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1994 Kansas City Chiefs season
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The 1994 Kansas City Chiefs season ended with a 9-7 record and Wild Card spot in the 1995 playoffs. The Chiefs lost to the Miami Dolphins 27-17 in the Wild Card round. Alongside celebrating the NFL's 75th anniversary season, the Chiefs also honored their 35th season as a franchise. Future hall of fame quarterback Joe Montana retired following the season.
Offseason
NFL Draft
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Main article: 1994 NFL Draft
Season
Regular season
After an opening day win over the New Orleans Saints, the Chiefs faced the San Francisco 49ers on September 11. Facing his old team, Joe Montana leads the Chiefs to a 24-17 win at Arrowhead. But after opening the season at 3-0, the Chiefs dropped 2 in a row.
On October 17, a 6-yard pass and a tightrope run into the end zone ended the Chiefs' 11-year drought in Mile High Stadium. Joe Montana led a methodical, 75-yard drive in the game's final 82 seconds to bring Kansas City back from a 4-point deficit and defeat the Broncos 31-28 on Monday Night Football.
The final drive took nine plays,a ll of which were Montana passes except one run of 10 yards by Marcus Allen. For the game, Montan hit 34 of 54 pass attempts for 393 yards and 3 touchdowns. The Chiefs improved their record to 4-2 with the win and thrust themselves back into the playoff hunt.
The game was tied 14-14 ath the half. Lin Elliott's field goal with 4:08 left in thee game temporarily put the Chiefs ahead 24-21. An Allen fumble set up the Broncos' final touchdown. In the end, it was Montana and his inspiring confidence that resulted in the comebck. Montana would have another great season passing for 3,283 yards, but the rushing game dropped off form last year as Marcus Allen gained 709 yards to lead the team, while rookie Greg Hill ran for only 574 yard for the season. Fullback Kimble Anders was the leading receiver with 67 receptions. The defense showed flashes of Brillance, and as had become the standard, was led by perennial Pro Bowlers Derrick Thomas and Neil Smith. Defensive back Fred Carter had a superb year and was also chosen for the Pro Bowl.
On December 24, Marcus Allen gained 132 yards rushing as the Chiefs beat the Los Angeles Raiders 19-9. The win secured a fifth-straight playoff spot for the Chiefs.
Final Standings
References
