The Kansas City Chiefs hosted the Philadelphia Eagles at Arrowhead Stadium for the 1st home game of the season. It was a slow start in the 1st half for the Chiefs, but during the 2nd half, their Offensive line came alive and scored 3 touchdowns to win the game, 27 – 20.
Offense
Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith stepped it up yet again and completed 21 of 28 passes for 251 yards and 1 touchdown. His chemistry was as strong as ever with rookie RB Kareem Hunt. Hunt had 109 scrimmage yards and scored 2 touchdowns. The Chiefs’ tight end, Travis Kelce brought his game face and attitude to the field today. He received a 15-yard penalty for taunting, eliciting choice words from Chief’s Head Coach Andy Reid. Kelce redeemed himself by leaping into the air and scoring a touchdown. Kelce also had 8 receptions for 103 yards.Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz completed 25 of his 46 pass attempts for 333 yards and two touchdowns. Alshon Jeffery completed 7 catches for a total of 92 yards. Eagles tight end Zach Ertz had five catches for a total of 97 yards.
Defense
Even though Eric Berry was out of the game today due to an Achilles injury, the D-line held strong in his absence. The Chiefs’ defense was all over Carson Wentz today, sacking him six times. Eric Murray had six solo tackles and two passes defended. Daniel Sorensen also had six solo tackles and had three quarterback hits today. Justin Houston deflected a ball in the air and it landed in the hands of Chris Jones, leading to Kelce’s touchdown. Jones had had 3 sacks and an interception.
“We believed in the scheme of the defense, and we executed.” said Jones.
The Eagles D-line came in strong in the first half and sacked Smith three times, but lost it during the 2nd half, when the Chiefs scored 3 touchdowns.
Coach’s final words
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid stated, “We were able to put second-half pressure both offensively and defensively. I thought our lines just kind of settled down as the game went on.”
Eagles head coach Doug Pederson stated, “We have to fix offensively, I am not pleased with how we have run the ball the first two weeks. It is a team effort.”
Work
The Chiefs need to start producing more plays in the 1st half. Getting off to a slow start gives the momentum to the opposing team and makes winning a lot more difficult. The Chiefs need to shore up their offensive line protection for Smith.
Injuries
Chiefs center Mitch Morse suffered a foot sprain on the field today in the 4th quarter. It is unknown how much time he will miss due to the injury. Eagles starting safety Rodney McLeod and Eagles backup cornerback Jaylen Watkins both left the game with hamstring injuries in the first half.
Up Next
The Chiefs are on the road next week when they play against the Los Angeles Chargers at the StubHub Center on Sunday, September 25th. Let’s go 3-0! Go Chiefs Kingdom!
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