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Chiefs vs. Lions: 12 Observations

Here are 12 things that stood out during the Chiefs game on Sunday in London

1. Wembley Stadium turned into Arrowhead East

While it's not Arrowhead Stadium, fans who made the trip over and the fans currently living across the pond were able to see that Wembley Stadium turned into "Arrowhead East" for a day.

From "Home of the Chiefs" to "The Chop" to all of the signs throughout the stadium, Wembley definitely had a Chiefs feel to it—even if it was 4,000 miles from home.


All of the fans in attendance were also given Chiefs Kingdom flags, which they waved throughout the game.

2. Knile Davis' big opening return

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The Chiefs offense got some help early as they started with great field position on their first drive after Knile Davis returned the kick 50 yards to the Chiefs 48-yard line.

Just nine plays later, the Chiefs got into the end zone to take the 7-3 lead with 4:07 remaining in the first quarter.

3. Spreading the love: four different Chiefs rush for touchdowns

We've seen De'Anthony Thomas take the handoff on the jet sweep numerous times this season, and it worked to perfection on the Chiefs opening drive.

With the Chiefs holding the ball at the Lions 10-yard line, Thomas took the handoff around the left edge. Thanks to some impressive blocking from several guys, including tight end Brian Parker, who was making his season debut as he was active for the first time all season, Thomas got the edge and went into the end zone for the second time this season.

Alex Smith, Charcandrick West and Spencer Ware also ran it in the end zone for the Chiefs.

4. Husain Abdullah's pass breakup changed the momentum

On the Lions first offensive possession, they went 63 yards on 10 plays and ended with a 33-yard field goal from Matt Prater. Their first two plays actually went for 11 and 32 yards.

They seemed to be in control, until safety Husain Abdullah stepped up and made a huge play on third down.

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The Lions second offensive possession had them facing a third-and-3 situation at their own 20-yard line. They decided to go empty backfield and spread the Chiefs defense out, which put them in a situation with running back Ameer Abdullah running a quick route to the outside.

Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford thought he had a play to his running back on the outside and that's when Husain Abdullah came flying through the air and knocked the pass down with one hand.

It forced a three-and-out from the Lions and changed the momentum back to the Chiefs side.

5. Alex Smith showed off his wheels

He's faster than most people realize.

When Alex Smith took off down the field during the Chiefs third offensive possession, the first-down run looked like it may only pick up 10 or 15 yards, but Smith turned on the burners and scampered 49 yards down the field to the surprise of many on the Lions defense.

Just a few plays later, Smith once again tucked it and ran down the field, but this time it was for the 12-yard touchdown to give the Chiefs the 14-3 lead.

It may have been reminiscent of his time at the University of Utah, where Smith ran for 631 yards and 10 touchdowns back in 2004.

6. Chiefs defense forces two big first-half turnovers

With a 14-3 lead, the Chiefs defense stepped up and made a big play.

Veteran linebacker Tamba Hali made a fantastic move to beat the left tackle and forced Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford to throw a bit earlier than he probably would have liked.

Stafford's feet were moving as he attempted the pass that fell right into the hands of cornerback Sean Smith, who secured the catch as he went to the ground.

The turnover was the Lions NFL-leading 19th of the season, and the Chiefs got a 33-yard field goal from Cairo Santos right after that to extend their lead to 17-3.

On their next offensive possession, Stafford's intended pass across the middle was broken up by safety Ron Parker, who deflected the ball up into the air and it landed in the capable hands of All-Pro linebacker Justin Houston.

Just a few plays later, Charcandrick West ran it in from 8 yards and gave the Chiefs the 24-3 lead late in the first half.

It was the second turnover in as many drives for the Chiefs defense, which turned those giveaways into 10 points.

7. Chiefs dominate the first half

After 30 minutes of play, the Chiefs held a 24-3 lead over the Lions.

Here are a few of the stats:

  • Chiefs defense had 4 sacks
  • Chiefs defense had 2 interceptions (Sean Smith, Justin Houston), which led to 10 points
  • Alex Smith ran 4 times for 68 yards, Charcandrick West ran it 10 times for 47 yards
  • Chiefs offense was 5 of 7 on third down
  • Lions offense was 1 of 7 on third down
  • Chiefs offense had 7 plays of at least 10 yards in first half; Lions offense had 8 first downs total

The Kansas City Chiefs take on the Detroit Lions at Wembley Stadium in London

8. Alex Smith's toughness on display once again

Midway through the third quarter, Smith found tight end Travis Kelce across the middle of the field and right after he let go of the football, got speared to the ground from the blitzing Lions linebacker.

Smith's feet left the ground and while it looked like a vicious hit, he hopped back up and threw a touchdown on the very next play.

He's as tough as they come.

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9. Third-down offense once again a positive

Over the past two weeks, the Chiefs offense has been particularly good on third down. Last week against the Steelers, the offense went 9 of 16 (56 percent) on third down.

On Sunday against the Lions, the Chiefs offense went 8 of 13 (62 percent) on third down.

10. Chiefs head into the BYE week on a good note

While 3-5 wasn't the record anyone would have hoped for when the season began, the Chiefs have been able to put together solid back-to-back wins as they head into the bye week, which comes at a great time as the team returns home from London right after the game on Sunday.

After a week off, the Chiefs travel to take on the Denver Broncos, which is undoubtedly a game that means a lot to the Chiefs as they fight back towards a .500 record.

11. Sack City showed up 4,000 miles from home

The Chiefs defense was all over Stafford on Sunday, finishing with 7 sacks on the day.

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Defensive coordinator Bob Sutton consistently brought pressure from all levels of the defense as several guys got in on the action.

  • Safety – Ron Parker – 2
  • Linebacker – Justin Houston – 2
  • Defensive lineman – Dontari Poe – 1
  • Linebacker – Derrick Johnson – 1
  • Linebacker – Tamba Hali – 1

12. Alex Smith hits Jeremy Maclin for beautiful 17-yard touchdown

Maclin wasn't exactly what you would call open, but that didn't stop Smith from trusting that his veteran receiver would be able to go up and make a play on the ball.

Smith tossed the ball 17 yards and Maclin was able to go up over the top of the defender in the end zone to come down with the ball. The beautiful throw-and-catch gave the Chiefs the 38-3 lead early in the fourth quarter.

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