What We Saw: Week 16

Kansas City Chiefs vs Chicago Bears

 

Chicago had trouble getting going in this one while the Chiefs were just fine. Kansas City was up 7-0 after the first, 17-0 at halftime, and 23-3 heading into the final seven minutes of the game. The final score was 26-3 and Kansas City outgained Chicago 350 yards to 234.

 

Chicago Bears

 

Quarterback

 

• Mitch Trubisky: 18/33, 157 yards, 3 sacks | 6 carries, 20 yards

 

Mitch Trubisky had a slow day today as the offense struggled to keep drives going. Trubisky made a couple good throws, but he again made some worse misses that he needed to hit. The most egregious was a deep shot to Allen Robinson where Robinson had a couple of steps on his defender. Trubisky had plenty of time to throw, but he air-mailed it and the pass fell incomplete. The Bears offense did this disappearing act early in the season and it hurts to see it happen again tonight, especially when Trubisky convinced us he might be a worthwhile flier. Hopefully you didn’t lose the season on this one. It’s a reminder of how unreliable Trubisky and the Bears offense can be.

 

Running Backs

 

• David Montgomery: 13 carries, 57 yards | 1 target, 1 reception, 2 yards
• Tarik Cohen: 2 carries, 8 yards | 4 targets, 3 reception, 25 yards

 

This running attack relies on volume, and the volume all dried up tonight. David Montgomery made a nice run where he followed his blocks for a gain of 16 yards. Outside of this, he was mostly quiet. Tarik Cohen was an afterthought–as the whole passing game was–but this wasn’t too much of a surprise. He failed to live up to the hype from last season. Twenty of his yards came in the last couple minutes of the game.

 

Wide Receivers/ Tight Ends

 

• Allen Robinson: 12 targets, 6 receptions, 53 yards
• Anthony Miller: 2 targets, 1 reception, 2 yards

 

Woof. It’s brutal when a passing attack that’s been solid just completely disappears. Allen Robinson managed to put up some points and didn’t completely kill you. Still, 5 receptions and 48 yards isn’t great. It wasn’t his fault though: Robinson broke free, as mentioned earlier, and should have had a touchdown on the day. If only.

Anthony Miller wasn’t anywhere to be found today. He didn’t show up much today and only managed a single catch. Still I think he showed he has something to offer heading into next year–if the offensive woes can be fixed here. That might be a big if.

 

Kansas City Chiefs

 

Quarterback

 

• Patrick Mahomes: 23/33, 251 yards, 2 TD, 1 sack | 2 carries, 14 yards

 

Patrick Mahomes was good tonight, though the stats may not match his lofty weekly expectations. He regularly hit his receivers and kept plays alive. He made an excellent scramble when he dashed 12 yards untouched for the endzone. Mahomes will be the first or second quarterback off the board next year and he has a playoff run ahead. I personally see the Chiefs as a Super Bowl contender in a strong AFC field.

 

Running Backs

 

• Spencer Ware: 5 carries, 14 yards | 3 targets, 2 receptions 22 yards
• Damien Williams: 16 carries, 65 yards | 3 targets, 3 receptions, 27 yards, 1 TD
• Darwin Thompson: 5 carries, 14 yards

 

With LeSean McCoy out, Damien Williams was definitely the back to own. He carried the load tonight and he did enough to make him worth the risk. He was decent on his carries, flashing some power on his runs. He finished with a touchdown–a nine-yard catch–and he should carry the load again next week as McCoy rests for the playoffs.

Spencer Ware saw the first carries of the game but he was mostly ineffective. He left the game with an injury and didn’t return. 

 

Wide Receivers/ Tight Ends

 

• Travis Kelce: 9 targets, 8 receptions, 74 yards, 1 TD
• Tyreek Hill: 5 targets, 5 receptions, 72 yards
• Sammy Watkins: 5 targets, 2 receptions, 28 yards

 

Travis Kelce dominated today with targets throughout the game. He did his part in your championship quest–throwing up 21 in PPR. Kelce paid off as the TE1 you expected him to be.

Tyreek Hill caught all of his targets, but the low-scoring game ultimately limited him. Still, Hill put up a strong effort and flashed his usual talent. I love watching him play, and he will be found at the top of drafts again next year.