Jan 4, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass during the fourth quarter of the 2013 AFC wild card playoff football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Lucas Oil Stadium. Colts defeated the Chiefs 45-44. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
The Kansas City Chiefs choked away the playoffs in the second half against Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts. Not trying to take anything away from Luck and what the Indianapolis Colts were able to do, but the Chiefs held a 28 point lead in the second half and were unable to put the game away.
The Chiefs put up 44 points on the board. FORTY-FOUR! That was with Jamaal Charles on the bench for most of the game with a concussion. Alex Smith was dealing in the game. He was able to make plays with his legs and made some big plays in the passing game. Can’t fault him for the loss in the game. The Colts defense could not stop Smith early in the game and it seemed like they were going to run away with it.
Jan 4, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) celebrates on the field after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 45-44 to win the 2013 AFC wild card playoff football game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
The Colts mounted a furious comeback behind the arm of Andrew Luck. Luck was able to buy time in the pocket and find his receivers for huge plays. The Chiefs defense had no answers for him in the second half. This Chiefs defense was touted as one of the best in the league early in the year, but they slipped a bit toward the end of the season and fell apart in the second half of the playoffs. They were unable to make the adjustments needed to stop the Colts.
The game barely had any defense played in it. Both teams were able to sling it around the field and make some big things happen. The team that made the most big plays on offense ended up winning. The biggest play was the bomb from Andrew Luck over to T.Y. Hilton to put the Colts on top at the end of the game.
How were the Chiefs unable to hold onto a 28 point lead?. A FOUR TOUCHDOWN LEAD! Run the ball out. Play a little bit of defense.