KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A few thoughts on the Kansas City Chiefs’ 19-7 win over the San Diego Chargers at Arrowhead Stadium:
What it means: The Chiefs did their part with regard to making the playoffs. They needed a victory over the Chargers as part of a three-game equation to reach the postseason, but wins by Baltimore and Houston kept the Chiefs on the outside looking in.
Stock watch: Quarterback Chase Daniel played about as well as could be expected as the emergency replacement for starter Alex Smith. Daniel, who learned Thursday night that he would be starting because Smith had a ruptured spleen, completed his first nine passes in getting the Chiefs off to a strong start offensively. The Chiefs sacked San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers seven times. Tight end Travis Kelce had seven catches for 84 yards. He finished the season as the Chiefs' leader in receptions and receiving yardage.
No wide receiving touchdown: The Chiefs remarkably finished the season without a wide receiver catching a touchdown pass. The Chiefs had a close call against the Chargers in the second quarter when Dwayne Bowe initially was given credit for an 11-yard touchdown catch. But after a video review, it was ruled that Bowe fumbled before he crossed the goal line. The Chiefs still got the touchdown but only when Kelce recovered the ball in the end zone.
Game ball: Outside linebacker Justin Houston became the 10th player in NFL history, and the second to play for the Chiefs, to finish a season with 20 or more sacks. Houston had 22, giving him the all-time Chiefs record. Derrick Thomas had 20 sacks in 1990. Houston was a superb all-around presence this season, playing well in pass coverage and against the run. He may have been the league’s best linebacker this season.
What's next: The Chiefs finish 2014 at 9-7.
