The Homestretch
There’s something in competition that raises our efforts as we reach a goal’s finish line. In long-distance running, oftentimes there are mile markers signifying where you are, and I’ve always used these markers to tell myself, “just that much more to go.” Come on! These are little tools I use to keep me going during the grind. An NFL season, of course, is nothing like distance running. However, there is a grind to the season. There are games against opponents that should quickly be dispatched, and we are often left in bewilderment about how our team failed to dismantle a weaker team. Yet, like a great finisher, our Chiefs are putting the final touches on what promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime three-peat championship.
It would be too easy to dismiss the massive accomplishments of our Chiefs. Presently, these Chiefs are 14-1. They are finalizing one of the best seasons ever recorded in the NFL, yet still not good enough for some. There has been so much dialogue about being lucky, getting calls, and being favored, but the frank truth is that these Chiefs are downright good, and we need not apologize as Chiefs fans.
In last week’s game against the Texans, we saw some promising signs from the Chiefs’ Offense and Defense.
On the Offensive side of the ball, Hollywood Brown returned, and he surely opened things up for these Chiefs. We also witnessed another great step forward by our speedy rookie Xavier Worthy, who recorded seven catches for 65 yards and a touchdown. We are starting to see Andy Reid featuring Worthy and his unique speed, which is unmatchable. The other bright spot on display for our Offense was the sound play of Joe Thuney at Left Tacke, and out of nowhere, Wanya Morris replaced an injured Jawaan Taylor at Right Tackle in the 4th quarter, and he did a fine job. He did this very quietly. Like a great distance runner, the Offense seems to be picking up the signs and driving for home.
Turning to the Defense, the addition of Charles Omenihu is opening things up for our pass rush, which picked up another two sacks. While at it, our Chiefs started to reacquaint themselves with collecting turnovers.
Jayden Hicks and Trent McDuffie were the defensive stars. Hicks seems to have a knack for big plays, as his interception early in the 1st quarter truly set the stage for the Offense to take over.
In Distance running as you focus on the distance ahead, you often forget what it took to get to the finish. Reflecting on this journey for a moment Chiefs Kingdom, stop and be thankful. This run for the finish is nothing we’ve ever seen before. There are sure to be some challenging moments as we enter the playoffs. I will remind you that this incredible run truly started when the Chiefs were losing 24-0 to the Texans in the divisional round in 2020. That Chiefs team never flinched as their leader, a young Patrick Mahomes, implored them to go out and do something special.
They came storming back to win that game 51-31. Special.
Here, we find these 2024 Chiefs with a golden opportunity vs. the Steelers to do something special and send these Chiefs to a home-field advantage for the playoffs. The finish line is in sight. There’s One more to go. Let’s Go!