The Kansas City Chiefs were sluggish in the first quarter against the St. Louis Rams but came through thanks in part to an 80-yard fourth quarter run from Jamaal Charles. The Chiefs topped the Rams, 27-13 and kept their playoff hopes alive. The Chiefs continue to lead the AFC West by one game with two more to play.
The Rams scored two field goals to start the game and the Chiefs defense clearly wasn't at the top of their game. In the second quarter and beyond, the defense turned it on with two Kendrick Lewis interceptions along the way. Sam Bradford ended the game completing 21-43 passes for 181 yards and two interceptions.
Chiefs head coach Todd Haley said the No. 1 priority was to stop Steven Jackson and he was largely a non-factor with 19 carries for 67 yards. He was effective early, and scored a fourth quarter touchdown, but the Chiefs kept him in check once the Rams were forced to pass to catch up. His longest run of the day was eight yards.
Matt Cassel completed 15-of-29 passes for 184 yards, one touchdown pass to Leonard Pope and one interception. Cassel was also the leading rusher at the half with 17 yards.
Jamaal Charles was really the star of the day as he rushed for 126 yards on just 11 carries including an 80-yard burst i the fourth quarter that sealed the game for the Chiefs. Charles was cramping up throughout the game but turned in a solid day.
This was a solid win for the Chiefs on the road -- just their third of the season.