My apologies for not getting this up sooner, I spent the evening celebrating our win, and as such, wasn't really in any shape to post this until this morning. So, for the 1 of you that looks for this every week, my apologies for my tardiness. What a great game to get a chance to watch live. Anyone expecting a defensive struggle in this one got the exact opposite. It was a great game, and I was happy to get a chance to go. Because I saw the game live, this version of quick hits will be slightly different, and probably more commentary on the game itself, as opposed to my usual analysis. Before we get to my thoughts, I'd like to present some guest quick hits from none other than Mrs. Odin. Mrs. Odin attended the game with me. She has her own set of observations: It was f'n cold. Ronnie Brown caught a lot of passes. Ricky Williams was not high, despite what the fans around us may have said. I'm glad the Dolphins won. It was awesome. I didn't want to hear my husband complain all the way home today. What I Liked Can't really argue with any of that. Let's try to expand on those themes a little bit. Cold - I can't overstate how frigid it was out there on Sunday. The temperature was in the single digits, and the wind drove the temperature down to the negative numbers. I arrived at the stadium around 10:30 a.m., did a little bit of tailgating, and we headed into the stadium and got to our seats shortly before kickoff. For the record, I wore about 8 layers of clothing, including the famed K-State shirt, which now has a record of 9-0 this year. Ronnie Brown (and Ricky Williams) Involved in the Passing Game - I was disappointed to see Brown have less carries than Williams today, but it was nice to see him involved in the passing game. The combo of Brown and Williams ended up with 31 touches and 137 total yards, accounting for right around 33% of our total offense. Watching the game live, I thought Brown looked like the more explosive of the two backs, though Williams statistically ended up having the best day. Arrowhead Atmosphere - Despite the fact that the Chiefs are in a down year, and the stadium was a little over half full, there were several instances of the crowd getting loud, particularly as Thigpen drove the team down the field in the third quarter. I had no problems with the fans that sat around me, everyone was extremely nice, despite the fact that I was rooting for the other team. Don't think that it was all Chiefs fans though - I estimated that we'd see about 25% of the stadium in Aqua and Orange, and that number appeared to be about correct, and maybe even a little conservative in estimation. Great to see our Dolphins brothers and sisters out in force supporting this team. Quick Start - It was awesome to see us jump on top of the Chiefs early, particularly as a fan watching his first live game. The Cobbs return and Ginn TD on the first possession all happened so quickly - 18 seconds according to the game center. Maybe it was the cold, maybe it was the tailgating before the game, but the first thing I noticed was how fast the game was played - you really get a sense of speed watching plays unfold in front of you live. Tight End Battle - One of the "games within a game" that I picked up on was our Tight Ends versus Tony Gonzales. Gonzales makes a big score in the second quarter (and what a great, physical catch that was for him); we come back to David Martin and Anthony Fasano. Thigpen went to Gonzalez often, and the future Hall of Famer ended up with 7 catches for 64 yards and a touchdown. Pennington hit our TEs for 4 catches, 58 yards, but 3 touchdowns. It was interesting to see both offensive coordinators make an attempt to feature the tight end. Second Half Adjustments - Both teams deserve credit for making some decent adjustments at halftime. It was 28-24 Chiefs going in. Sparano and team didn't allow a touchdown the rest of the way, allowing Pennington to lead another comeback effort. What I Didn't Like There really isn't much for me to complain about based on yesterday's game. I enjoyed the entire thing, so it's difficult to come up with things I had problems with. Too Much Chiefs Offense - A defense that hadn't given up a touchdown in three games looked like a sieve a lot of the time out there. We allowed Larry Johnson to gain over 100 yards on the ground, and this opened things up for Thigpen, who had a career day throwing for over 320 yards. Still, our defense had the upper hand on Thigpen for most of the day, picking him off 3 times, and sacking him 3 more (he also fumbled twice, though both were recovered). The cold seemed to affect him, as I suspected it might, causing him some accuracy issues (20-41) and forcing him to scramble (6 for 57 yards) a little more than he might have liked. I'm not sure why KC chose to try and go to an air attack when it looked like the running game was there for them. Too Many Chiefs Big Plays - We allowed a number of big plays to Kansas City yesterday. By my count we allowed a total of 8 plays of more than 20 yards. Defensively, I'm okay with allowing some points, as long as the opponent isn't driving up and down the field with big play after big play. I'm also okay with an occasional long distance score, as those will happen through the course of the season. However, yesterday, we allowed too many big plays, and too many little plays. Pasqueloni has to be a little disappointed that his unit gave up nearly 500 yards of total offense. Let's be clear though. This was a great game to watch live, particularly since we were able to come away with the win. As a fan, you have to love a close game that isn't decided until late in the fourth quarter. That's exactly what we got yesterday. Really, given how close both teams have played their competition this year, it really wasn't surprising. In some respects, the Chiefs are a lot like us from last year, as they've lost a number of close games - losing 8 games by less than 7 points this year. They are a young team, and it looks like they may have the real deal in Tyler Thigpen, providing he cuts down on the mistakes he makes. Game Balls of the Week A couple of interesting observations just based on the game yesterday. First, Brandon London was the first guy out on the field, and he sprinted down to the end zone to begin stretching. I thought that was interesting. Next, Jake Long is huge - HUGE - in person. Dude is quite literally a mountain of a man. 77 was easy to spot throughout the course of the game - just look for the giant mass of humanity. He's also a beast on the field. Chad Pennington - Another week, another comeback victory for Pennington, who should be garnering serious consideration for the MVP award and can't even crack the Pro Bowl lineup. I couldn't help but notice while Chad was leading us to a hard fought victory in the frigid cold of Kansas City, Brett Favre was looking old in the snow up in Seattle. Favre threw 2 picks, and couldn't convert when it mattered most. On the year, the Pro Bowl bound Favre has thrown for 3239 yards, 21 TDs, and 19 INTs. Pennington has throw for 3453 yards, 17 TDs, and only 7 INTs. I can't wait to see Chad in action in the Meadowlands next week. Patrick Cobbs - Cobbs looked solid on kickoff returns (I was initially upset because Ginn was not back there), and also proved that, once again, the Wildcat still has some claws. Cobbs looked very good today, and it was nice to see him emerge after a couple of quiet games. Andre Goodman - Goodman had the critical pick that ended the Chiefs chances of a comeback, and looked pretty darn good out there in pass coverage. Anthony Fasano & David Martin - As I mentioned earlier, it appeared like we really made an effort to get the tight ends involved in the game today, and for the most part I'd argue they played as well as Tony Gonzalez, arguably a little better. Fasano's TDs (both of them) were things of beauty. It's been nice to see us get the Tight Ends involved these last few weeks, a trend I'm hoping continues next week. Ricky Williams & Ronnie Brown - You know, as the season progresses it's become more clear that this regime favors a double barreled approach to not just the draft, but skill positions as well. Look at the TEs and RBs yesterday as an example. As I stated earlier, Ricky and Ronnie both had good days, with Ricky getting more touches, but Ronnie looking more explosive. By the way - that smile is clearly visible from the stands. I wouldn't be surprised if it's not visible from space. Davone Bess & Ted Ginn - Continuing the dual theme this week were Davone Bess, and Ted Ginn, who combined for 11 touches and 131 yards, or 33% of our offense. That end around early in the game was awesome to witness live and really set the tone for the rest of the game. Bess is the guy that the opposing fans have quickly learned to hate, as he comes up with the tough catches as the right time. I heard grumblings from Chiefs fans after several of his catches yesterday. Seneca Wallace - Thank you. Goats of the Week I watched the game live, and when you watch the game live, it's hard to identify folks who performed poorly. This section gets a break this week. I was disappointed that I didn't get a chance to watch Crowder, and Ernest Wilford was invisible, but neither of them deserves to be in this section this week. I had too much fun at the stadium to complain about too much. Overall Thoughts Looking forward to next week, I'm champing at the bit to be able to see us go to the Meadowlands and take on the collapsing Jets, who have lost 3 of their last 4 games. Based on what I saw yesterday, I'm confident that this team, this Miami team, is going to march into Jersey and figuratively punch New York right in the mouth. I like our chances, as Favre has looked used up these last 4 games, while our team appears to be hitting their stride at just the right time. We control our own destiny next week; Win and we're in. Despite the bitter cold, I had an absolute great time yesterday. From the atmosphere at the stadium, to watching the team warm up, to the early offensive fireworks, and finally to a Miami comeback win. As a fan, all you really hope for is a close game that's exciting (and a Dolphins win, of course), and that's exactly what I got yesterday. I really wish the Dolphins played a bit closer to Manhattan, because I would love to see this team as it matures and progresses throughout the course of the next several years. Great game, great fans (even the Chiefs fans), and great time. I had been hyped for this game pretty much all season. Surprisingly, it lived up to, and even surpassed, my expectations. I can't wait to go to another game.
Good stuff VO, I'm glad you and the missus had a good time..AND that we gave you a victory !!! I appreciate that you take the time to share with us.. I promise, you were thought of yesterday as we watched the cold.. thanks again bro! Please tell your wifey we are proud of her too.. you've got a good one VO..
Great write up. I agree with your assessment. Did you notice Long's first step? As soon as the ball is snapped, he has a quick and HUGE side kick. I'm not one that watches linemen too much but that jumped out at me. And the Chief fans were great. Not one was rude or made comments to us. Then again, your estimation of the % of Dolphins fans seemed to be very accurate. Weather was just as you described. Bitterly cold. Was very impressed with Ginn. Made some tough catches. Was surprised at the attendance. I know they have a poor record and I know the game meant nothing and I know it was f'ing cold, but the staduim was literally half full. This is a place that sells out constantly. This is a place that is usually loud. Arrowhead is a GREAT home field advantage. They did get loud a couple of times (especialy noting that the stadium is half full and 1/4 of those are Dolphin fans.) Great game. Great outcome. You couldn't slap the smile off my face the rest of the day! Was that the Clarion you stayed at? Or maybe it used to be the Clarion.
Thanks man, you always do a nice job. Glad you and the wife had fun in the tundra. The one thing that I'd like to do add to that was a props to Ted Ginn. A lot of people were skeptical of his ability to play physical after last week. This week I saw him go over the middle quite a few times and go up and take some real heavy shots. He def got his clock cleaned a few times and got his shoulder nicked up. But, he still came back out there and played really hard. I was pretty impressed/relieved.
I'm glad you had a great time bro, I can't wait 'til I have the opputunity to witness my first game in person (I refuse to go to Giants Stadium to watch the Dolphins). It must be exciting to be there, especially in an atmosphere like Arrowhead. You got yourself a great wife for taking on that weather. She must be tough. Did you take any pics? I know you said pregame yesterday you had planned to. I would love to see them. and, as usual, excellent write-up.
great write up man, thanks for sharing. I don't care how hot you are or what you are doing next Sunday, you better be wearing that K-State shirt! Posted via Mobile Device
Beautiful write up, thanks VO. Goodman was a beast all day long, and his finger waving showed me he now believes in himself. That will only mean good things for us. Not that it mattered but IMO the ricky fumble late his right arm was down way before his left arm came down and hit the turf to knock the ball out. Terrible call, how the replay guys couldn't see that i dont' know, its like the announcers were looking for the left arm to rule him down but his right arm was down way before his left. Didn't matter much though. Cobbs also played great in all parts of the field. I'm really starting to like Jones. Starting to get my attention more and more each week, except the past couple weeks its been positive attention (2 sacks, then an INT in the next game) instead of negative attention like his first two series (both PI penalties.) Great job by him getting used to playing CB in the NFL. Nice to see when down at half we can come back. Good job by the defense bending but not breaking after some demoralizing drives by the cheifs in the first half. Bring on the jets, lets send em home and win the AFC East.
Hey guys, glad you had a good time at Arrowhead over the weekend. Great game and in the end I am kinda glad you guys won. It will really make for some great football next weekend!! My daughter and I will be cheering for you guys to win and the Pats to lose. (I can not bring myself to cheer for a fubbalo win so I will cheer for a Pats loss) Good LuKC next weekend and glad you all got treated well in KC!!
Thanks for the very nice post brother. May 09 be a better year for you. It can be done as you have seen.
I wish I could say the same thing about being treated well. There really weren't any "rude" people, but some people gave us wrong information. I'll add this inn before anything else, I'm still on crutches right now after knee surgery on Halloween. I should be getting the "official" release to start putting pressure on my leg tomorrow. 1) At the parking gates, we told them our tickets said to go into gate H, and asked which parking gate we were supposed to go in. They said that this one was the closest one, just to go straight ahead. After we walked for a little bit, we asked someone else out there which way to go, and found out we were supposed to be on the opposite side of the stadium. I was already exhausted at this time with the wind blowing right at us, I had to "cheat" a little. Even though I wasn't supposed to, I had to walk like normal, just using my crutches as support. That was very interesting at first, since I haven't had any pressure on that leg since Halloween. 2) We got to the gate we were supposed to enter at around 9:15, the person there said the gates opened at 9:30. Well about 20-25 minutes later, someone else came and asked what we were doing there so early, as the gates didn't open until 10. Parents asked him though if there was any way we would have been able to park closer to the gate, since we were on the other side, and he said we should be able to. So, parents went back to the truck while me and brother waited there. 3) We got to our seats, luckily our row were almost right at the entrance, so I didn't have to try and go up the stairs with my crutches. Well, the people about 3 rows in front of us would not sit down at all the entire game. We asked them to sit down, but they just ignored us. There really wasn't anyone near where we were sitting, so we moved over a couple seats so we could actually see the game. There were still people there that stood up every once in a while, causing us problems, and they wouldn't listen either. They weren't standing as much, but still. I don't mind standing up some, but that first group of people were standing up the ENTIRE game. With me on the crutches, there is no possible way I could have been standing up all game long.
that suKCs man, let me know who they were and I will straighten them out when I get baKC there. I have always been kinda proud of the way Chiefs fans treat other fans at games. My apologies on behalf of Chiefs nation, hopefully a few bad apples did not give us all a bad name!! Hope the leg heals up OK!! I peed on Ralph Wilson Stadium. Just an FYI!!
