Alex Smith Leads Chiefs Past Chargers In Epic Comeback
By Charles Lam
The Kansas City Chiefs looked nearly dead the entire game. The offense sputtered through three-quarters and the defense gave up big plays. All that didn’t matter thanks to Alex Smith’s heroics in the final quarter.
The game didn’t start out well for the home team Kansas City Chiefs. The KC Chiefs managed to score three points to the San Diego Chargers 21 at halftime. I thought we were in for a blow out in the wrong way. I didn’t believe this offense and defense could get the job done for Kansas City. I was wrong.
The Chiefs had a lower chance to win this game than the Kansas City Royals did when they beat the Houston Astros on the road in the playoffs last season.
The 33 to 27 epic comeback is the Chiefs largest comeback in team history, according to Chiefs beat reporter, Terez A. Paylor.
Pro Football Reference gave the KC Chiefs a one percent chance to win the game in the third quarter. The Chiefs didn’t care about the odds. They continued to play hard until the final whistle was blown.
The #Chiefs had a 1% chance of winning after the #Chargers went up 24-3 in the 3rd https://t.co/sRgL1YAfHH pic.twitter.com/heiXcikDw1
— Pro Football Reference (@pfref) September 11, 2016
Alex Smith completed 34 of 48 passes for 363 yards and two passing touchdowns. He also added four rushes for 15 yards and the game winning touchdown. He did throw a pick in the game on the Chiefs side of the field but that didn’t comeback to haunt him.
Alex was dealing today: finished 34 of 48 for 363 yards, 3 total TDs, an INT & the biggest comeback in franchise history (by margin)
— RIP Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) September 11, 2016
Smith’s top target wasn’t wide receiver, Jeremy Maclin, but running back, Spencer Ware. Ware caught seven passes on eight targets for 129 yards. He broke a big one off for a 45 yard gain. Ware rushed the ball 11 times for 70 yards and ran in for the game tying touchdown. What a game by Ware taking the lead back role in the absence of Jamaal Charles.
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Travis Kelce added huge plays down the stretch for Kansas City. He hauled in six passes on seven targets for 74 yards. Kelce caught a third down throw by Smith deep into San Diego territory in overtime extending the game.
Smith connect with Jeremy Maclin on a beautiful back shoulder throw for a touchdown with 9:18 left in the game cutting the deficit to ten points after a Cairo Santos made extra point. The pass was glorious to watch and the catch might have been better.
The KC Chiefs defense got a shot in the arm when stud Chargers receiver, Keenan Allen, left the game with a knee injury. The defense held the Chargers offense to six points in the second half. Allowing the Chiefs offense to take over and pull of the improbable comeback.
Next: Has Jamaal Charles Lost a Step?
This game might be what Alex Smith and the Chiefs needed. This team isn’t know for its epic comebacks. If they can add this element to the team, the Kansas City will go far this season. The division title isn’t out of the question. This season’s going to be fun.