KC Chiefs: Report Card Vs Houston Texans

Sep 13, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) calls a play at the line of scrimmage during the second quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

There were solid individual performances, and the play-calling was well-balanced, but the KC Chiefs offense did not sustain an effective attack throughout the game.

First, and most importantly, they won the turnover battle. Zero turnovers is excellent.

Second, they committed just two penalties for 25 yards. Again, excellent numbers for the unit.

Alex Smith led the attack, going 22-for-33 for 243 yards and three touchdowns passes. He posted three touchdowns passes in just two games all of last season.

Still, the Chiefs were 3-for-13 on third down conversions, and they were shutout in the second half.

Several positives on his part.

It was his highest QB-rating (118.6) since Week 4 of last season, a.k.a. the 41-14 decimation of the Patriots.

He threw a 42-yard strike to Kelce in the first quarter. He didn’t have a completion that long until Week 15 last season.

Kelce was a difference-maker throughout the game. He caught six passes on six targets, scored two touchdowns and converted a 3rd -and-six with yards after the catch late in the game to keep the Chiefs’ offense on the field.

Jamaal Charles was Jamaal. Turning broken plays into positive yards, averaging better than 3.5 yards-per-carry, and catching five balls for 46 yards and touchdown.

It’s clockwork with him.

Still, the Chiefs were 3-for-13 on third down conversions, and they were shutout in the second half. Stagnant enough that the Texans’ were an onside kick away from having the ball down just a touchdown in the final two minutes of the game.

The game was never in doubt; but the offense struggled in the second half when it had a chance to remove all hope for the Texans. Great win, not great offense.

Next: That Chiefs D