3. The Chiefs’ brilliant, “run-on” field goal shouldn’t be forgotten.
It didn’t end up leading to a victory, but the Chiefs’ successful “run-on” field goal at the end of the first half was executed so well that it shouldn’t be forgotten. Simply put, consider the ridiculous complexity involved in moving the correct personnel onto the field and into position all amidst a ticking clock that had only 13 seconds remaining on it when tight end Noah Gray re-entered the field of play.
For starters, Gray knew exactly which official he needed to give the ball to in order to expediate the spotting process. Meanwhile, a total of 12 players needed to exchange spots without a moment’s notice. The only players who remained on the field as part of the field goal unit were Gray, center Creed Humphrey, offensive guard Trey Smith, offensive guard Kingsley Suamataia and offensive tackle Josh Simmons, meaning six players needed to rush off the field while another six ran on it.
That process was executed in just 10 seconds before longsnapper James Winchester snapped the ball at the 3-second mark, providing kicker Harrison Butker with plenty of time to send the ball through the uprights from 59 yards away.
Again, the Chiefs lost on Friday, so these special teams’ heroics are easily forgotten, but the success of that operation should be a comforting thought if Kansas City needs to do it again down the road.