Fair Catch – Browns vs. Chiefs Q&A with Andrew Kulha
By Mike
The Kansas City Chiefs play host to the 3-4 Cleveland Browns on Sunday. The Chiefs enter the contest rolling along in the AFC West, led by Andy Reid, in his first year as head coach.
Alex Smith, former first overall pick in the 2005 draft, hasn’t set the world on fire with his new team, but has done enough to lead them to a 7-0 record and first place in the AFC West. The real stars on this Chiefs team are the ones that play on the other side of the ball, however. In this explosive era of offensive football, the Chiefs have only allowed 81 points scored against them this year. Not once all year, has a team scored over 17 points against this stout defense. To say that’s impressive is an understatement.
To learn a little more about what to expect from the Chiefs this week, we contacted Andrew Kulha, Editor from the Chiefs fan site Arrowhead Addict. Here is what Andrew had to say about this year’s Chiefs team. I hope you all enjoy his insight as much as I did.
Browns vs. Chiefs Q&A with Arrowhead Addict’s own Andrew Kulha
Oct 20, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid during the game against the Houston Texans at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
1) Did you ever think the Chiefs would get things turned around so quickly after last year’s 2-14 season? With that being said, it gives all of us in Cleveland some hope for next year…maybe?
Well, the NFL is a league full of parity, so a turnaround isn’t that surprising. Especially when considering the success that Andy Reid has had, John Dorsey’s resume, and the new quarterback in Alex Smith.
2) Seems Dwayne Bowe has struggled a bit this year, still looking for his first 100 yard receiving game and only finding the end zone twice in the process. Why do you think he is having such an off-year? Is he seeing a lot of double teams or just having trouble finding open space?
One, Teams are giving Bowe a lot of bracket coverage, so he’s being watched underneath and over the top. Even the best receivers will struggle being double covered all the time. Two, Alex Smith tends to go with the quick underneath reads, and the offense does play into that. There’s a lot that factors into this. This doesn’t mean that Bowe hasn’t been effective, though.
Smith isn’t the best quarterback in the league, but he’s the best quarterback for what the Chiefs are trying to do. For the most part, he takes care of the ball, he manages the offense and gets the football to his playmakers. Can he play better, especially as of late? Absolutely. That said, I still give him some credit for the 7-0 start. It’s a team thing.
3) How much do you attribute Alex Smith’s play to the success the Chiefs have had thus far? If you take a look at his stats, he is not having a very good year by any stretch, but the Chiefs keep winning. What are your thoughts on this?
Oct 20, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) throws a pass as Houston Texans free safety Ed Reed (20) defends during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Smith isn’t the best quarterback in the league, but he’s the best quarterback for what the Chiefs are trying to do. For the most part, he takes care of the ball, he manages the offense and gets the football to his playmakers. Can he play better, especially as of late? Absolutely. That said, I still give him some credit for the 7-0 start. It’s a team thing.
4) In your opinion, what are the strengths and weaknesses of this Kansas City Chiefs team?
Oct 20, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs strong safety Eric Berry (29), defensive tackle Anthony Toribio (98) and other team members walk out of the tunnel before the start of the game against the Houston Texans at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Strengths are rushing the passer and defense as a whole. That’s pretty obvious. Weakness is the aforementioned passing game.
5) What are your thoughts on Andy Reid on his job as head coach as we approach the halfway point of his first season with the Chiefs?
Simply put, right now, I think he’d be the coach of the year in the NFL.
6) Lastly, what are your expectations this Sunday when the Browns travel to Arrowhead? Any last thoughts you would like to leave with us?
One of the coaches I coach high school football with used to play in the NFL and he always talks about how despite not always being good, you knew you were in for a fight when you played the Browns.
I expect nothing less this Sunday. The Browns are a proud organization and they will give the Chiefs there all. At the end of the day I think Cleveland’s quarterback situation is far too shaky though, and that won’t fly against this Chiefs’ defense.
Kansas City gets a hard-fought win.
I would love to thank Andrew for taking the time to answer all of my questions. Please make sure to check back every week for the remainder of the season. We will attempt to check in with a staff writer from the Browns opposing team each week until the season is over and get their insight on that week’s matchup.
-MR(@puckelves)