KC Chiefs Pounded by New England Patriots 34-3,The Kansas City Chiefs gave backup quarterback Tyler Palko(notes) his first professional start against one of the top teams in the AFC Nov. 21. The Chiefs took a pounding by a score of 34-3 on Monday Night Football against the New England Patriots.

The Chiefs looked great during the first 30 minutes of the game but then imploded on both sides of the ball in the second half. Palko finished the game with a passer rating of 49.9 thanks to three interceptions. Two of them were tipped in the air when Palko's receivers couldn't quite handle the ball thrown to them. He was also sacked three times. Palko was 25-for-38 with 236 yards passing.


His counterpart on the other sideline was much more efficient. Tom Brady(notes) of the Patriots was 15-for-27 and 234 yards and two touchdowns and no interceptions.

The Chiefs actually had the ball longer than the Patriots by three minutes. Kansas City converted two more third downs. The Chiefs had more yards per rush and only 34 yards of penalties. Yet somehow, Kansas City still managed to score just three points.

The key to this game was how each team responded to what was going on in the field of play. New England took advantage of good field position and turnovers. The Chiefs were unable to the same. After the field goal was good in the first quarter by Kansas City, head coach Todd Haley tried a trick onside kick that failed when the ball hit the leg of a Chiefs player before going 10 yards. Other gimmick plays Haley tried to use throughout the night failed miserably.

There were a few bright spots to the game. Palko had more throwing yards in one game than the injured Matt Cassel(notes) did in five games this year. Kansas City had the lead for a full 10 minutes of playing time before the defense gave up a 52-yard touchdown. Tamba Hali(notes) finally looked like he did last year on an early sack of Brady deep in New England territory. The Chiefs couldn't capitalize on good field position and failed to score on the ensuing drive.

Special teams for the Chiefs were also good as kick returners brought the ball past the 30 yard line repeatedly. The kicking unit was also able to pin the Patriots inside the 15 yard line three times.

It was another frustrating game for Chiefs fans such as myself to watch. At times, it seemed the Chiefs had the momentum in the game. But then the offense got a hold of the ball. Eventually, Brady and the Patriots found holes in the Chiefs defense and exploited them.

Kansas City is now 4-6, a full two games behind the Oakland Raiders. Up next is a game at home against the 7-3 Pittsburgh Steelers. The Chiefs just started the most brutal part of their schedule as they face four division leaders in six games, including the loss at New England.

William Browning is a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs after latching on to the team during the lean years of St. Louis football. Born in the gateway city, he is also a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan. He currently resides in Branson, Mo.