About What We Expected

NE - 34                KC - 3

Last night's game against the New England Patriots was ugly. It was, once again, another blowout suffered by the Chiefs. Holding the Patriots to just 10 points in the first half, the defense broke down over the course of the second half against Tom Brady. Tyler Palko made a noble effort, but threw three interceptions, and the offense was only able to put a field goal on the score board in the first quarter. Another disappointing loss, but who out there really thought the outcome was going to be anything different?

It's clear that injuries have done the Chiefs in, and I'm not sure if they can win another game all year. There's a point when a team, no matter the depth, just can't overcome their losses. Many point to the Green Bay Packers last season and how they overcame the injuries. Well Green Bay didn't lose three of four of their previous year's Pro Bowlers or their starting quarterback for multiple games. I know the Chiefs don't want to make any excuses for their performance, but you don't have to look any further than the Injured Reserve list to see the problem.

What the Chiefs Did Right

• The offense was able to take the lead in the first quarter with a field goal behind some good Palko throws and a brief resurrection of Thomas Jones in the running game. Palko was 25/38 for 236 yards at the end of the game, but unfortunately, those stats were accompanied with 3 INTs. The Patriots banged up secondary is probably the easiest defense that Palko will face all year, so unless he greatly limits his turnovers (and tucks the ball on a sack instead of holding it away from his body), the games could get even uglier.
• The defense sacked Brady three times in the first half, held them to 10 points, forced a fumble, and shut down Wes Welker for the entire first half. Derrick Johnson even ripped the ball out of Danny Woodhead's hands right before it crossed the plain for a touchdown. Amon Gordon got his first ever sack, and Justin Houston and Tamba Hali combined for another. 
• Ryan Succop scored the Chiefs only points, and he has now not missed a field goal since week 3. 

What the Chiefs Could Have Done Better

• Obviously in a 31 point loss, there is a lot that could have been done better. 
• The Chiefs have struggled against tight ends all year, the only exception being Antonio Gates. Those struggles continued Monday night with New England's pair of tight ends leading the team in yardage. Aaron Hernandez finished with four catches for 44 yards, and Rob Gronkowski finished with four catches for 96 yards and 2 TDs. 
• Palko's three interceptions didn't necessarily do the Chiefs in Monday, but it certainly didn't help. The first one should have been caught by Breaston, the second was tipped into the air by Baldwin, but the third was thrown into triple coverage. If Palko continues to turn the ball over, the Chiefs will continue to not score points.
• The Chiefs gave up a punt return for a touchdown to Julian Edelman. I'm pretty sure no special teams coach has ever told a punter to not kick to Edelman, but that didn't stop him from taking it back 72 yards. Our punt coverage just broke down, and allowed Edelman to get outside, and was easily able to get past Colquitt. 
• The Chiefs defense couldn't get to Brady in the second half, and the result of that was indicative in the score. The offense couldn't sustain drives. This combination is one for failure.