37 am
Hodge gotta agree with you on the running game… the Chiefs looked pretty good in this area. Im still not sold on Matt Cassel at QB. I dont think he got what it takes to get this team to the next level. the defense looked good last week but couldnt slow down Green Bays backup QB — thats worrisome. but it was nice to see D=Bowe make a big catch. maybe he will show up for the chargers on Monday night. we will see what happens
September 3rd, 2010 at 8:00 am
KC NEEDED THIS ONE!!!! GOTTA GET READY FOR THE BIGGIE AGAINST SAN DIEGO!!!
September 3rd, 2010 at 8:27 am
Chiefs looked much better last night. Albeit against Green Bay’s backups but we will take it. One concern I have is Matt Cassel. The guy just dont seem to be getting any better. I thought when Charlie Weis was hired Cassel would play much better. But he looks like he is getting worse.
cassel got Dexter Mccluster and Dwayne Bowe to throw to. and he still has not come around.
September 3rd, 2010 at 3:30 pm
i agree with the group. cassel gotta go. dude aint the answer.