Offensive guards were catching touchdowns, and tight ends were throwing them.
The Kansas City Chiefs pretty much had the wildcard playoff game wrapped up by halftime at Arrowhead Stadium in a blowout 42-21 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
At one point, the Steelers actually led 7-0 after a T.J. Watt defensive score.
That didn’t last long.
This is what some writers in Kansas City are saying today after the trouncing:
“Here’s how the Chiefs’ first five possessions unfolded: Punt, punt, interception, punt, fumble,” wrote Sam McDowell of the Kansas City Star. “Fortunately for them, the Steelers — and their unimaginative offense — gave the Chiefs time to settle in.”
Ouch.
McDowell says the next opponent — Buffalo Bills — won’t be so easy.
“If the Chiefs progress five straight possessions without a score — especially with two turnovers — against Buffalo in a week, it’s likely to get them beat.”
Buffalo walloped the New England Patriots 47-17 Saturday night.
Was the win akin to a preseason playoff game for the Chiefs?
Writer Herbie Teope pretty much wrote that it was.
“The Chiefs needed this kind of performance as a tune-up for their next game. Sunday’s result sets up another Sunday showdown next weekend, this time against the Buffalo Bills, in the AFC Divisional Round at Arrowhead.”
There were times when the Chiefs almost toyed with the Steelers.
“The Chiefs had so much fun Sunday night that (guard) Nick Allegretti caught a touchdown pass. Travis Kelce threw one,” wrote Pete Sweeney for the Arrowhead Pride website. “After watching the Buffalo Bills annihilate the New England Patriots on Saturday night, I felt that coming into Sunday night’s game, Kansas City didn’t just have to win. It also had to make a similar statement: that the Chiefs are in another class — and that when their offense gets cooking, they can run over anybody in a similar fashion.”
The Kansas City Star took a moment to acknowledge Ben Roethlisberger and his expected retirement.
“It’s been a hell of a ride for Big Roethlisberger in a Steelers uniform,” McDowell wrote “But one that is likely over, and, if so, ended in miserable fashion.
“If this is indeed it — as expected — Roethlisberger finishes with a Hall of Fame resume as a two-time Super Bowl champion and a six-time Pro Bowl selection.”
Meanwhile, the Chiefs are headed to a AFC divisional playoff game for the fourth consecutive year.
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• Tim Benz: Another inept start, sudden defensive collapse among season's final 'Airing of Grievances' for Steelers
