Chiefs Get Big Win Against Eagles, Holmgren Speaks Out About Richardson Trade

In a homecoming for their coach, the Kansas City Chiefs (3-0) got the win for him in a 26-16 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles (1-2) on Thursday.

With five sacks (4.5 from linebacker Justin Houston) of Eagles quarterback Michael Vick and five turnovers (four in the first half), the Chiefs showed the Eagles that coach Andy Reid is doing just fine in new home. His team’s third straight win is one more than the total won by the Chiefs in the 2012 season.

Andy Reid

Reid said of the 3-0 start via Associated Press, “It’s important but there’s still a lot of season left. There no time to relax on what you have done.”

A nod needs to go to the Chiefs defense and special teams that helped get the win. The team was in control of the game clock and snaps with its 39:07 time of possession and from scrimmage, its 77 plays. This compared to the Eagle’s 63.

Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith continues playing well on his new team, going 22 for 35 and 273 yards. He connected with wide receiver Donne Avery for 7 receptions for 141 yards while running back Jamaal Charles added 80 yards receiving and 92 ground yards and one touchdown. Safety Eric Berry had an pick six against Vick.

The Eagles quarterback struggled on Thursday but had a 61-yard run in the first quarter–the longest in his career and the third biggest one by a quarterback since 2001. He rolled his ankle in the fourth quarter but said he was fine. For the night, Vick went 13 for 30, 201 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.

From the win, the Chiefs are now in the early playoff conversation and sit at 33/1 to win the 2014 Super Bowl. Next week they’ll host the New York Giants (0-2).

In other AFC News…

Trent Richardson

On Thursday, the surprising trade of Cleveland Browns (0-2) running back Trent Richardson to the Indianapolis Colts (1-1) dominated headlines for most of the day. By the end of it, former Browns president Mike Holmgren, who drafted Richardson, expressed his surprise of the news and gave his two cents to the media.

He said via NFL.com, “”I struggled with it. Philosophically, if I’m the coach and someone came in anywhere and did that, I’d say ‘OK, fire me, or I’m going to quit. Or we’re going to both go into the owner and talk about this and then we’ll see who’s still standing.’ ”

Holmgren added, “How do you make your team better by trading your best player?” He’s the best offensive player. He’s a valuable, valuable guy.”

He still believes in Richardson and thinks he’ll be a star in the league.

This comes as the Browns fired Holmgren at the end of the 2012 season. Some have thought this came from the unhappiness of the 2012 draft picks. This included Richardson and quarterback Brandon Weeden.

Many pundits opined Thursday’s trade came as the Browns are already looking ahead to the 2014 season. In return for the Richardson trade, the team got a first-round draft pick. Can you say new quarterback?

To fill the hole left by Richardson, the team quickly signed former Denver Broncos running back Willis McGahee on Thursday. He is expected play on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. How much he’ll help remains to be seen but look for a Vikings win in this matchup (-7.5, 40.5 o/u).

Meanwhile, Richardson is expected to hit the ground running as well and will play on Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers (1-1). His new coach Chuck Pagano said of the player via CBS Sports, “We did not bring him in here to be the water boy on Sunday. He’ll be ready to roll.”

Richardson may not be an immediate difference maker as the 49ers get the win (-11, 46.5 o/u)