It's easy to say that the only numbers that matter in the NFL -- or any sport for that matter -- are wins and losses. While technically that might be true, it's also ignoring what many of the numbers can tell us inside the game stats and box scores that led to that particular outcome, and the Kansas City Chiefs' victory over the Arizona Cardinals last night in the first preseason game for KC in 2012 has a lot of telling numbers.
The final score read 27-17 and most fans were quite excited by the 1-0 record in the preseason for the Chiefs that signals a change away from the miserable starts that the Chiefs always endured under former head coach Todd Haley. But here's a look at some other numbers that stood out from Friday night's game:
13 to 7 - Brady Quinn's passing attempts compared to Ricky Stanzi's. Much is made of the quarterback battle behind Matt Cassel, but Quinn received twice the number of attempts last night and there wasn't much of an effort to "discover what they have in Stanzi" as one might have believed last night. This battle might not be the showdown everyone thinks as the coaching staff might have Stanzi firmly at No. 3 on the roster just for the sake of experience in 2012.
15 to 12 - Now if you're looking for a big battle for roster postions, check out the number of carries given to Cyrus Gray (15) and Shaun Draughn (12) in the backfield. While the Chiefs were just trying to put away a win last night by running the ball, they were also trying to get a solid look at both backs. Both were impressive at different points, coming away with a rushing touchdown apiece. Draughn has been very impressive in camp and Gray is the new guy everyone is excited about. The Chiefs clearly are interested to see what both can offer.
21, 21, 21 and 67 - The yardage amounts on the four big plays the Chiefs defense gave up. While it wasn't the first team that was out there, it also wasn't the first team offense of the Cardinals all of the time either. The Chiefs gave up three 20-yard passing plays and that 67-yard run by William Powell. While the Chiefs are likely very pleased with the results all around, head coach Romeo Crennel will make sure the defense analyzes what went wrong on all of these plays.
3 for 69 - The number of catches and receiving yards that Steve Maneri had. Steve Maneri. The Chiefs lost Martin Rucker for the season earlier this offseason, so it was believed the team might bring in another veteran free agent at tight end. Instead, they moved Maneri officially from his offensive tackle position to tight end and seem intent on giving him every chance to land that No. 3 TE slot on the depth chart. If it doesn't work, a veteran could always come in, but Maneri was targeted three times and caught every one of them for big yardage.
7 - The number of sacks the Chiefs had in last night's game. No one had more than one, which means the Chiefs were utilizing a number of players from all directions on the field. Justin Houston, Cam Sheffield, Jerome Long, Brandon Bair, Caleb Campbell, Jerrell Powe and Edgar Jones all have a sack last night. Given the tremendous need on the roster for another strong pass rusher or two to emerge alongside Tamba Hali, the Chiefs got a nice start against the Cards.
0 - The number of sacks the Chiefs offensive line gave up last. This is perhaps the most inspiring number along with 166 rushing yards. The offensive line excelled in the running game last night and it opened up the play action for a number of big plays. The Cards defense has some nice pass rushers and several guys fighting for their one chance in the NFL. To stave them off for four quarters from a single sack shows that the positive play at all levels of the Chiefs' offensive front last night.
64,212 - The number of Chiefs faithful to hit up Arrowhead last night. It feels good to have the NFL back again.
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