After their decisive victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night, the Philadelphia Eagles became the cover boys of the NFL.
During their 24-17 loss to Kansas City on Sunday, the Eagles couldn't cover anyone.
The Chiefs and quarterback Dave Krieg found a hole in the vaunted Philadelphia defense by going deep.
"They were biting on play-action," said J.J. Birden, who had touchdown catches of 24 and 43 yards.
The Eagles came in giving up an average of about 148 passing yards per game. The Chiefs' Willie Davis gained 167 yards in five catches.
Davis, who was previously best known for attending Central Arkansas at the same time as Scottie Pippen, was open by almost 20 yards when he caught as pass from Krieg and completed a 74-yard play for a touchdown in the third quarter.
"It was like the ball hung in the air for an hour," Davis said. "I was waiting and waiting. You just want it to come down."
The Chiefs, who usually pound it out on the ground, had only 19 rushing plays, their lowest in two years.
"They game-planned us well," said Philadelphia defensive end Reggie White. "We were biting on the play-action too much. It killed us."
GONE CHOPPING
Maybe it's because the Atlanta Braves are doing so well. Maybe it's because "Last of the Mohicans" is boffo at the box office. Whatever, the tomahawk chop was back in vogue at Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday, and just about all of the more than 76,000 fans took part.
The Chiefs had said before the start of the season that they would discourage the chop, bowing to the protests of some Indian groups.
Small groups of fans did the chop on their own at the Chiefs' two previous home games, but the whole stadium had not done so.
The Chiefs took out a full-page newspaper ad in the Kansas City Star on Saturday to say they were bringing back the chop in response to demands from fans and players.
With the encouragement of the band and the team cheerleaders, the ninth-largest crowd in Arrowhead Stadium history commenced chopping during a timeout in the first quarter.
"All those people making all that noise can sure get you pumped up," said Chief lineman Dave Szott.
JUST ASKING
Given, the San Francisco 49ers didn't have as easy a time as expected against the New England Patriots, but let's see a show of hands: How many of you would rather have watched Double-Duty Deion Sanders and Atlanta try to stop unbeaten Miami and Dan Marino?
That much said, let's say this: The 49ers are going to be very tough to beat this year.
Steve (No, He's Not Joe Montana) Young is one of the most exciting players in the NFL. He is a Fran Tarkenton with wide receiver speed.
And Rickey Watters gives the 49ers a dimension not seen since Roger Craig was in his prime several years ago. Watters ran for 104 yards in 19 carries and caught eight passes for 84 yards against the Patriots.
But Miami-Atlanta still would have been better.
DARK DAY
The Falcons may be having some second thoughts about Jerry Glanville's choice of jersey color.
Cornerback Bobby Butler noted that the 87-degree heat in Miami bothered the team in the 21-17 loss to the Dolphins, and pointed out, "We had on the hot black jerseys and they were wearing their cool white jerseys and aqua pants."
Andre Rison expressed displeasure with the officiating, saying, "Maybe it's because we wear black."
NAMES AND NUMBERS
Warren Moon's five touchdowns moved him ahead of George Blanda for the team career record of 169. . . . Lorenzo White's 149 yards rushing was the most by an Oiler back since Oct. 11, 1981, when Earl Campbell ran for 186 in a 35-17 victory over Seattle. . . . The Bengals lost quarterback Boomer Esiason to a bruised passing arm in the fourth quarter. He is listed as questionable for next week.
Indianapolis linebacker Tony Walker sang the national anthem before the 6-3 victory over the New York Jets and the Colts are 4-0 when one of their players sings the anthem before a game. Steve Knight sang before the three previous victories. . . . Freeman McNeil of the Jets gained four yards on the first offensive play of the second half, becoming the 15th player in NFL history to rush for more than 8,000 yards.
New York Giant linebacker Corey Miller had the first interception of his two-year pro career. On the play, Miller tried to lateral to defensive back Mark Collins, who sprained his left ankle on the play and was forced out of the game. . . . Giant linebacker Lawrence Taylor suffered a pinched nerve in his neck and a bruised hand, but continued to play.
The return of Cleveland's Kevin Mack from a pulled calf muscle proved painful for the Steelers. Three Pittsburgh players were injured on plays when Mack carried the ball: nose tackle Gerald Williams sprained his knee, and safety Larry Griffin and linebacker Greg Lloyd also were shaken up. . . . The Browns' offensive line has made great strides since giving up 11 sacks in the season opener. Mike Tomczak was sacked once Sunday, the only sack the Browns have given up in the last three games.
