Happy New Year: Chiefs vs. Broncos

AP Photo/Julie Jacobson

KC - 7                   DEN - 3

In a battle of two anemic offenses, the Chiefs emerged on top in the last game of the 2011 season and the first game of 2012. Following a year that had the Chiefs go 6-11, including the final game and playoff loss at the conclusion of the 2010 season, and 0-4 in the Preseason, it was a tough year to watch the offense. A roller coaster season, that included three straight losses, four straight wins, one week on top of the AFC West, and then a Palko sized collapse coupled with a near playoff berth in the brief Kyle Orton era (will have a Year in Review later).

The Chiefs defense held Tim Tebow in check throughout the game, stripping him when he was starting to drive into the Chiefs redzone, and then avoiding the inevitable Tebow-Time that comes late in games with an interception by Brandon Carr. The Chiefs offense was doing well in the first half, but slowed down considerably after Dwayne Bowe was knocked out of the game with a neck injury. It was an ugly game to watch like most Broncos and/or Chiefs games are, but the Chiefs emerged victorious.

The victory, however, was completely meaningless. The Chiefs didn't make the playoffs, and the Broncos made it despite their loss because of a Chargers victory over the Raiders. A lot of questions arise now that the season is over, but for now, let's just enjoy one last win in a disappointing season.

What the Chiefs Did Well

• Since the New York Jets blowout of the Chiefs that lead to the firing of Head Coach Todd Haley, the defense has been consistently fantastic over the last three games of the season. The defense has shown flashes of brilliance this season, but only started playing their best football of the season late. They held the Broncos offense to a field goal, which really only came about because of a muffed punt by Javier Arenas inside the Chiefs own 20. They did a great job, and if it wasn't for a blocked FG against Oakland, they would be playing at a playoff level at the right time.
• It's no coincidence that the defense has been playing at an exceptional level since Kyle Orton took over the offense. A good quarterback can maintain drives, win the time of possession, and let the defense rest while not being trapped on their own side of the field often. Kyle Orton was extending drives in the first half, but that tailed off when Dwayne Bowe, who injured his neck before halftime, sat out the rest of the game. Before his injury, Bowe had 6 catches for 93 yards. Orton would finish the day 15/29 for 180 yards.
• But the QB can't do it all (unless you're in a Packers, Saints or Patriots jersey), and the running game has to be there. Jackie Battle was sent to Injured Reserve the night before the game, so it was up to Thomas Jones and Dexter McCluster to carry the load. The Chiefs would finish with 106 rushing yards, with a 61 yard performance out of McCluster that included a 21 yard TD run, the only one of the game.

What the Chiefs Could Have Done Better

• Let's start with special teams. They have been a problem all year and was punctuated with not one, but two, blocked field goals last week against the Oakland Raiders. Yesterday, it was a muffed punt and a missed FG by recently rich Ryan Succop. These are mental errors and can't necessarily be blamed on the special teams coach, Steve Hoffman, but it certainly doesn't help make a case for him to be around next year. 
• The offense was bad. It's been so bad this year that good offense was actually the exception rather than the rule. It wasn't good under Cassel, it was terrible under Palko, and it was bad under Orton. They couldn't score, it's as simple as that. And a year's worth of bad offense followed the Chiefs into the last game of the year. 

Well, the season is over. It was a heck of a ride. And as the offseason approaches, here are two things to consider:

1. The Chiefs were a blocked FG away from hosting a playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers
2. What players played their last game in a Chiefs uniform?