KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A pair of second-half turnovers and crucial runs by Jamaal Charles late in the fourth quarter willed the Chiefs to a 17-16 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. Charles was quiet despite scoring a touchdown in the first half, but had seven critical carries on the Chiefs’ final drive that included two first downs and helped evaporate the clock.
The Chiefs started each half well, scoring both of their touchdowns on opening drives in the first and third quarters. They took a 14-13 lead when Alex Smith found Dwayne Bowe in the end zone to cap a 10-play, 80-yard drive late in the third quarter. The lead was extended to 17-13 after Dallas’ first second-half fumble.
Kansas City’s defense came up big again on the next drive when cornerback Ron Parker blitzed and sacked Tony Romo, resulting in another fumble. There were tense moments down the stretch as the Cowboys were able to close to within a single point on a field goal, but the defense was able to limit the damage and kept Romo under control for the majority of the second half. Dontari Poe continued his brilliant start with two more sacks and consistent quarterback pressure.
Smith was impressive on each scoring drive. He mixed in four rushes on the game’s opening possession that were highlighted by a 17 yard scamper to extend the drive on a third and 15 play. He finished the day with 57 yards on the ground in addition to completing 21/36 passes with 223 yards and two touchdown passes.
The Chiefs travel to Philadelphia to play the Eagles on Thursday night in head coach Andy Reid’s return to the city of brotherly love. That game will be broadcast on NFL Network and starts at 7:25 p.m.
