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SALT LAKE CITY — The 2013 NFL season is providing yet another worst-to-first story, and for the second time in a half decade, it is the Kansas City Chiefs.
After sporting a 2-14 record in 2012, BYU alumnus Andy Reid has re-energized the fan base and has the Chiefs in a step-for-step race against the Denver Broncos in the battle for the AFC West, with both teams possessing a 4-0 record.
Reid’s quarterback, Alex Smith, registered a solid outing against the New York Giants, completing 24 passes for 288 yards and three touchdowns in a 31-7 win over New York. Smith also rushed for 37 yards. Utah alumnus Sean Smith had four tackles for Kansas City as well.
Utah State’s Bobby Wagner continued his strong play as he made seven tackles while also recovering a fumble in Seattle’s 23-20 overtime win over Houston. Robert Turbin had three carries for four yards for the Seahawks.
Other standout local defensive performances came courtesy of Utah’s Eric Weddle and Brandon Burton. Weddle made six tackles in San Diego’s 30-21 win over Dallas, and Burton had three tackles and a pass breakup in a win for the Buffalo Bills, 23-20, over Baltimore. Cleveland’s Paul Kruger registered two tackles in an AFC North victory over Cincinnati.
Highland High’s Haloti Ngata made four tackles for the Ravens.
Former Utes offensive lineman Zane Beadles started for the Denver Broncos, in Denver’s 52-20 win over Philadelphia.
Weber State’s Paul McQuistan also started on the offensive line for Seattle.
After a breakout performance in week three, BYU’s Ziggy Ansah had a more subdued outing against the Chicago Bears, as he registered only one tackle and pass breakup in a Detroit win over Chicago. Former Cougar Brett Keisel also had a sub-par performance for Pittsburgh, making only one tackle as the Steelers fell to Minnesota and dropped to 0-4 for the first time since 1968. Bryan Kehl also made a tackle for the Redskins in their first win of the season, a 24-14 victory over Oakland.
Other notable local performances included former Timpview star Stephen Paea’s two tackles for Chicago in the Bears’ loss to Detroit.
Three former Ute defensive players are set to take the field on "Monday Night Football" as Koa Misi, Derrick Shelby and Paul Soliai play for the 3-0 Miami Dolphins in their matchup against 3-0 New Orleans.
Former Utah standouts Star Lotulelei and Steve Smith sat out in week four, as the Carolina Panthers were on a bye week.
