1990 Kansas City Chiefs season

1990 Kansas City Chiefs season
Owner	Lamar Hunt
General manager	Carl Peterson
Head coach	Marty Schottenheimer
Home field	Arrowhead Stadium
Results
Record	11–5
Division place	2nd AFC West
Playoff finish	Lost 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

Main article: 1990 NFL 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

Undrafted free agents

1990 Undrafted Free Agents of note

Player	Position	College
Bryan Barker	Punter	Santa Clara
Willie Davis	Wide receiver	Central Arkansas

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 Head coach – Marty Schottenheimer Offensive coaches Offensive coordinator – Joe Pendry Running Backs – Bruce Arians Wide receivers – Al Saunders Offensive line – Howard Mudd Offense/Tight Ends – Jim Erkenbeck

Defensive coaches Defensive coordinator/Linebackers – Bill Cowher Defensive line – Tom Pratt Defensive backs – Tony Dungy Special assistant/quality control – Darvin Wallis Special teams coaches Special teams – Kurt Schottenheimer Strength and conditioning Strength and conditioning – Dave Redding Assistant Strength and Conditioning – Russ Ball

Roster

1990 Kansas City Chiefs roster

Quarterbacks (QB) 17 Steve DeBerg 10 Mike Elkins 11 Steve Pelluer Running backs (RB) 43 Bill Jones 48 Todd McNair 35 Christian Okoye FB 21 James Saxon 23 Barry Word Wide receivers (WR) 88 J. J. Birden PR 86 Emile Harry 80 Fred Jones KR 83 Stephone Paige 81 Robb Thomas Tight ends (TE) 85 Jonathan Hayes 87 Alfredo Roberts 82 Danta Whitaker

Offensive linemen (OL) 76 John Alt T 77 Rich Baldinger T 75 Irv Eatman T 61 Tim Grunhard C 72 Dave Lutz G 79 Dave Szott G 53 Mike Webster C 65 Frank Winters Defensive linemen (DL) 99 Mike Bell DE 98 Leonard Griffin DE 63 Bill Maas DE 69 Greg Meisner NT 97 Dan Saleaumua NT 90 Neil Smith DE

Linebackers (LB) 55 Louis Cooper OLB 56 Dino Hackett ILB 57 Chris Martin OLB 50 Rob McGovern ILB 59 Percy Snow ILB 58 Derrick Thomas OLB Defensive backs (DB) 34 Lloyd Burruss SS 20 Deron Cherry FS 25 Danny Copeland SS 42 Jeff Donaldson FS 29 Albert Lewis CB 24 J. C. Pearson 45 Stan Petry FS 27 Kevin Porter SS 31 Kevin Ross CB Special teams  4 Bryan Barker P  8 Nick Lowery K

Practice squad 89 Willie Davis WR 54 Tracy Simien LB Reserve 22 Kenny Gamble RB (IR) 74 Derrick Graham T (IR) 51 Lonnie Marts LB (IR) 52 Tracy Rogers LB (IR) 95 Tom Sims NT (IR) 32 Ernest Thompson RB (IR) 46 Charles Washington CB/S (IR) -- Rob Woods T (IR) 84 Naz Worthen WR (IR) 47 active, 9 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	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

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	7	7	7	0	21
Chiefs	14	3	0	7	24

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

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chiefs	3	6	0	14	23
Broncos	7	7	7	3	24

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

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chiefs	0	7	0	10	17
Packers	0	3	0	0	3

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

• Date: September 23
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: Partly Cloudy, 52 °F (11 °C)
• Game attendance: 58,817
• Referee: Gordon McCarter
• TV announcers (NBC): Joel Meyers and Ahmad Rashad
• Recap, Game Book

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 KC – Steve DeBerg – 9/21, 127 yards GB – Don Majkowski – 19/31, 171 yards, 2 INT Top rushers KC – Christian Okoye – 23 rushes, 122 yards, TD GB – Brent Fullwood – 13 rushes, 47 yards Top receivers KC – Robb Thomas – 2 receptions, 38 yards GB – Herman Fontenot – 6 receptions, 60 yards

Week 4: vs. Cleveland Browns

Week 4: Cleveland Browns at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Browns	0	0	0	0	0
Chiefs	7	17	10	0	34

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 KC – Robb Thomas 47-yard pass from Steve DeBerg (Nick Lowery kick), 3:30. Chiefs 7–0. Drive: 3 plays, 58 yards, 1:25. 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 CLE – Leroy Hoard – 11 rushes, 40 yards KC – Christian Okoye – 17 rushes, 41 yards Top receivers CLE – Reggie Langhorne – 7 receptions, 82 yards KC – Stephone Paige – 4 receptions, 90 yards

Week 5: at Indianapolis Colts

Week 5: Kansas City Chiefs at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chiefs	10	6	3	0	19
Colts	0	10	0	13	23

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 KC – Nick Lowery 37-yard field goal, 5:44. Chiefs 3–0. Drive: 8 plays, 26 yards, 5:24. KC – Robb Thomas 21-yard pass from Steve DeBerg (Nick Lowery kick), 2:40. Chiefs 10–0. Drive: 3 plays, 20 yards, 1:22. 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 KC – Emile Harry – 4 receptions, 59 yards IND – Jessie Hester – 5 receptions, 95 yards

Week 6: vs. Detroit Lions

Week 6: Detroit Lions at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Lions	14	0	0	10	24
Chiefs	3	14	12	14	43

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 KC – Jonathan Hayes 1-yard pass Steve DeBerg (Nick Lowery kick), 11:39. Lions 14–10. Drive: 10 plays, 79 yards, 5:23. KC – Christian Okoye 4-yard run (Nick Lowery kick), 5:55. Chiefs 17–14. Drive: 6 plays, 67 yards, 2:38. 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

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chiefs	0	7	0	0	7
Seahawks	0	3	3	13	19

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 KC – J. J. Birden 33-yard pass from Steve DeBerg (Nick Lowery kick), 0:58. Chiefs 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 91 yards, 3:11. SEA – Norm Johnson 39-yard field goal, 0:00. Chiefs 7–3. Drive: 6 plays, 24 yards, 0:58. 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 KC – Barry Word – 7 rushes, 35 yards SEA – Derrick Fenner – 15 rushes, 75 yards 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

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Raiders	0	0	0	7	7
Chiefs	6	0	0	3	9

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 RAI – Jay Schroeder – 10/31, 139 yards, INT KC – Steve DeBerg – 10/21, 59 yards Top rushers RAI – Bo Jackson – 10 rushes, 40 yards KC – Barry Word – 15 rushes, 85 yards Top receivers RAI – Willie Gault – 3 receptions, 55 yards KC – Alfredo Roberts – 3 receptions, 31 yards

Week 10: vs. Seattle Seahawks

Week 10: Seattle Seahawks at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Seahawks	0	3	7	7	17
Chiefs	0	6	10	0	16

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

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chargers	3	0	7	0	10
Chiefs	10	7	3	7	27

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 SD – Ronnie Harmon – 5 rushes, 41 yards KC – Barry Word – 17 rushes, 90 yards 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

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chiefs	0	10	10	7	27
Raiders	0	10	7	7	24

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 KC – Stephone Paige – 3 receptions, 54 yards RAI – Ethan Horton – 4 receptions, 96 yards

Week 13: at New England Patriots

Week 13: Kansas City Chiefs at New England Patriots – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chiefs	13	10	7	7	37
Patriots	0	0	7	0	7

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 KC – Christian Okoye 1-yard run (Nick Lowery kick), 9:52. Chiefs 30–0. Drive: 2 plays, 14 yards, 0:42. NE – Marv Cook 2-yard pass from Tommy Hodson (Jason Staurovsky kick), 0:25. Chiefs 30–7. Drive: 12 plays, 53 yards, 4:47. 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

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Broncos	0	13	0	7	20
Chiefs	7	3	7	14	31

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

• Date: December 9
• Game time: 3:00 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 KC – Stephone Paige 48-yard pass from Steve DeBerg (Nick Lowery kick), 11:54. Chiefs 7–0. Drive: 5 plays, 84 yards, 3:06. 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

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Oilers	7	3	7	10	27
Chiefs	0	7	3	0	10

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 HOU – Lorenzo White – 8 rushes, 32 yards KC – Barry Word – 19 rushes, 88 yards Top receivers HOU – Haywood Jeffires – 9 receptions, 245 yards, TD KC – J. J. Birden – 2 receptions, 86 yards, TD

Week 16: at San Diego Chargers

Week 16: Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chiefs	7	14	0	3	24
Chargers	7	0	7	7	21

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 KC – Stephone Paige 8-yard pass from Steve DeBerg (Nick Lowery kick), 8:54. Chiefs 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 64 yards, 6:06. SD – Anthony Miller 14-yard pass from Billy Joe Tolliver (John Carney kick), 1:37. Tied 7–7. Drive: 12 plays, 71 yards, 7:17. 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

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chiefs	6	6	6	3	21
Bears	3	7	0	0	10

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 KC – Steve DeBerg – 25/32, 276 yards CHI – Mike Tomczak – 5/23, 85 yards Top rushers KC – Barry Word – 18 rushes, 73 yards CHI – Neal Anderson – 11 rushes, 68 yards Top receivers KC – Todd McNair – 9 receptions, 69 yards CHI – Wendell Davis – 2 receptions, 50 yards

Standings

AFC West
	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

Main article: 1990–91 NFL playoffs

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. With 2:28 left in the game, the Dolphins capped an 85-yard drive with quarterback Dan Marino's 12-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Mark Clayton to take a 17-16 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

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chiefs	3	7	6	0	16
Dolphins	0	3	0	14	17

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 KC – Christian Okoye – 13 rushes, 83 yards MIA – Sammie Smith – 20 rushes, 82 yards Top receivers KC – Stephone Paige – 8 receptions, 142 yards, TD MIA – Mark Clayton – 5 receptions, 66 yards, TD