Chiefs 27 -Texans 20 Match report

A strong first half performance was enough for the Chiefs to knock off the Texans in their season opener. Alex Smith was 22 of 33 for 243 yards and three touchdowns as the Chiefs pounced on some early mistakes from Brian Hoyer, including an interception for first-round draft pick Marcus Peters on his first NFL snap.

The Chiefs started the game with the ball, but after picking up a couple of first downs they were forced to punt the ball away. On the Texans first offensive play of the game Justin Houston hurried Hoyer into a poor throw of his back foot, and Peters was perfectly placed to take advantage and get his first interception as a pro. Two plays later the Chiefs found the end-zone, as Smith hit Travis Kelce over the middle for a ten yard touchdown reception.

After a Texans punt, the Chiefs the ball at their own 17-yard line and put together an eight play, 80-yard drive to extend the lead. A few nice plays from running back Jamaal Charles moved the ball into Houston territory, and then Smith hit a wide open Kelce from 42 yards out for the tight end’s second touchdown of the day. The Texans would be quick to respond though as they orchestrated an 80-yard drive of their own, which was finish off by a 4-yard touchdown throw to receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Houston missed the extra point (something we will probably see a bit more of this season with the new extra point rules) leaving the score 14-6 in favour of the Chiefs.

A field goal on the next Chiefs drive helped them add to the lead, before a turnover on Houston’s following drive helped the Chiefs extend the lead even further. Justin Houston finally made his pressure pay, coming off the edge to get his first sack of the season and stripping the ball in the process. Allen Bailey fell upon the ball to give the Chiefs great field position at the Houston 7-yard line. One play later and Charles caught a pass from Smith, got a nice block from Kelce, and did well to keep his balance as he stumbled into the end-zone for his first touchdown of the year.

The Texans would add another field goal just before the end of the half, meaning the Chiefs would enter the locker room with a 27-9 lead.

In the second half the Chiefs were content to just eat up the clock when they had possession of the football, only really threatening to add to the score once, but Cairo Santos missed the field goal attempt from 51 yards out. Houston were still struggling to move the ball on the Chiefs defense, leading head coach Bill O’Brien to make a quarterback change, swapping in Ryan Mallet for the ineffective Brian Hoyer. Mallet would lead the Texans on two scoring drives to narrow the lead to only seven points, but it was too little too late for Houston and when their onside kick was recovered by Chiefs receiver Jeremy Maclin with under two minutes left, Alex Smith was able to kneel out the clock to seal the victory.

A solid start will give the Chiefs hope for the coming season, and if they can replicate their first half performance the rest of the year then they should give teams plenty to worry about.

Offensive MVP – Travis Kelce – The tight end caught six passes for 106 yards and two touchdowns, and continues to show why he is considered to be one of the best at his position.

Defensive MVP – Allen Bailey – Bailey consistently caused the Texans offensive line problems, collapsing the pocket and getting to the quarterback on two occasions.