The Kansas City Chiefs came out on top against the Minnesota Vikings, due to a game winning field goal. Furthermore, the Chiefs emerged victorious because they beat the Vikings in all three facets of the game. The report cards are in. Who’s stock is either rising or falling entering Week Ten? Let’s find out with our version of four up and three down.
Latest Chiefs News
- The Andy Reid Bowl: Coach Faces Old Team, Reid’s Legacy
- Are We Seeing The Best Work Of Steve Spagnuolo This Year?
- Are Patrick Mahomes, Jalen Hurts More Similar Than Most Think?
- Kelce Brothers Making History In Super Bowl LVII
- Kansas City Chiefs Punch Ticket To Super Bowl LVII
Four Up
Tyreek Hill
This was likely the best game of the season for Tyreek Hill. Since returning from injury, he has been essential in big moments. To start the game, he laid out and hauled in a catch for a 40 yard touchdown. That put the Chiefs on top first. There were a few other times when Hill connected with Matt Moore to move the chains on a crucial down. For example, one catch he had left the cornerback in the dust on a double move and Kansas City gained 30 yards. Later on, Hill beat Trae Waynes on an out and up route, before snatching the ball right above Waynes’s face. That was a 41 yard gain. Finally, Moore found him on a quick pass over the middle on 3rd and 4 to set up the game winning field goal. Hill seems to be just getting started on regaining his electric play we saw before the injury.
The Defensive Line
Welcome back to the lineup Chris Jones. Jones returned from a groin injury to show he is still a game wrecker up front. In fact, the entire defensive line ruined any good fortunes that the Vikings offense had going. Due to other injuries, Jones played on the edge at times, besides just his usual defensive tackle spot. When on the edge, it helped to slow down Dalvin Cook. Meanwhile, Tanoh Kpassagnon has blowing blockers up. He may not always generate a lot of tackles. But, Kpassagnon forces ball carriers or quarterbacks to have to alter their decisions and change direction.
Throughout the last few weeks, Derrick Nnadi has been playing the best ball of his season. Nnadi overpowered the Vikings interior offensive line, and generated six tackles. The rookie Khalen Saunders continues to improve each week he is given the chance. He had a key pass deflection at the line of scrimmage in crunch time. Lastly, Mike Pennel looks to be a middle of the season signing that paid off. He’s only been there two games, and he is already bullying people up front. He has five tackles in two games, including a tackle for loss in this contest. This Chiefs defensive line has energized this front seven during this recent improvement defensively.
Damien Williams
After LeSean McCoy‘s recent struggles, it was time to hand the majority of the running back duties over to Damien Williams. Williams had his best game of the season on Sunday. Additionally, he logged the most snaps he has in a single game this year. His 91 yard rushing touchdown put the Chiefs back on top 17-16 at the time. That was a tremendous hole the blockers created to spring him free, and then he only had to step around one man. That run tied Jamaal Charles for the longest touchdown run in franchise history. To boot, he managed to gain 125 rushing yards on the day. Before this Vikings game, Williams had just 100 rushing yards in his first six games this season combined. It just so looks like he has regained the starting running back role.
-
Ep 103: Tom Brady Retires, Sean Payton To Broncos, Super Bowl Primer
by Full Press Coverage on February 5, 2023 at 3:49 pm
Harrison Butker
The reason this week’s piece is four up, three down and not three up, three down is because we need to give props to the kicker. Harrison Butker had entered this game with a few misses on the season, including one from 50 yards the week before. He just wasn’t connecting on the long range kicks so far this year. However, he came through under pressure this week. First, Butker drilled a 54 yard attempt to tie the game. Then, he lifted the Chiefs to victory with a make from 44 yards as time expired.
Three Down
Pass Defense Vs Running Backs
The Chiefs defense has defended the pass splendidly lately. But it was the screens and passes to the running backs in the flats that beat the Chiefs plenty of times. Honestly, Dalvin Cook did more damage as a receiver than as a runner. One Minnesota touchdown was to a wide open Ameer Abdullah in the flats. It looked like Morris Claiborne maybe forgot to cover that spot. Who knows who’s fault it really was. If the Chiefs continue to play against the pass this well against the receivers, then things will be fine. But, too many underneath or short, delayed throws are costing Kansas City too many yards.
Cam Erving
It’s been a while since we have placed Cam Erving in this three down portion. But, it’s time he appears here again. Erving was beaten too easily by the ferocious Minnesota pass rush. Moore was sacked five times. On one in particular, Erving’s guy beat him for the sack and he was still called for holding. Later in the contest, a crucial false start nearly ruined the Chiefs chances. Fortunately for them, Moore bailed them out. If it wasn’t before, it’s even more clear that Kansas City needs Eric Fisher back protecting the QB’s blindside.
Mecole Hardman
Mecole Hardman has not made too many mistakes in his rookie season. Meanwhile, there was big one to begin the second half. Hardman was hit by Mike Hughes after a long kickoff return and fumbled the ball. That is the second time he has fumbled on a kick return, the other being against the Lions. Special teams has been slightly worse this year for Kansas City, and will need to be cleaned up down the stretch. Also, Hardman did not have a large role on Sunday. He finished with just one carry for seven yards and zero catches.
That will conclude four up and three down. Be on the lookout for more Chiefs articles this week. Stay tuned to Full Press Coverage, for more great sports and NFL content.
– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.
-
Ep 142: Former Washington Quarterback And Super Bowl Champion Doug Williams Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on February 3, 2023 at 10:19 pm
Former Washington quarterback and Super Bowl champion Doug Williams joins […]
-
Ep 141: Andy Reid, Eagles, And Conference Championship Weekend w/ Joe Bannerby Full Press Coverage on January 27, 2023 at 5:36 pm
Clark and Ira are joined by former Eagles President Joe Banner to talk […]
-
Ep 137: Hall Of Fame Discussion w/ John Turneyby Full Press Coverage on December 30, 2022 at 5:33 pm
Football historian John Turney of Pro Football Journal joins Clark and Ira […]
-
Ep 136: Remembering The Longest Game Ever Played With Larry Littleby Full Press Coverage on December 24, 2022 at 1:09 am
On the 51-year anniversary of the longest game ever played (Chiefs vs. […]
-
Ep 135: Hall of Fame Semifinalist Jahri Evans Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on December 16, 2022 at 3:51 pm
Former Saints guard and 2023 HOF Semifinalist Jahri Evans joins Clark and […]
-
Ep 134: Remember AFL/NFL Star John Hadl with Nick Canepaby Full Press Coverage on December 8, 2022 at 2:39 pm
Former Hall of Fame voter, Nick Canepa, joins Clark and Ira to discuss the […]
-
Ep 133: Hall Of Fame Semifinalist Henry Ellard Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on November 30, 2022 at 4:28 pm
Former Rams and Redskins wide receiver, Henry Ellard, joins Clark and Ira […]
-
Ep 132: Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Semifinalists w/ Rick Gosselinby Full Press Coverage on November 22, 2022 at 6:15 pm
Clark and Ira are joined by Pro Football Hall of Fame voter Rick Gosselin […]
-
Ep 131: 'Football Heaven' With PFHOF Senior Advisor Joe Horriganby Full Press Coverage on November 17, 2022 at 5:55 pm
Pro Football Hall of Fame Senior Advisor, Joe Horrigan, joins Clark and […]
-
Ep 130: Remembering John McVay With Hall of Famer Eddie DeBartolo Jr.by Full Press Coverage on November 13, 2022 at 1:42 am
Clark and Ira are joined by Hall of Fame owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr. to […]
-
Ep 271: NFL Championship Roundby Full Press Coverage on January 26, 2023 at 1:58 pm
-
Ep 270: NFL Divisional Roundby Full Press Coverage on January 19, 2023 at 1:31 am
-
Ep 269: NFL Playoff Previewby Full Press Coverage on January 12, 2023 at 4:13 am
-
Ep 268: Week 16 Fantasy Rankingsby Full Press Coverage on December 21, 2022 at 9:45 pm
-
(Episode 3.2) Offseason Talk with the "Command This!" Podcastby Full Press Coverage on February 1, 2023 at 3:04 am
George Carmi hosts Steve, Dev, and Phil as they discuss the Commanders […]
-
Ep 167: Super Bowl LVII Previewby Full Press Coverage on February 1, 2023 at 12:33 am
This season premiere featured a preview of the NFL's season finale. In […]
-
2/3 - Tom Brady Retires... For Goodby Full Press Coverage on February 3, 2023 at 2:20 pm
Ian and John react to Tom Brady's second, and likely final, retirement. […]
-
1/31 - Tom Brady and the 49ers, Aaron Rodgers Futureby Full Press Coverage on January 31, 2023 at 9:00 am
Ian and John discuss whether or not the 49ers loss in the NFC Championship […]
-
1/30 - Conference Championship Recap: Eagles, Chiefs Advanceby Full Press Coverage on January 30, 2023 at 10:35 am
Ian and John recap the Eagles and Chiefs victories on Conference […]
-
1/27 - Conference Championship Preview: Who is Going To The Super Bowl?by Full Press Coverage on January 27, 2023 at 9:50 am
Ian and John preview Conference Championship Weekend and give their picks […]
-
Talkamania Episode 230by Talkamania on September 6, 2022 at 11:43 pm
-
Talkamania Episode 229by Talkamania on August 5, 2022 at 3:37 am
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 211 "Steel Reserve"by Boot 2 The Face on January 28, 2023 at 6:59 pm
We preview the Royal Rumble and other things in the week of pro wreslting. […]
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 210 "No Monè, No Monè, No Monè"by Boot 2 The Face on January 19, 2023 at 12:55 am
Rucker and EJ are back discussing Rucker going to Impacts Hard to Kill […]
-
Kings at Pelicansby Broken Controller Media on February 5, 2023 at 8:00 pm
-
Nuggets at Timberwolvesby Broken Controller Media on February 5, 2023 at 7:15 pm
-
Raptors at Grizzliesby Broken Controller Media on February 5, 2023 at 6:30 pm
-
76ers at Knicksby Broken Controller Media on February 5, 2023 at 5:30 pm
-
Cavaliers at Pacersby Broken Controller Media on February 5, 2023 at 4:30 pm
-
Ep 103: Tom Brady Retires, Sean Payton To Broncos, Super Bowl Primerby Full Press Coverage on February 5, 2023 at 3:49 pm
-
Magic at Hornetsby Broken Controller Media on February 5, 2023 at 3:30 pm
-
Hawks at Nuggetsby Broken Controller Media on February 4, 2023 at 10:00 pm
-
Mavericks at Warriorsby Broken Controller Media on February 4, 2023 at 9:00 pm
-
Rockets at Thunderby Broken Controller Media on February 4, 2023 at 8:15 pm
-
1/6 - Damar Hamlin Update, Bills/Bengals, AFC Playoffs, Week 18 Picksby Full Press Coverage on January 6, 2023 at 3:11 pm
-
Winter Classic: Bruins Rally To Beat Penguins At Fenwayby Full Press Coverage on January 4, 2023 at 2:09 am
-
1/3 - Bills/Bengals Postponed; Bruins Topple Penguins In Winter Classicby Full Press Coverage on January 4, 2023 at 2:05 am
-
1/2 - Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Week 17, Bills/Bengalsby Full Press Coverage on January 3, 2023 at 3:22 am
-
12/30 - New Year's Eve, Luka Doncic, NBA Talk, Week 17 Preview and Picksby Full Press Coverage on January 1, 2023 at 2:29 am
-
Aaron Rodgers, Packers Win Third Straight; Playoffs In Sightby Full Press Coverage on December 27, 2022 at 7:36 pm