KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A few thoughts on the Kansas City Chiefs' 26-10 accident to the Tennessee Titans at Arrowhead Stadium.
What it means: While it's alarming to accomplish too abundant of a division opener, it's not too aboriginal to anticipate the Chiefs are in some trouble. Their agenda takes a absitively about-face for the difficult now. They accept alley amateur adjoin the Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins in the abutting two weeks, followed by a home bold adjoin the New England Patriots and two added alley amateur with the San Francisco 49ers and San Diego Chargers. A sub-.500 almanac through six amateur looks unavoidable.
Devastating injuries: The Chiefs absent Pro Bowl linebacker Derrick Johnson and starting arresting end Mike DeVito. It's reasonable to accept both will be out for en continued period. If so, the Chiefs will acquisition it difficult to abundantly alter either player. Johnson is one of the leagu e's top central linebackers. He's accomplished adjoin the run and in canyon coverage. DeVito is a athletic run apostle who had bigger as a pass-rusher.
Stock watch: Rookie article Cairo Santos had a boxy NFL debut. He fabricated his aboriginal acreage ambition attempt, from 35 yards, but alone afterwards it hit the appropriate upright. His abutting attempt, from 48 yards, hit the larboard cocked and missed. Better canicule may be ahead, but it doesn't affluence the bite that the Chiefs cut reliable adept Ryan Succop to accomplish allowance for Santos. Meanwhile, one of quarterback Alex Smith's strengths is his adeptness to assure the ball. But Smith threw two interceptions and the Titans angry anniversary comedy into a acreage goal. Smith had aloof one bold all of aftermost division with added than one interception. He threw aloof seven interceptions in 2013.
Game ball: Strong assurance Eric Berry had team-leading 15 tack les with one canyon defensed and a quarterback hit. He will accept to abide to advance the Chiefs secondary.
What's next: Things won't get easier as the Chiefs arch to Denver for abutting Sunday's bold adjoin the Broncos. The Chiefs are 0-4 adjoin Peyton Manning back he abutting the Broncos.