Scouting KC vs. Houston

First Half Only

Houston first series.  A couple short passes, the receivers were hit as the caught the ball.  The Chiefs new 3-4 stuffed two straight running plays for -1 yards.  On third and long a nickel back Leggett came on a blitz and sacked Shaub.

Chiefs first series.  Four Larry Johnson runs of 4 yards or less.  Cassel completed a 12 yard pass for a first down, but on the next third down the ball was jarred loose on a would be first down.  The Chiefs punt to the 5 yard line.

Houston second series.  Houston's offensive line kicked into gear and began opening hole for the running game and short passing game.  Schaub is perfect so far 7 for 7, they over comes a first and 20 and a heavy rain to drive down the field.  On third and one from the two, the Texans open a large hole inside the left tackle and easily score.  7-0 Texans.

Chiefs second series.  Jackie Battle makes a strong run on first down but gets blown up on second down for a loss.  Following a motion penalty Cassel dumps off to a running back on third and 11 for a three yard gain.  A short punt gives the Texans great field position at Houston's 43.

Texan's third series.  Three and out, still raining hard and the Houston looks sloppy.  Shaub is done for the night Orlovsky replaces him.  Completes one pass on third and 8 for 6 yards.

Chiefs third series.  Cassel get dumped but throws the ball away as he is hit.  RB - Battle again looks strong on a 9 yard run.  On third and 1 a pass to TE Sean Ryan slips through his hands.  They are going to miss Tony G. on third and short.  Dwayne Bowe is in the dog house and hasn't even made it onto the field yet.

Houston forth series.  Orlovsky is in as QB, throws for a first down, but can't do much until third and 10 and they complete a pass that come up a foot short.  Both passes went to Andre Davis.

Chiefs forth series.  Jackie Battle up the middle for 5 and then 2, on third and 3 Houston bails out a receiver by holding him, while he does a nice volleyball bump off his hands. The next play the ball squirts away from Cassel and Houston recovers at the KC 24

Houston fifth series.  KC get a sack but then gives it all back on a nice 20 pass and to Joel Dressen, a Colorado State product.  A couple short runs and an incomplete, leads to a field goal and a 10-0 Houston lead with under 6 minutes to play in the half.

Kansas City fifth series.  Brody Croyle in at QB, Battle doesn't look near as good on a sweep getting tripped up for a yard.  Bowe finally makes it into the game.  Following a Offensive Line holding call,  Bowe makes a second down catch, but on third down Conner Barwin sacks Croyle, who amazingly isn't hurt.

Houston sixth series under three minutes until the half.  Orlovsky twenty yards pass to Davis. Moats and Slaton make a couple nice runs.  Brandon Flowers, the Chiefs cornerback almost intercepts on second down, and breaks up a would be first down, so Houston kicks another field goal to extend their lead to 13-0

Chiefs sixth series, 1:12 until halftime.  Hurry up offense?  A draw play to Jamal Charles for nothing, two short passes from Croyle and a first down, maybe their third first down of the half.  Bowe stretches out to make another first down on a nice 14 yard catch, but only 17 seconds to go.  Two more drops but on forth and 10 a twelve yard pass to Wright, get them in range for a 48 field goal as time expires.  Houston 13 Kansas City 3

Conclusion - Kansas City manages 103 yard in the first half, almost half of which was on the final drive. 5 first downs, 11:13  time of possession, 2.8 yards per rush.  The defense made some plays and looks pretty good at times, but Houston offensive line was definitely better then KC defensive front seven.