That is at least surprising. Since this Planet started in 2002 (I don't know when CP began) we've had 18 playoff wins and won it all 3 times.
Far as the game goes, I was impressed, despite the fact Houston was a sub-par opponent, with the Chiefs overall heads-up play as a team. They are a smarter group than we are used to facing in all 3 phases. They do the little things better than most and resemble us in a lot of ways, imo. They don't beat themselves which is what we often try to force teams to do.
I don't buy the "Chiefs offense sucks" theory much. Maclin has been healthy and is very effective working the seams when we play zone and can line up anywhere. Kelce is a fair approximation of Gronk and represents a huge challenge for a banged-up Pat Chung. That is a major advantage for them and should keep Chung occupied away from the LOS where he is most effective. Alex Smith represents a guy that runs well enough to force a "keep him in the pocket" defensive game plan that usually results in handing the opponent plenty of time to throw the ball.
My X factor nightmare is that they will watch what Miami's Devante Parker did last week and give Chris Conley more opportunities. I studied him coming out of the draft a bit and he is a freakish athlete with all kinds of star traits but has only caught 17 passes so far. Maybe it's secret weapon time.
You never know, but I was hoping that with all hands on deck we'd be able to play aggressively in select situations, but giving a "game-manager" technician QB like Smith (I think he's better than that) a soft pocket means a classic Matt Patricia/BB bend-but-don't-break game plan that can give an opponent a ton of confidence and, therefore, give a team that has been shaky at times some confidence.
I think they are a fairly bad match-up for us. If we could run and blitz aggressively it would stress their OL who is better at grinding it out. As it is, I doubt very much we dominate that offense.
