Chiefs at Jaguars - Week One - Record: 1-0

'Nkay, it has to be said. It is indeed the first and foremost thing that needs to be said.

When, I say, when was the last time you saw a quarterback performance like that from a Kansas City Chiefs starting quarterback? And please, I'm not saying today's effort from Alex Smith was anything so super wonderful. I mean our offense pretty much stalled in the entire second half, and we were not playing a very good team to begin with.

But come on.

That we actually had at all any meaningful production from our quarterback is cause for a robust celebration. We may, yes, we may actually have, for once, a genuinely contending team.

A lot of that is not just because of Alex Smith. It was very clear that

- Our offensive line played extremely well. Eric Fisher sealed the outside well and provided fine pass protection. The return of Rodney Hudson in the middle I believe is the difference maker.

- Jamaal Charles run up and down the field again. He had a quad strain at one point so let's hope he's healthy and can keep going, but Cyrus Gray and Knile Davis looked good in relief.

- Our pass rush was quite ferocious, and Justin Houston looks like he's gained a step. Dontari Poe was beast in the middle, even batting down a pass at one point. Our defensive game plan even allowed Tyson Jackson to get a sack! It's all good!

- We actually had somewhat of a vertical passing game! It looks like they've found the magical potion to unleash Dexter McCluster. He ran great routes, caught some good long passes. Fine touchdown plays from Junior Hemingway and Donnie Avery were very sweet to watch, and showed what a difference a whole new coaching staff makes. Last year we just wouldn't have made those plays -- ahem, no real quarterback, no real coach.

But hey, the irony. For years the best thing about our Chiefs has been their punting team led by Dustin Colquitt. On the whole Colquitt and the special teams had a good day, but the irony: the worst thing the Chiefs endured today was a blocked punt that went for a safety.

We aren't all there altogether yet. We had the usual breakdowns most teams have, I mean, again, we couldn't get a single offensive score in the second half. Cause for concern?...

But then again, that we got three touchdowns out of the gate, the first two of them touchdown passes -- wow, touchdown passes and the Chiefs. The Chiefs and touchdown passes. The joy of seeing those two things together. Aaahh...
_