Week 3 AFC West Roundup
By Justin Smith
Kansas City Chiefs
Tied for 2nd in AFC West
Record: 2-1
Last Game: Win vs. New York Jets (1-2) 24-3
Next Game: at Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1), Sunday, October 2nd at 8:30pm EST
Fitzmagic got redefined Sunday into “it’s magical how every pass Fitz throws has been intercepted today.”.
Six.
Six times the Chiefs picked off the bearded brain, and when that happens, you aren’t winning many games. That the Chiefs only put up 24 points when forcing six interceptions and basically owning the ball the entire game is encouraging to the rest of the AFC.
What isn’t encouraging is that in three games the Chiefs have now won by putting up a ton of points and scoring at will, and also won by clamping down on defense and forcing a ton of turnovers. That’s versatility, and that’s trouble for opponents.
It’s still hard to believe in Alex Smith as a game-changer every week, and his receivers haven’t helped him this season (sound familiar?). Travis Kelce has been reliable, but Jeremy Maclin has been surprisingly quiet.
After busting out in week one, Spencer Ware has been checked somewhat the last two weeks. Jamaal Charles is thought to be ready to come back and has been practicing, but looks like a game-time decisions.
The Chiefs sit with the Raiders amongst the four teams at 2-1 and with a solid (after three games) statistical chance of making the playoffs. The Chiefs have looked slightly better on defense, but remain an inconsistent anomaly.
Is this a great defensive team? A great offensive team? Do they play to their opponent? Can Alex Smith beat a good defense with his arm? Is Andy Reid the Walrus from Alice in Wonderland? Why would a cool guy like Paul Rudd cheer for the Chiefs?
All these questions and more — every single year, from the Kansas City Chiefs. The answers? Who knows.