Week 3 - Chiefs 34 at Flippers 15

The Chiefs opened a can of whoop-ass on Flipper.

These are a lot more fun to write when the Chiefs win. However, sorry to be Debbie Downer - but, while the score looks like a blow-out, the game didn't feel that way. Thanks in large part to the gaping hole in the middle of the defense, from the loss of both inside linebackers and a pro-bowl safety, Miami (ironically) gained way too many yards on the ground. Especially given that their starting back - and old KC nemesis - Knowshon Moreno was absent. And, and while the run blocking gets better each week, passer protection is still a huge problem. Does anyone know what happened to the special teams? The best part of this game - besides the W - no serious injuries! That's one week in a row!

Offense: First of all, where the hell has Joe McKnight been hiding? He looks like Dexter McCluster, except he can catch. And, for the second straight week without Jamaal, Knile Davis looks like "the real deal" (OLD Chiefs fans will recall that cringe-worthy reference). Davis is a nice change up to Jamaal. He's very fast in the open field, although not nearly as shifty or quick as Charles. But he doesn't have to be. He runs over people, not around them. He's become a lot more patient in following his blockers and waiting for a hole to open. And 32 carries in the Miami heat and humidity is a serious workload. He looks like Larry Diapers, with a better attitude. That formation with the three TE's broke at least three good plays yesterday. Kudos to the Walrus (goo-goo-goo-joob) and Doug Peterson, or whoever is responsible for that play. Alex was pretty sharp, and used his legs to get out of trouble. But he was working out of a special-teams-induced hole, much of the afternoon, and the blocking on pass plays was - frankly - bad. Five sacks, a safety and forced fumble is not getting it done. The right side of the O-line continues to be like an I-70 on-ramp. Stupid Stephenson has one more game out. Man do they need him back. The drops from Bowe, Avery and Kelce were not helpful, either. Bowe is a huge disappointment, and there isn't a WR on this squad that scares anyone. Still in all, credit them for finally finishing drives. The TD by Kelce was pure speed, size and as Roy Williams used to say, "wont to". The defense didn't give the O any turnovers and the special teams pinned them deep on several drives, and yet they found a way to get points.

Defense: That's more like it! Still too many big runs up the gut, and still no turnovers (KC is now -5 in TO ratio), but four sacks and a strip is always a good day. Tamba got the best of former teammate, Fat Albert on a few plays, netting five tackles, three for loss, including the strip sack. Big Dontari Poe had two sacks right up the middle and Houston added another. Significant credit for those sacks also has to go to a much improved performance by the secondary. They were not torched on Sunday. They were very sound, and came close at least three times to picking off Tannehill. They need to spend more time in practice catching the ball! Alan Bailey got a big mit up to knock down a fourth-down pass in the fourth quarter. Huge play. Another very encouraging sign was the limited play of first-round rookie, Dee Ford. On one third-and-short play in the fourth quarter, when the Chiefs needed a stop, Ford blew around end and caught the back from behind, dropping him short of the first down. Huge (and very DJ-like) play. If they can get James-Michael Johnson to stay in his gaps on running plays, and can get Berry back to cover his backside, this defense could become pretty good.

Specials: We have a great punter.
The rest of them - ugh. Kickoffs were terrible. Coverage on kicks was terrible. The penalties were ridiculous. NO punt returner should ever field ONE punt inside the five, let alone two. Add in failing to call a fair catch, and letting the ball roll 20 yards, to inside the 5. Frankie Hammond needs to be benched. The offense kept starting in a huge hole. Only having the best Colquitt in the league and the emergence of McKnight salvaged anything out of this mess. Hopefully Mambo gets well soon. As they say, the greatest ability is availability.

Awards:
Throw Him A Bone: Gotta go to Mr Scrapheap Salvage - Joe McKnight. He was doing it all. He was only the leading receiver with 6 grabs out of 7 targets for 64 yards - one more yard than all the wide receivers combined. A very healthy 10.7 yards per reception, and a TD. Oh, and he returned 3 kickoffs 65 yards for a 21.7 yard average. Did I mention that he also had a carry out of the backfield? Hopefully his questionable behavior that got him cut by the Jets, and out of the league for a year, is behind him, and he can become a reliable player for KC.

Doggity Dog: Dave Toub - this dud's for you! One of the worst all-around special teams performances in recent memory. Toub needs to get his house in order.

Next up,  Chiefs host the Patsies at The Head on Monday Night Football, BABY! So, set those DVRs to 7:30 Monday night!

Tailgating Recipe:

MrDoggity's Caribbean Chicken Hot Wings 

Brine:

1 tbsp. sea salt

1 tbsp. honey

2 tsp.  paprika

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. onion powder

1 tsp. ground black pepper

1 split and seeded habanero pepper

½ tsp. allspice

1 can lime seltzer water

Juice of 1 lime

2 lb. chicken wings, cut with the tips discarded (I save the tips to make stock)

Baste/seasoning. 

¼ cup good olive oil (I use lime infused from Olive Tree)

¼ cup MrDoggity's Bajan-Style Hot Sauce (or any Caribbean-style hot sauce)
Juice of 1 lime 

Mix all brine ingredients, and brine chicken for 1 to 2 hours.

Pat chicken dry and oil with good olive oil. Cook on indirect grill, at medium heat, for 20-30 minutes, turning and brushing with baste about half way through and again about 5 minutes before removing from grill. Make sure chicken is cooked until juices run clear.

Toss in a bowl with remaining baste and serve.

Also works great with large prawns or shrimp.  

Your Faithful Scribe,
Mr Doggity