In 20 years, I am going to think back on the time Marcus Mariota dueled Patrick Mahomes on Monday night and went into halftime tied. It was a really special first half our boys put together. We came out swinging, moving the ball on offense, and causing turnovers on defense. Unfortunately, the game didn’t continue to go in our favor. The Chiefs picked it up and left us in the dust. This one was already written off before it started. Losses don’t hurt as bad when you know they are coming.
For the first time in my life, I got to see a virtual review on a 4th down play. Naturally, the league waited to whip that one out for the Chiefs. And of course it came at our expense. If it wasn’t for an absolutely terrible spot, then it would’ve went our way. It doesn’t make much sense to me. You are using technology to verify where a human placed the ball. If the human is going to spot the ball behind where it should be placed, then what is the point. Either put a chip in the ball and go all in on technology. Or, keep it as it has always been. Which by the way, everyone would prefer.
I loved seeing the underdog mentality DQ brought into this game. We went for it on the majority of 4th downs. I still have no idea why we strayed away from this approach this season. It took us going into Kansas City as 10+ point underdogs to finally get back to what worked so well for us last season. DQ knew we had no shot winning this game if we didn’t possess the ball as much as possible. Unfortunately, the 4th down plays just didn’t go our way. I still look at this as a positive. I hope we keep this trend going and continue to play every game as if we have nothing to lose. Because at this point, we really don’t.
After this one, there are a number of players in my doghouse. For starters, I didn’t expect this one but Deebo has entered it. Our first drive was going so well until he decided to it was a good idea to use his helmet to catch a screen. Jaylin Lane has been a one hit wonder so far this season. He has made one good play and outside of that has been nothing but dog shit. Mariota played serviceably and we decided to give him no help. Conerly seems to be having a tough game every week. Johnny Newton decided to throw away what would’ve been the best play of his career. Bill hasn’t done anything since the Chargers game. We traded away a guy capable of being a less than average but still starting running back because of his training camp performance. Just some more reasons to deviate the Adam Peter’s train.
It was great having Terry back. I’m glad his time healthy with the team lasted as long as it did. Two of his catches were highlight reel plays. And, now I have to assume we won’t see him for another three weeks. We have seen Jayden, Terry, and Deebo out on the field for only two games this season. I’m really glad we’re paying our two receivers almost $50 million this season. It’s looking like a great investment from our front office. Terry is making it very hard to stay in his corner. I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if he was someone we traded at the deadline. As crazy as that is I’m just saying.
On the other side of things, we had some big plays from guys I have had nothing but good things to say about all year. Marshon and Bobby both grabbed interceptions on the Chiefs first two drives. It was the first time Mahomes has thrown picks in back to back drives to start a game. Once we didn’t capitalize on either it was obvious where this game was heading. I was really hoping to see a gambling slip of these two guys parlayed to have interceptions. I’m sure that would have been around +1000000. Realistically, there was honestly too much value to put those two wagers together. In all honesty, I have now seen it all with this team. I don’t think anything can surprise us anymore. Great plays from both guys. I would enjoy seeing more of it for the rest of the season.
Jacob Martin and Jeremy Reaves were two sleeper players of the game. The defense still let up 28 points but these two came to play. Reaves was all over the place and even had the opportunity to light at Mahomes. I’m surprised he restrained himself because I’m sure 95% of players in the league are taking that opportunity to blow him up. Jacob Martin owned his matchup. He grabbed 2 sacks and provided a much needed presence on our defensive line. Outside of these 4 guys I just mentioned I don’t have many other positives. The defense looked great in the first half then reverted back to its old-self in the second.
It was nice seeing our guys come out swinging and not roll over immediately. I’ll always remember that first half. But now, the gauntlet continues. Seattle is coming to town tonight. The odds are not nearly as stacked against us as last Monday. We are still underdogs going into this one but honestly I am cautiously optimistic that we will win this one. This in my opinion is shaping up to be a game where we remind everyone that we are a good football team. Jayden is coming back and I’m sure he’s seen all the twitter accounts slandering his name. I for one will not stand for these fallacies being spread about my quarterback. I don’t think he has taken to kindly to them either.
The thought crossed my mind earlier this week that Jaxon Smith Njigba is likely going to put up 100+ and a touchdown. But, then I remembered we have Marshon “Lockdown” Lattimore. That’s what does around here is shutdown star wide receivers. That’s all he’s done since we traded for him. It would be nice if we could actually get the run game going tonight. Losing Ekeler has proven to be a much bigger loss than we initially expected. The Seahawks have a very good defense, but may be without one of their best corners. That could end up boding very well for us.
At the moment, we are 3 point underdogs. I think we win today and love our moneyline. Bill’s over at 43.5 yards is one I am a big fan of. He’s due to have a good game. Yes, the Seahawks do have the best rushing defense in the league. However, this is a game of reverse psychology. They want everyone to take Bill’s under. So, we go against the public and take his over. Jayden to run one in at +265 is great value. Lastly, Luke McCaffrey first touchdown. He’s due.
We’re at the point in the season where we need to start stealing games back. Tonight is a great place to start. If we drop tonight and next week, there is little to no chance we make the playoffs. I’ll be honest and say I am not particularly thrilled we have the night slot. I will be very excited once I am there. But, it’s a pain knowing I won’t get to bed until about 1am tonight. That is a problem for tomorrow. As long as Jayden is healthy, we can beat any team is this league. I am hoping the injury bug is over with in DC. We can’t afford to be losing anymore players. Tonight’s the night we get back on track. Looking forward to watching some Sunday night football in DC and to write back next week following the win.
Photo Credit: Ed Zurga | Credit: AP