The Kansas City Chiefs already have won more games than they did in 2013. And the third win of the season arguably was one of the biggest for the franchise in years.
It came as the Chiefs went to Philadelphia with 14-year Eagles coach Andy Reid and beat the home team by 10 points, 26-16.
Both offenses were at times sluggish. The Chiefs could have scored an early knockout in Rocky’s hometown, thanks to four first-half turnovers from Philly. But stalled drives and a missed field goal kept the game close at intermission.
And while it seemed the Eagles eventually would explode offensively, they could never sustain the momentum, thanks to a relentless K.C. defense that sacked Mike Vick repeatedly.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs played mistake-free football, getting timely throws from quarterback Alex Smith, clutch receptions from receiver Donnie Avery, and 172 total yards from running back Jamaal Charles.
The Chiefs showed extreme poise after a quick fourth-quarter Eagles touchdown and a mishandled kickoff pinned the visitors at their five. On third and 10, Smith found Avery for a first down that sparked a time-killing drive that resulted in a field goal and stretched the lead back to 10.
On the night, the Chiefs controlled the clock and the snaps, with 39:07 of possession and 77 plays from scrimmage. The Eagles had only 63.
More importantly, the Eagles are now 1-2.
Even more importantly, the Chiefs are 3-0 and firmly in the mix for a playoff run.
Most importantly (even if he won’t admit it), Reid went home and kicked the butt of the franchise that fired him less than nine months ago.