Well, I still think that even in defeat, KC showed me something.
See, Kansas City didn't lose by much. It was a close thing:
-One extra minute on the clock, probably a different ending.
-If Morten Anderson doesn't miss the field goal, probably a different ending.
-If Warrick falls down instead of staying on his feet on the TD pass, probably a different ending.
I'll have mercy on you and cut that short. Here's the bottom line: This was perhaps the biggest game of the year for the Bengals. They had a very thorough game plan, and they executed perfectly without a single mistake in any aspect of the game. They corralled Dante Hall well on kickoffs, stopped Priest Holmes early, didn't allow a long completion, protected their CBs, got pressure on Trent Green, didn't turn the ball over once, and still nearly lost the game.
Kansas City has shown the ability to score at will. Unfortunately, when there's no pressure, they don't seem to have much will, just like in the 1st quarter of this game and the 2nd half against the Raiders and early against the Ravens.
But remember, this was in a hostile stadium. Kansas City has one big test left: Denver. But they have been decimated by injuries, and I don't think they can play an absolutely mistake-free game. And that's what it will take.
Kansas City should win the home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. That will give them the added weapon of Arrowhead Stadium, which is worth almost a touchdown by itself. And Dick Vermeil has out-adjusted every team at halftime thus far, so I really think they will be able to gameplan a solid win against any team the NFC can offer.
But we'll see.
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