1990 Kansas City Chiefs season

NFL team season

1990 Kansas City Chiefs season
OwnerLamar Hunt
General managerCarl Peterson
Head coachMarty Schottenheimer
Home fieldArrowhead Stadium
Results
Record11–5
Division place2nd AFC West
Playoff finishLost Wild Card Playoffs
(at Dolphins) 16–17
Pro Bowlers
4
  • LB Derrick Thomas
  • CB Kevin Ross
  • CB Albert Lewis
  • K Nick Lowery
AP All-Pros
5
  • T John Alt (2nd team)
  • LB Derrick Thomas (1st team)
  • CB Albert Lewis (1st team)
  • CB Kevin Ross (2nd team)
  • K Nick Lowery (1st team)

The 1990 Kansas City Chiefs season was the franchise's 21st season in the National Football League, the 28th as the Kansas City Chiefs and the 31st overall. The team improved from an 8–7–1 record to an 11–5 record and Wild Card spot in the 1991 playoffs. In Marty Schottenheimer's first playoff appearance with the Chiefs, they lost to the Miami Dolphins 17–16 in the wild-card round. Starting with the home opener, the Chiefs began an NFL-record 19 consecutive seasons with every home game sold out. The streak was finally broken in the final home game of the 2009 Kansas City Chiefs season versus Cleveland.

Season notes

The success of the 1989 season carried into 1990, and the Chiefs put together a successful season to return to the playoffs for only the second time since 1971. The season began on August 4 when Buck Buchanan, a key ingredient of the team's 1969 Super Bowl championship season was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

On opening day, The Chiefs beat the Minnesota Vikings 24–21. On September 17, Stephone Paige catches 10 passes for 206 yards, but the Chiefs still lost to the Denver Broncos, 24–23 on Monday Night Football.

On October 14, Barry Word rushes for a team-record 200 yards against the Detroit Lions at Arrowhead. Kansas City won 43–24 to give the Chiefs a 4–2 record. Word would eventually gain 1,021 yards rushing for the season while Paige caught 65 passes for 1,021 yards. Quarterback Steve DeBerg had his best season ever as a Chief as he passed for 3,444 yards and 23 touchdowns.

On November 11, Derrick Thomas who would get 20 quarterback sacks for the year, sacked Seattle Seahawks quarterback Dave Krieg for an NFL-record seven sacks. On the game's last play, Derrick nearly had his 8th sack, but Krieg eluded him and threw a game-winning touchdown as the Seahawks won 17–16. Derrick Thomas later said, "The thing I most remember about that game, is the sack I didn't get, that's the one that still haunts me." His record of seven sacks in one game is now seen as one of NFL's most "unbreakable records".

On December 9, the Chiefs had two big fourth-down calls and scored two touchdowns. Chiefs coach Marty Schottenheimer let his team make two big plays that ultimately led to Kansas City's 31–20 win over the Denver Broncos, which clinched a playoff spot.

The first big play was a fourth-and-goal at the Denver 1-yard line, and Barry Word carried the ball into the end zone to give the Chiefs a 17–13 lead. The second fourth-down attempt resulted in a 27-yard touchdown pass from Steve DeBerg to Robb Thomas and put the game away in the fourth quarter. DeBerg passed for 254 yards and three touchdowns in the game. Kansas City trailed 13–10 at the half but scored 21 second-half points to take control of the game.

The win improved their record to 9–4 and control of the AFC West Race. However, the next week the Chiefs lost to Houston, putting the Raiders Back into First place. The Chiefs won their next game at San Diego to Clinch an AFC playoff spot. The Chiefs then defeated the Chicago Bears 21-19 to finish 11–5, the team's best record since 1971. The Raiders held onto first winning in the final week. Defense carried the Chiefs to the playoffs thanks to Pro Bowlers Derrick Thomas, Albert Lewis and Kevin Ross.

Next was the Miami Dolphins in the AFC Wild-Card Playoff Game, which the team led 16-3 but lost 17–16. Kicker Nick Lowery missed short on a 52-yard FG in the final seconds that would have won the game.

Offseason

Draft

1990 Kansas City Chiefs draft
Round Pick Player Position College Notes
1 13 Percy Snow  Linebacker Michigan State
2 40 Tim Grunhard *  Center Notre Dame
4 96 Fred Jones  Wide receiver Grambling State
5 124 Derrick Graham  Guard Appalachian State
5 127 Ken Hackemack  Offensive tackle Texas
6 152 Tom Sims  Defensive tackle Pittsburgh
7 180 Dave Szott *  Guard Penn State
9 235 Michael Owens  Running back Syracuse
10 263 Craig Hudson  Tight end Wisconsin
11 291 Ernest Thompson  Running back Georgia Southern
12 318 Tony Jeffery  Wide receiver San Jose State
      Made roster    *   Made at least one Pro Bowl during career

[1]

Undrafted free agents

1990 Undrafted Free Agents of note
Player Position College
Bryan Barker Punter Santa Clara

Personnel

Staff

1990 Kansas City Chiefs staff

Front office

  • Founder – Lamar Hunt
  • Chairman of the Board – Jack Steadman
  • President/general manager/Chief Executive Officer – Carl Peterson
  • Assistant general manager – Dennis Thum
  • Director of player personnel – Whitey Dovell

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

Defensive coaches
  • Defensive coordinator/Linebackers – Bill Cowher
  • Defensive line – Tom Pratt
  • Defensive backs – Tony Dungy
  • Special assistant/quality control – Darvin Wallis

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning

Roster

1990 Kansas City Chiefs roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Reserve lists
  • 22 Kenny Gamble RB (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • 74 Derrick Graham T (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • 51 Lonnie Marts OLB (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • 52 Tracy Rogers OLB (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • 95 Tom Sims NT (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • 32 Ernest Thompson RB (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • 46 Charles Washington CB/S (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • -- Rob Woods T (IRTooltip Injured reserve)


Practice squad

47 active, 8 inactive, 2 practice squad


Rookies in italics

Preseason

Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Attendance Recap
1 August 11 vs Los Angeles Rams L 3–19 0–1 West Germany Olympiastadion (West Berlin) 55,429 Recap
2 August 18 New York Jets L 0–20 0–2 Arrowhead Stadium 40,448 Recap
3 August 24 at Detroit Lions L 21–35 0–3 Pontiac Silverdome 50,293 Recap
4 August 31 Green Bay Packers W 27–14 1–3 Arrowhead Stadium 42,806 Recap

Regular season

Schedule

Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Attendance Recap
1 September 9 Minnesota Vikings W 24–21 1–0 Arrowhead Stadium 68,363 Recap
2 September 17 at Denver Broncos L 23–24 1–1 Mile High Stadium 75,277 Recap
3 September 23 at Green Bay Packers W 17–3 2–1 Lambeau Field 58,817 Recap
4 September 30 Cleveland Browns W 34–0 3–1 Arrowhead Stadium 75,462 Recap
5 October 7 at Indianapolis Colts L 19–23 3–2 Hoosier Dome 54,950 Recap
6 October 14 Detroit Lions W 43–24 4–2 Arrowhead Stadium 74,312 Recap
7 October 21 at Seattle Seahawks L 7–19 4–3 Kingdome 60,358 Recap
8 Bye
9 November 4 Los Angeles Raiders W 9–7 5–3 Arrowhead Stadium 70,951 Recap
10 November 11 Seattle Seahawks L 16–17 5–4 Arrowhead Stadium 71,285 Recap
11 November 18 San Diego Chargers W 27–10 6–4 Arrowhead Stadium 63,717 Recap
12 November 25 at Los Angeles Raiders W 27–24 7–4 Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum 65,710 Recap
13 December 2 at New England Patriots W 37–7 8–4 Foxboro Stadium 26,280 Recap
14 December 9 Denver Broncos W 31–20 9–4 Arrowhead Stadium 74,347 Recap
15 December 16 Houston Oilers L 10–27 9–5 Arrowhead Stadium 61,756 Recap
16 December 23 at San Diego Chargers W 24–21 10–5 Jack Murphy Stadium 45,135 Recap
17 December 29 at Chicago Bears W 21–10 11–5 Soldier Field 60,262 Recap

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Minnesota Vikings

Week 1: Minnesota Vikings at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Vikings 7 7 7021
Chiefs 14 3 0724

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

  • Date: September 9
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Clear, 89 °F (32 °C)
  • Game attendance: 68,363
  • Referee: Howard Roe
  • TV announcers (CBS): James Brown and Randy Cross
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • KC – Bill Jones 4-yard pass Steve DeBerg (Nick Lowery kick), 11:43. Chiefs 7–0. Drive: 4 plays, 14 yards, 2:21.
  • KC – Todd McNair 22-yard pass Steve DeBerg (Nick Lowery kick), 8:31. Chiefs 14–0. Drive: 3 plays, 29 yards, 1:28.
  • MIN – Herschel Walker 6-yard pass Wade Wilson (Donald Igwebuike kick), 3:11. Chiefs 14–7. Drive: 9 plays, 76 yards, 5:20.

Second quarter

  • MIN – Steve Jordan 26-yard pass Wade Wilson (Donald Igwebuike kick), 8:20. Tied 14–14. Drive: 7 plays, 78 yards, 3:52.
  • KC – Nick Lowery 43-yard field goal, 0:00. Chiefs 17–14. Drive: 9 plays, 50 yards, 1:41.

Third quarter

  • MIN – Herschel Walker 8-yard pass Wade Wilson (Donald Igwebuike kick), 6:53. Vikings 21–17. Drive: 12 plays, 89 yards, 6:10.

Fourth quarter

  • KC – Christian Okoye 2-yard run (Nick Lowery kick), 9:35. Chiefs 24–21. Drive: 12 plays, 78 yards, 5:32.

Top passers

  • MIN – Wade Wilson – 18/36, 248 yards, 3 TD, INT
  • KC – Steve DeBerg – 16/28, 196 yards, 2 TD

Top rushers

  • MIN – Herschel Walker – 14 rushes, 68 yards
  • KC – Christian Okoye – 28 rushes, 92 yards, TD

Top receivers

  • MIN – Steve Jordan – 4 receptions, 90 yards, TD
  • KC – Todd McNair – 6 receptions, 57 yards, TD

Week 2: at Denver Broncos

Week 2: Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Chiefs 3 6 01423
Broncos 7 7 7324

at Mile High Stadium, Denver, Colorado

  • Date: September 17
  • Game time: 8:00 p.m. CDT/7:00 p.m. MDT
  • Game weather: Mostly Fair, 63 °F (17 °C)
  • Game attendance: 75,277
  • Referee: Jim Tunney
  • TV announcers (ABC): Al Michaels, Frank Gifford and Dan Dierdorf
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • KC – Nick Lowery 39-yard field goal, 3:18. Chiefs 3–0. Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 1:47.
  • DEN – Bobby Humphrey 37-yard run (David Treadwell kick), 0:48. Broncos 7–3. Drive: 5 plays, 76 yards, 2:30.

Second quarter

  • KC – Nick Lowery 29-yard field goal, 11:33. Broncos 7–6. Drive: 10 plays, 63 yards, 4:15.
  • DEN – Bobby Humphrey 6-yard run (David Treadwell kick), 7:07. Broncos 14–6. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 4:26.
  • KC – Nick Lowery 31-yard field goal, 0:04. Broncos 14–9. Drive: 8 plays, 30 yards, 3:11.

Third quarter

  • DEN – John Elway 2-yard run (David Treadwell kick), 6:49. Broncos 21–9. Drive: 10 plays, 65 yards, 5:03.

Fourth quarter

  • KC – Stephone Paige 16-yard pass from Steve DeBerg (Nick Lowery kick), 8:01. Broncos 21–16. Drive: 3 plays, 17 yards, 1:44.
  • KC – Stephone Paige 83-yard pass from Steve DeBerg (Nick Lowery kick), 1:44. Chiefs 23–21. Drive: 1 play, 79 yards, 0:12.
  • DEN – David Treadwell 22-yard field goal, 0:00. Broncos 24–23. Drive: 10 plays, 79 yards, 1:44.

Top passers

  • KC – Steve DeBerg – 26/45, 395 yards, 2 TD
  • DEN – John Elway – 14/30, 263 yards

Top rushers

  • KC – Christian Okoye – 20 rushes, 69 yards
  • DEN – Bobby Humphrey – 19 rushes, 132 yards, 2 TD

Top receivers

  • KC – Stephone Paige – 10 receptions, 206 yards, 2 TD
  • DEN – Vance Johnson – 6 receptions, 150 yards

Week 3: at Green Bay Packers

Week 3: Kansas City Chiefs at Green Bay Packers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Chiefs 0 7 01017
Packers 0 3 003

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Game information

First quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Second quarter

  • GB – Chris Jacke 46-yard field goal, 5:51. Packers 3–0. Drive: 13 plays, 57 yards, 9:09.
  • KC – Christian Okoye 5-yard run (Nick Lowery kick), 0:59. Chiefs 7–3. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:52.

Third quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Fourth quarter

  • KC – Nick Lowery 20-yard field goal, 10:31. Chiefs 10–3. Drive: 4 plays, 2 yards, 1:38.
  • KC – Stan Petry 33-yard interception return (Nick Lowery kick), 2:59. Chiefs 17–3.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • KC – Christian Okoye – 23 rushes, 122 yards, TD
  • GB – Brent Fullwood – 13 rushes, 47 yards

Top receivers

Week 4: vs. Cleveland Browns

Week 4: Cleveland Browns at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Browns 0 0 000
Chiefs 7 17 10034

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

  • Date: September 30
  • Game time: 3:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Clear, 68 °F (20 °C)
  • Game attendance: 75,462
  • Referee: Pat Haggerty
  • TV announcers (NBC): Dick Enberg and Bill Walsh
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • KC – Nick Lowery 39-yard field goal, 12:31. Chiefs 10–0. Drive: 8 plays, 37 yards, 3:47.
  • KC – Chris Martin 31-yard return of blocked punt (Nick Lowery kick), 4:54. Chiefs 17–0.
  • KC – Emile Harry 6-yard pass from Steve DeBerg (Nick Lowery kick), 0:19. Chiefs 24–0. Drive: 6 plays, 19 yards, 3:10.

Third quarter

  • KC – Nick Lowery 34-yard field goal, 2:18. Chiefs 27–0. Drive: 7 plays, 64 yards, 4:49.
  • KC – Kevin Ross 4-yard return of blocked punt (Nick Lowery kick), 0:41. Chiefs 34–0.

Fourth quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Top passers

  • CLE – Mike Pagel – 14/27, 159 yards, INT
  • KC – Steve DeBerg – 12/21, 189 yards, 2 TD

Top rushers

Top receivers

Week 5: at Indianapolis Colts

Week 5: Kansas City Chiefs at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Chiefs 10 6 3019
Colts 0 10 01323

at Hoosier Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana

  • Date: October 7
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT/12:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 54,960
  • Referee: Bob McElwee
  • TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones and Todd Christensen
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • KC – Nick Lowery 39-yard field goal, 10:09. Chiefs 13–0. Drive: 8 plays, 24 yards, 3:42.
  • IND – Dean Biasucci 38-yard field goal, 3:03. Chiefs 13–3. Drive: 8 plays, 28 yards, 4:38.
  • IND – Albert Bentley 9-yard pass from Jack Trudeau (Dean Biasucci kick), 1:47. Chiefs 13–10. Drive: 1 play, 9 yards, 0:06.
  • KC – Nick Lowery 44-yard field goal, 0:00. Chiefs 16–10. Drive: 10 plays, 54 yards, 1:47.

Third quarter

  • KC – Nick Lowery 35-yard field goal, 3:27. Chiefs 19–10. Drive: 9 plays, 29 yards, 4:06.

Fourth quarter

  • IND – Dean Biasucci 21-yard field goal, 12:31. Chiefs 19–13. Drive: 7 plays, 84 yards, 2:42.
  • IND – Albert Bentley 10-yard run (Dean Biasucci kick), 5:53. Colts 20–19. Drive: 4 plays, 21 yards, 1:37.
  • IND – Dean Biasucci 18-yard field goal, 0:23. Colts 23–19. Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 1:48.

Top passers

  • KC – Steve DeBerg – 16/36, 212 yards, TD, 3 INT
  • IND – Jack Trudeau – 18/28, 205 yards, TD, 2 INT

Top rushers

  • KC – Christian Okoye – 23 rushes, 69 yards
  • IND – Albert Bentley – 20 rushes, 84 yards, TD

Top receivers

Week 6: vs. Detroit Lions

Week 6: Detroit Lions at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Lions 14 0 01024
Chiefs 3 14 121443

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

  • Date: October 14
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Clear, 66 °F (19 °C)
  • Game attendance: 74,312
  • Referee: Jerry Seeman
  • TV announcers (CBS): Brad Nessler and Dan Jiggetts
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • KC – Nick Lowery 21-yard field goal, 9:30. Chiefs 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 70 yards, 5:30.
  • DET – Barry Sanders 47-yard pass Bob Gagliano (Rich Karlis kick), 9:07. Lions 7–3. Drive: 1 play, 47 yards, 0:23.
  • DET – Barry Sanders 13-yard run (Rich Karlis kick), 2:02. Lions 14–3. Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards, 4:40.

Second quarter

Third quarter

  • KC – Nick Lowery 32-yard field goal, 9:47. Chiefs 20–14. Drive: 7 plays, 20 yards, 2:54.
  • KC – Bob Gagliano sacked in end zone by Bill Maas for a Safety, 9:33. Chiefs 22–14.
  • KC – Christian Okoye 1-yard run (Nick Lowery kick), 7:22. Chiefs 29–14. Drive: 4 plays, 56 yards, 2:00.

Fourth quarter

  • DET – Rich Karlis 21-yard field goal, 11:49. Chiefs 29–17. Drive: 10 plays, 72 yards, 4:16.
  • KC – Barry Word 53-yard run (Nick Lowery kick), 9:28. Chiefs 36–17. Drive: 4 plays, 76 yards, 2:21.
  • DET – James Wilder 8-yard pass from Andre Ware (Rich Karlis kick), 6:26. Chiefs 36–24. Drive: 7 plays, 62 yards, 3:02.
  • KC – Barry Word 1-yard run (Nick Lowery kick), 0:22. Chiefs 43–24. Drive: 11 plays, 79 yards, 6:04.

Top passers

  • DET – Bob Gagliano – 8/17, 156 yards, TD, INT
  • KC – Steve DeBerg – 15/26, 256 yards, TD

Top rushers

  • DET – Barry Sanders – 16 rushes, 90 yards, TD
  • KC – Barry Word – 18 rushes, 200 yards, 2 TD

Top receivers

  • DET – Barry Sanders – 5 receptions, 135 yards, TD
  • KC – Emile Harry – 4 receptions, 86 yards

Week 7: at Seattle Seahawks

Week 7: Kansas City Chiefs at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Chiefs 0 7 007
Seahawks 0 3 31319

at Kingdome, Seattle, Washington

  • Date: October 21
  • Game time: 3:00 p.m. CDT/1:00 p.m. PDT
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 60,358
  • Referee: Howard Roe
  • TV announcers (NBC): Jim Donovan and Joe Namath
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Second quarter

Third quarter

  • SEA – Norm Johnson 27-yard field goal, 2:06. Chiefs 7–6. Drive: 7 plays, 26 yards, 3:10.

Fourth quarter

  • SEA – Norm Johnson 39-yard field goal, 9:25. Seahawks 9–7. Drive: 11 plays, 56 yards, 4:59.
  • SEA – Norm Johnson 43-yard field goal, 3:00. Seahawks 12–7. Drive: 8 plays, 20 yards, 4:30.
  • SEA – John Williams 4-yard run (Norm Johnson kick), 1:54. Seahawks 19–7. Drive: 3 plays, 11 yards, 0:47.

Top passers

  • KC – Steve DeBerg – 23/34, 213 yards, TD
  • SEA – Dave Krieg – 13/35, 132 yards, 4 INT

Top rushers

Top receivers

  • KC – Stephone Paige – 9 receptions, 80 yards
  • SEA – John Williams – 4 receptions, 52 yards

Week 9: vs. Los Angeles Raiders

Week 9: Los Angeles Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Raiders 0 0 077
Chiefs 6 0 039

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

  • Date: November 4
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 37 °F (3 °C)
  • Game attendance: 70,951
  • Referee: Jim Tunney
  • TV announcers (NBC): Dick Enberg and Bill Walsh
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • KC – Nick Lowery 36-yard field goal, 3:00. Chiefs 3–0. Drive: 4 plays, –1 yard, 2:05.
  • KC – Nick Lowery 48-yard field goal, 0:06. Chiefs 6–0. Drive: 4 plays, –7 yards, 2:39.
  • No scoring plays.

Second quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Third quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Fourth quarter

  • RAI – Steve Smith 2-yard run (Jeff Jaeger kick), 14:58. Raiders 7–6. Drive: 6 plays, 26 yards, 1:52.
  • KC – Nick Lowery 41-yard field goal, 11:58. Chiefs 9–7. Drive: 6 plays, 42 yards, 3:00.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

Week 10: vs. Seattle Seahawks

Week 10: Seattle Seahawks at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Seahawks 0 3 7717
Chiefs 0 6 10016

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

  • Date: November 11
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Clear, 63 °F (17 °C)
  • Game attendance: 71,285
  • Referee: Tom White
  • TV announcers (NBC): Jim Donovan and Paul Maguire
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Second quarter

  • KC – Nick Lowery 25-yard field goal, 13:02. Chiefs 3–0. Drive: 8 plays, 25 yards, 4:07.
  • SEA – Norm Johnson 43-yard field goal, 7:53. Tied 3–3. Drive: 8 plays, 48 yards, 5:09.
  • KC – Nick Lowery 30-yard field goal, 0:07. Chiefs 6–3. Drive: 10 plays, 54 yards, 1:32.

Third quarter

  • SEA – Jeff Chadwick 54-yard pass from Dave Krieg (Norm Johnson kick), 12:33. Seahawks 10–6. Drive: 4 plays, 76 yards, 2:27.
  • KC – Nick Lowery 24-yard field goal, 2:46. Seahawks 10–9. Drive: 15 plays, 74 yards, 9:39.
  • KC – Dan Saleaumua fumble recovery in endzone (Nick Lowery kick), 1:35. Chiefs 16–10.

Fourth quarter

  • SEA – Paul Skansi 25-yard pass from Dave Krieg (Norm Johnson kick), 0:00. Seahawks 17–16. Drive: 4 plays, 65 yards, 0:48.

Top passers

  • SEA – Dave Krieg – 16/23, 306 yards, 2 TD
  • KC – Steve DeBerg – 16/30, 124 yards

Top rushers

  • SEA – John Williams – 10 rushes, 36 yards
  • KC – Christian Okoye – 21 rushes, 85 yards

Top receivers

  • SEA – John Williams – 4 receptions, 89 yards
  • KC – Robb Thomas – 7 receptions, 53 yards

Week 11: vs. San Diego Chargers

Week 11: San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Chargers 3 0 7010
Chiefs 10 7 3727

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

  • Date: November 18
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 54 °F (12 °C)
  • Game attendance: 63,717
  • Referee: Dick Hantak
  • TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones and Todd Christensen
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • KC – J. J. Birden 90-yard pass from Steve DeBerg (Nick Lowery kick), 5:31. Chiefs 7–0. Drive: 3 plays, 92 yards, 1:49.
  • KC – Nick Lowery 36-yard field goal, 5:31. Chiefs 10–0. Drive: 4 plays, –4 yards, 2:04.
  • SD – John Carney 36-yard field goal, 5:31. Chiefs 10–3. Drive: 11 plays, 50 yards, 7:15.

Second quarter

  • KC – Bill Jones 2-yard pass from Steve DeBerg (Nick Lowery kick), 7:44. Chiefs 17–3. Drive: 12 plays, 78 yards, 6:15.

Third quarter

  • SD – Derrick Walker 2-yard pass from Billy Joe Tolliver (John Carney kick), 8:43. Chiefs 17–10. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 6:17.
  • KC – Nick Lowery 37-yard field goal, 2:11. Chiefs 20–10. Drive: 7 plays, 22 yards, 2:56.

Fourth quarter

  • KC – Bill Jones 6-yard pass from Steve DeBerg (Nick Lowery kick), 10:28. Chiefs 27–10. Drive: 4 plays, 30 yards, 2:00.

Top passers

  • SD – Billy Joe Tolliver – 21/38, 203 yards, TD, 2 INT
  • KC – Steve DeBerg – 11/24, 171 yards, 3 TD

Top rushers

Top receivers

  • SD – Anthony Miller – 6 receptions, 93 yards
  • KC – J. J. Birden – 1 reception, 90 yards, TD

Week 12: at Los Angeles Raiders

Week 12: Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Raiders – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Chiefs 0 10 10727
Raiders 0 10 7724

at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California

  • Date: November 25
  • Game time: 3:00 p.m. CST/1:00 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: Hazy, 78 °F (26 °C)
  • Game attendance: 65,170
  • Referee: Jerry Markbreit
  • TV announcers (NBC): Dick Enberg and Bill Walsh
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • No scoring plays.

Second quarter

  • KC – Nick Lowery 35-yard field goal, 12:11. Chiefs 3–0. Drive: 6 plays, 18 yards, 2:39.
  • RAI – Marcus Allen 3-yard run (Jeff Jaeger kick), 9:14. Raiders 7–3. Drive: 10 plays, 90 yards, 5:26.
  • KC – Emile Harry 19-yard pass from Steve DeBerg (Nick Lowery kick), 0:39. Chiefs 10–7. Drive: 5 plays, 52 yards, 1:24.
  • RAI – Jeff Jaeger 50-yard field goal, 0:00. Tied 10–10. Drive: 3 plays, 36 yards, 0:59.

Third quarter

  • KC – Bill Jones 11-yard pass from Steve DeBerg (Nick Lowery kick), 12:11. Chiefs 17–10. Drive: 2 plays, 11 yards, 0:12.
  • RAI – Marcus Allen 10-yard run (Jeff Jaeger kick), 6:47. Tied 17–17. Drive: 9 plays, 72 yards, 5:24.
  • KC – Nick Lowery 36-yard field goal, 0:51. Chiefs 20–17. Drive: 9 plays, 71 yards, 5:56.

Fourth quarter

  • KC – Bill Jones 11-yard pass from Steve DeBerg (Nick Lowery kick), 6:32. Chiefs 27–17. Drive: 9 plays, 73 yards, 5:27.
  • RAI – Marcus Allen 5-yard run (Jeff Jaeger kick), 4:19. Chiefs 27–24. Drive: 5 plays, 81 yards, 2:13.

Top passers

  • KC – Steve DeBerg – 12/21, 149 yards, 3 TD
  • RAI – Jay Schroeder – 9/18, 202 yards

Top rushers

  • KC – Barry Word – 17 rushes, 52 yards
  • RAI – Marcus Allen – 15 rushes, 76 yards, 3 TD

Top receivers

Week 13: at New England Patriots

Week 13: Kansas City Chiefs at New England Patriots – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Chiefs 13 10 7737
Patriots 0 0 707

at Foxboro Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

  • Date: November 25
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 55 °F (13 °C)
  • Game attendance: 26,280
  • Referee: Bob McElwee
  • TV announcers (NBC): Joel Meyers and Ahmad Rashad
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • KC – Stephone Paige 86-yard pass from Steve DeBerg (Nick Lowery kick), 14:39. Chiefs 7–0. Drive: 1 play, 86 yards, 0:21.
  • KC – Nick Lowery 19-yard field goal, 8:55. Chiefs 10–0. Drive: 7 plays, 70 yards, 3:52.
  • KC – Nick Lowery 32-yard field goal, 2:39. Chiefs 13–0. Drive: 10 plays, 60 yards, 5:17.

Second quarter

  • KC – Nick Lowery 45-yard field goal, 11:33. Chiefs 16–0. Drive: 7 plays, 59 yards, 3:11.
  • KC – Robb Thomas 11-yard pass from Steve DeBerg (Nick Lowery kick), 0:30. Chiefs 23–0. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 5:05.

Third quarter

Fourth quarter

  • KC – Christian Okoye 1-yard run (Nick Lowery kick), 7:31. Chiefs 37–7. Drive: 7 plays, 48 yards, 4:14.

Top passers

  • KC – Steve DeBerg – 15/21, 331 yards, 2 TD
  • NE – Tommy Hodson – 20/39, 211 yards, TD, 2 INT

Top rushers

  • KC – Barry Word – 19 rushes, 112 yards
  • NE – John Stephens – 10 rushes, 33 yards

Top receivers

  • KC – Stephone Paige – 7 receptions, 151 yards, TD
  • NE – Irving Fryar – 5 receptions, 62 yards

Week 14: vs. Denver Broncos

Week 14: Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Broncos 0 13 0720
Chiefs 7 3 71431

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

  • Date: December 9
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Clear, 66 °F (19 °C)
  • Game attendance: 74,347
  • Referee: Gordon McCarter
  • TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones and Bill Walsh
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • DEN – Shannon Sharpe 5-yard pass from John Elway (kick failed, wide left), 7:46. Chiefs 7–6. Drive: 8 plays, 53 yards, 4:53.
  • DEN – Mike Young 16-yard pass from John Elway (David Treadwell kick), 1:28. Broncos 13–7. Drive: 11 plays, 85 yards, 4:16.
  • KC – Nick Lowery 33-yard field goal, 0:03. Broncos 13–10. Drive: 8 plays, 58 yards, 1:25.

Third quarter

  • KC – Barry Word 1-yard run (Nick Lowery kick), 8:28. Chiefs 17–13. Drive: 8 plays, 38 yards, 4:17.

Fourth quarter

  • KC – Danta Whitaker 1-yard pass from Steve DeBerg (Nick Lowery kick), 14:37. Chiefs 24–13. Drive: 6 plays, 65 yards, 2:22.
  • DEN – Bobby Humphrey 2-yard run (David Treadwell kick), 9:51. Chiefs 24–20. Drive: 7 plays, 43 yards, 4:30.
  • KC – Robb Thomas 27-yard pass from Steve DeBerg (Nick Lowery kick), 2:28. Chiefs 31–20. Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 7:13.

Top passers

  • DEN – John Elway – 24/36, 328 yards, 2 TD, INT
  • KC – Steve DeBerg – 18/27, 254 yards, 3 TD

Top rushers

  • DEN – Bobby Humphrey – 21 rushes, 56 yards, TD
  • KC – Barry Word – 16 rushes, 72 yards, TD

Top receivers

  • DEN – Mark Jackson – 5 receptions, 90 yards
  • KC – Stephone Paige – 3 receptions, 75 yards, TD

Week 15: vs. Houston Oilers

Week 15: Houston Oilers at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Oilers 7 3 71027
Chiefs 0 7 3010

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

  • Date: December 16
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 38 °F (3 °C)
  • Game attendance: 61,756
  • Referee: Red Cashion
  • TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui and Bob Trumpy
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • HOU – Tony Jones 24-yard pass from Warren Moon (Teddy Garcia kick), 9:27. Oilers 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 85 yards, 2:15.

Second quarter

  • HOU – Teddy Garcia 32-yard field goal, 8:13. Oilers 10–0. Drive: 9 plays, 49 yards, 5:47.
  • KC – J. J. Birden 62-yard pass from Steve DeBerg (Nick Lowery kick), 0:18. Oilers 10–7. Drive: 2 plays, 74 yards, 0:15.

Third quarter

  • HOU – Haywood Jeffires 87-yard pass from Warren Moon (Teddy Garcia kick), 7:20. Oilers 17–7. Drive: 3 plays, 92 yards, 1:44.
  • KC – Nick Lowery 35-yard field goal, 3:19. Oilers 17–10. Drive: 8 plays, 48 yards, 4:01.

Fourth quarter

  • HOU – Teddy Garcia 26-yard field goal, 14:57. Oilers 20–10. Drive: 6 plays, 68 yards, 3:22.
  • HOU – Tony Jones 2-yard pass from Warren Moon (Teddy Garcia kick), 8:32. Oilers 27–10. Drive: 9 plays, 73 yards, 3:44.

Top passers

  • HOU – Warren Moon – 27/45, 527 yards, 3 TD
  • KC – Steve DeBerg – 15/30, 241 yards, TD, INT

Top rushers

Top receivers

Week 16: at San Diego Chargers

Week 16: Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Chiefs 7 14 0324
Chargers 7 0 7721

at Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego, California

  • Date: December 23
  • Game time: 3:00 p.m. CST/1:00 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: Clear, Cold, 53 °F (12 °C)
  • Game attendance: 45,135
  • Referee: Jerry Seeman
  • TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones and Todd Christensen
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • KC – Barry Word 11-yard run (Nick Lowery kick), 11:12. Chiefs 14–7. Drive: 9 plays, 77 yards, 5:25.
  • KC – Todd McNair 40-yard pass from Steve DeBerg (Nick Lowery kick), 1:08. Chiefs 21–7. Drive: 9 plays, 78 yards, 4:53.

Third quarter

  • SD – Rod Bernstine 3-yard run (John Carney kick), 8:52. Chiefs 21–14. Drive: 11 plays, 66 yards, 6:08.

Fourth quarter

  • SD – Kitrick Taylor 55-yard punt return (John Carney kick), 14:39. Tied 21–21.
  • KC – Nick Lowery 32-yard field goal, 2:46. Chiefs 24–21. Drive: 8 plays, 85 yards, 5:05.

Top passers

  • KC – Steve DeBerg – 19/27, 251 yards, 2 TD
  • SD – Billy Joe Tolliver – 18/27, 165 yards, TD, 2 INT

Top rushers

  • KC – Barry Word – 28 rushes, 106 yards, TD
  • SD – Rod Bernstine – 15 rushes, 76 yards, TD

Top receivers

  • KC – Todd McNair – 3 receptions, 111 yards, TD
  • SD – Ronnie Harmon – 7 receptions, 72 yards

Week 17: at Chicago Bears

Week 17: Kansas City Chiefs at Chicago Bears – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Chiefs 6 6 6321
Bears 3 7 0010

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

  • Date: December 29
  • Game time: 11:30 a.m. CST
  • Game weather: 44 °F (7 °C)
  • Game attendance: 60,262
  • Referee: Johnny Grier
  • TV announcers (NBC): Marv Albert and Paul Maguire
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • KC – Nick Lowery 19-yard field goal, 9:50. Chiefs 3–0. Drive: 8 plays, 69 yards, 5:10.
  • CHI – Kevin Butler 24-yard field goal, 3:56. Tied 3–3. Drive: 12 plays, 69 yards, 5:54.
  • KC – Nick Lowery 30-yard field goal, 1:44. Chiefs 6–3. Drive: 5 plays, 33 yards, 2:12.

Second quarter

  • KC – Nick Lowery 43-yard field goal, 6:57. Chiefs 9–3. Drive: 12 plays, 55 yards, 7:09.
  • CHI – Johnny Bailey 95-yard punt return (Kevin Butler kick), 1:59. Bears 10–9.
  • KC – Nick Lowery 32-yard field goal, 0:04. Chiefs 12–10. Drive: 11 plays, 59 yards, 1:55.

Third quarter

  • KC – Christian Okoye 3-yard run (kick failed, wide right), 2:42. Chiefs 18–10. Drive: 12 plays, 66 yards, 5:56.

Fourth quarter

  • KC – Nick Lowery 38-yard field goal, 9:12. Chiefs 21–10. Drive: 4 plays, –2 yards, 2:13.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

  • KC – Todd McNair – 9 receptions, 69 yards
  • CHI – Wendell Davis – 2 receptions, 50 yards

Standings

AFC West
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 W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(2) Los Angeles Raiders 12 4 0 .750 6–2 9–3 337 268 W5
(5) Kansas City Chiefs 11 5 0 .688 5–3 7–5 369 257 W2
Seattle Seahawks 9 7 0 .563 4–4 7–5 306 286 W2
San Diego Chargers 6 10 0 .375 2–6 5–9 315 281 L3
Denver Broncos 5 11 0 .313 3–5 4–8 331 374 W1

Postseason

In a scene that would be repeated throughout the 1990s the Chiefs had a great regular season but failed miserably in the post-season. In the Wild Card playoff game, the Chiefs blew a 16–3 lead as the Dolphins scored two touchdowns to take a lead. The Chiefs had one last chance for a win, but Christian Okoye's long run was called back due to a questionable holding call. Kicker Nick Lowery, who had 139 points all season and a Pro Bowl berth missed a 52-yard field goal coming up two feet short, ending the Chiefs season.

Schedule

Round Date Opponent (seed) Result Record Venue Attendance Recap
Wild Card January 5, 1991 at Miami Dolphins (4) L 16–17 0–1 Joe Robbie Stadium 67,276 Recap

Game summaries

AFC Wild Card Playoffs: at (4) Miami Dolphins

AFC Wild Card Playoffs: Kansas City Chiefs (5) at Miami Dolphins (4) – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Chiefs 3 7 6016
Dolphins 0 3 01417

at Joe Robbie Stadium, Miami, Florida

  • Date: January 5
  • Game time: 4:00 p.m. EST/3:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Partly Cloudy, 81 °F (27 °C)
  • Game attendance: 67,276
  • Referee: Pat Haggerty
  • TV announcers (ABC): Al Michaels, Frank Gifford, Dan Dierdorf and Bob Griese
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • KC – Nick Lowery 27-yard field goal, 5:04. Chiefs 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 28 yards, 3:55.

Second quarter

  • MIA – Pete Stoyanovich 58-yard field goal, 14:55. Tied 3–3. Drive: 9 plays, 40 yards, 5:09.
  • KC – Stephone Paige 26-yard pass from Steve DeBerg (Nick Lowery kick), 1:54. Chiefs 10–3. Drive: 4 plays, 61 yards, 1:42.

Third quarter

  • KC – Nick Lowery 25-yard field goal, 4:46. Chiefs 13–3. Drive: 11 plays, 63 yards, 5:05.
  • KC – Nick Lowery 38-yard field goal, 2:50. Chiefs 16–3. Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards, 1:39.

Fourth quarter

  • MIA – Tony Paige 1-yard pass from Dan Marino (Pete Stoyanovich kick), 12:18. Chiefs 16–10. Drive: 10 plays, 66 yards, 5:32.
  • MIA – Mark Clayton 10-yard pass from Dan Marino (Pete Stoyanovich kick), 3:28. Dolphins 17–16. Drive: 11 plays, 85 yards, 7:11.

Top passers

  • KC – Steve DeBerg – 17/30, 269 yards, TD, INT
  • MIA – Dan Marino – 19/30, 221 yards, 2 TD

Top rushers

Top receivers

  • KC – Stephone Paige – 8 receptions, 142 yards, TD
  • MIA – Mark Clayton – 5 receptions, 66 yards, TD

With 2:28 left in the game, the Dolphins capped an 85-yard drive with quarterback Dan Marino's winning 12-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Mark Clayton.

References

  1. ^ "1990 Kansas City Chiefs draftees". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 5, 2014.
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