McCluster: “I Don’t Even Remember Spinning, Honestly”

Sep 29, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin (left) talks to Kansas City Chiefs head coach

(right) after the game at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 31-7. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Four up, four down.

It hasn’t taken long for Andy Reid to make his mark on the Chiefs, rocketing out to a 4-0 start. There is little doubt now that the Chiefs will be contenders for a playoff spot this season, thanks in part to a favorable schedule and a fantastic defense.

But don’t get too excited yet.

If the playoff were to start now, Kansas City would be a six seed in the AFC. This will remain the case if Miami can knock off New Orleans tonight. KC would be out of a playoff spot altogether if they were to lose to Tennessee next week and Miami were to win again. Nothing has been won in terms of a playoff spot just yet. There is a really long way to go.

Still, there is no reason not to be excited. Kansas City has a very good football team.

QUOTES

Reporter: “There was a rumor you guys didn’t have a tight end.” Andy Reid: “That was a bad rumor.” – In reference to the play of Sean McGrath

“I think he’s done an excellent job of really just going out and playing. He didn’t blink, he just stepped in and went and we didn’t even notice, didn’t skip a beat. So I’ve been really impressed with him.” – Alex Smith on McGrath

“I was getting juiced, man… I found myself sitting open right in the back of the end zone there and as Coach (Andy) Reid would say, (Alex) dotted me with the ball,” McGrath said. “I saw it come in and all I was thinking was just catch it, catch it, catch it.” – Sean McGrath being Sean McGrath

“I don’t even remember spinning, honestly. I just remember catching the ball, then making a couple guys miss, then seeing the end zone. I’ve been told it was pretty sweet.” – Dexter McCluster on his 89-yard punt return for a touchdown

“You give a team momentum on a punt return like that, that’s death.” – Spencer Paysinger, Giants linebacker

“We’ve just got to stay humble, stay confident and understand that our job’s not done yet.” – Dunta Robinson

“I thought Marcus (Cooper) did a nice job. That’s a tough receiving corps, and they’re going to get you every once in a while, but he kept battling. He is new at that position; he was a wide receiver, for a little bit in college, up there at Rutgers. I was proud of him, the way he battled.” – Andy Reid on the play of rookie cornerback Marcus Cooper

NOTES

– New York was 1-for-14 on third down against the Chiefs. This was due, in part, to having eight third down plays of 3rd and 10 or longer. Conversely, the Chiefs were nine-for-16 on third down.

– Alex Smith led the Chiefs passing attack with 288 yards in the air. Last season’s high for passing yards in a game was 272.

– Jamaal Charles was targeted 11 times in the passing game but had just five catches. Charles is on pace for 280 carries and 92 catches (on 140 targets).

– Smith is third quarterback in Chiefs history to start his career with the team 4-0. Joe Montana was the last one to do it.

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