Kansas City Chiefs Vs. Green Bay Packers: Grading the Game

On a beautiful Sunday afternoon at Arrowhead Stadium the Kansas City Chiefs hosted the Green Bay Packers and future first-ballot Hall of Famer Brett Favre. Arrowhead Stadium was sold out for the 137th consecutive time. This was apparent due to the fact that this is probably Favres' final season and it is a treat to watch him play. While Chiefs fans were hoping for a victory in this match-up, they were disappointed as Favre and the Packers defeated the Chiefs 33-22. The game treated the Chiefs fans to some excitement along with the eventual disappointment. The defense showed up in the first half, but adjustments by the Packers at the half were too much to overcome. The Chiefs offense did come alive in the second half and treated the fans to some scoring that they have not seen so far this season.

Chiefs Grades

Offense: B-
The offense showed real signs of life in the second half, which has been the common theme this season. Larry Johnson had a short run for a touchdown and a long screen that went for a touchdown. Damon Huard was allowed to open up the passing game in the second half and showed that he is still a viable option even with Brodie Croyle waiting in the wings. Tony Gonzalez was still showing why he is the top Tight End in the NFL as he went over 100 yards receiving with 1 touchdown. The offensive line and the receiving corp are still the weak spots in this offense. There was to much pressure on Huard and Johnson had very little room to run. The screen pass was Johnson's lone big play and if not for Gonzalez there would not have been any passing game.

Defense: C
The defense was stingy as it has been all season in the first half. They allowed no points in the first quarter and had two interceptions of Favre in the first half. The second half was a different story. It was obvious that they did not adjust at half time for Brett Favres' eventual explosion. Donnie Edwards and Ty Law got beat down the middle for a long gain. It was obvious on the play that there was a missed assignment. How does a linebacker get left alone on a wideout down the middle? Favre also threw for a second long touchdown that beat double coverage. The coverage was good, but Favre was better.
A positive is that the defense did not allow the Packers to run the ball as Ryan Grant was their leading rusher with 55 yards.

Special Teams: C-
Nothing special about the special teams. They did not get good field position on kick or punt returns. They covered kicks and punts with no real passion. Green Bay started with decent field position on most kick and punt returns. Dustin Colquitt was once again the lone bright spot on special teams. He continued to place his kicks inside the 20 yard line and those that were not had great hang time forcing fair catches or allowing the coverage team to make plays.

Coaching: D+
Herm Edwards and his coaches were a tale of two halfs. In the first half the defense showed why it is in the Top 10 in the NFL while the second half the necessary adjustments were not made. They should have known that Green Bay was going to turn this game over to Brett Favre. It happens every week. They did open up the offense in the second half after a slow start in the first. They started passing more and getting the playmakers involved as evidenced by the touchdown to Tony Gonzalez and the screen pass to Larry Johnson.

Overall: C
Herm Edwards now has some questions to answer. Larry Johnson went out in the second half with an injury and it appears that Priest Holmes will now get a chance to play more. Holmes is a very capable runner, but he needs an offensive line to open holes. The receiving corp is sorely missing a second receiver. Dewayne Bowe is still a rookie and can only do so much to help Tony Gonzalez. The defensive secondary needs help. The safeties are good, but the cornerbacks are showing their age. Pat Surtain (CB) can still play but Ty Law is definitely showing his age. He doesn't have that quick step which allowed him to jump pass patterns in the past. He also doesn't have the speed to stay with a speedy receiver without some help from a safety. Is it time for Brodie Croyle? What to do with Law? These and the other questions will be answered as the season moves on. Next game: Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium.