After much pre-game speculation, Matt Cassel did suit at quarterback for the Chiefs Sunday. Then he watched his defense smother the Rams in a convincing 27-13 victory.
This was a game that showed the difference between the NFC West and AFC West. The Chiefs are hanging on to their division lead at 9-5, while the Rams are hanging around at 6-8.
Sam Bradford completed only 21-of-43 passes for 181 yards and two interceptions. After a solid first drive, the Rams only had two first down in their next nine drives. They didn’t take advantage of great field position, and eventually the Chiefs offense got their act together in the second quarter after a slow start for Cassel.
Jamaal Charles ran for 126 yards on 11 carries, including a 80-yard run that iced the game with under four minutes remaining. Charles appeared to get hurt at the end of the play. Kansas City will need him to try to close out their division title. The Chiefs would make the tournament if they could win at home over the Titans and Raiders.
Even at 6-8, the Rams will still win the division if they can beat the 49ers and Seahawks in the final two weeks. They just might do it, but Sunday’s game was a reminder how far this offense has to go.
That No. 5 seed in the NFC continues to look more and more attractive.