To the Chiefs’ credit, I thought head coach Andy Reid’s game plan was strong for three quarters. Was it perfect? Absolutely not. The Chiefs gained 12 yards over the first two possessions. But over the second and third quarters, the Chiefs found success. Here were four consecutive drives that occurred in that stretch:
12 plays, 72 yards, four first downs, missed field goal
Eight plays, 56 yards, two first downs, touchdown
Seven plays, 40 yards, two first downs, punt
Seven plays, 30 yards, one first down, field goal
If kicker Harrison Butker made a 43-yard field goal, the Chiefs would’ve averaged 2.2 points per drive while putting up 5.3 yards per play in the middle quarters. That’s a good rate considering the context.
Then the fourth quarter started, and the Chiefs fell apart. Before the game became a two-score margin late, the Chiefs had four drives: 13 plays for 19 yards with zero first downs. There were two turnovers and two unsuccessful fourth downs. It was ugly, and probably the worst quarter the Chiefs’ offense played in years.