A month into the season the Chiefs remain winless. Not really news given that they managed just six wins the previous two seasons, and entered 2009 with a new general manager, head coach and franchise quarterback. Plus, they were facing possibly the NFL's best team, the New York Giants, Sunday. The confluence of bad luck, young players, lack of talent, and a formidable opponent all led to a predictable result: another loss. Still, the Chiefs' defense remains so in name only (according to Football Outsiders, they ranked 23rd against the pass and 26th against the run during the first three weeks), but the Arrowhead Stadium turf monsters did their part to keep the Giants offense in check.
Okay, not really. New York was up 20-3 early in the fourth quarter when Eli Manning did the hot-foot crow hop, stumbled forward, and then tried to throw the football while honoring Michael Jackson.
And Manning stayed in long enough to toss a touchdown pass before eventually giving way to Mittens. As for any long-term injury concerns, Elisha should be fine. (According to NBC New York, he'll get an MRI but hopes to play next Sunday.)
Historically speaking, Manning wasn't the first quarterback to have to leave a game after getting phantom tackled. Vinny Testaverde was the originator of the move, although, sadly, there is no visual evidence via the internet. But Alper, who actually went looking for the YouTubes, stumbled across something better. Much, much, much better.
That's right: the Vinny Testaverde of rock 'n roll paying homage to the Vinnie Testaverde of football. Seems fitting.
