Chiefs' blitz | Bowe’s value becomes evident

Bowe’s value becomes evident

In perhaps Dwayne Bowe’s most forgettable game of the season, the Chiefs perhaps saw Sunday how valuable the fourth-year wide receiver is to their offense. Bowe had zero catches against Denver, and Kansas City’s offense struggled. There’s a correlation there, the same as there is when running back Jamaal Charles has an unproductive contest, rare as those have been. The Chiefs need Bowe – and quarterback Matt Cassel, for that matter – to be in top form each week, and they’ll need both of them at their best next week at San Diego.

Speaking of that game…

The Chiefs didn’t have an especially passionate performance against a struggling Broncos team, and that’ll have to change next week against the Chargers. There are four games left in the regular season, but there’s no doubt that next week’s contest will have a major impact on the AFC West race. The Chiefs remain in control of their own destiny, but they’ll need a far better showing next week than they had at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday.

Where’s Tamba Hali been?

The team’s best pass rusher had a terrific performance Sunday, sacking Kyle Orton twice after hitting a dry spell the past three weeks. His second sack was his most impressive, when he beat left tackle Ryan Clady, one of the league’s best linemen, to reach Orton; Hali forced a fumble and recovered it, too. When he’s on, Hali is a terrific pass rusher, but he’s also mostly all the Chiefs have to get after quarterbacks. He’ll have to continue carrying a full load until Kansas City gets him some help – which needs to happen sooner rather than later, right after the team signs Hali to a contract extension.

Where’s the Todd Haley gusto?

It wasn’t like the Chiefs coach to pass up an opportunity to convert a fourth down in an opponent’s territory, but that’s what Haley did in the second quarter Sunday. He opted to punt at the Broncos’ 33-yard line, and Denver used the opportunity for its most productive drive of the game. It ended with a Broncos field goal. For the past few weeks, Haley hasn’t been as willing to go for it on fourth down. Maybe he should rediscover that killer instinct.

Chiefs are fully loaded on offense

Kansas City looks powerful now that it has all its weapons back on offense. Dexter McCluster was in the starting lineup, joining tight end Tony Moeaki. Quarterback Matt Cassel clearly has plenty of options, and this offense could be dangerous next season, presumably after the Chiefs pick up an additional wide receiver and further fortify their offensive line

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