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1981 Kansas City Chiefs season

NFL team season

NFL team season

FieldValue
teamKansas City Chiefs
year1981
record9–7
division_place3rd AFC West
coachMarv Levy
general_managerJim Schaaf
ownerLamar Hunt
stadiumArrowhead Stadium
playoffs*Did not qualify*
pro bowlers{{Collapsible list
title5
1RB Joe Delaney
2DE Art Still
3CB Gary Green
4S Gary Barbaro
5K Nick Lowery
AP All-pros{{Collapsible list
title1
1K Nick Lowery *(2nd team)*
shortnavlinkChiefs seasons

| AP All-pros = {{Collapsible list

The ** Kansas City Chiefs season** was the franchise's 12th season in the National Football League and 22nd overall. They improved from 1980 from an 8–8 record to a 9–7 record (their first winning season in 8 years) but missing the playoffs for the tenth consecutive season.

Bill Kenney began the 1981 season as the club's starting quarterback and directed the Chiefs to a 6–2 start, including a 37–33 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium on Opening Day. 2nd round draft choice, running back Joe Delaney electrified the club's offense by rushing for 1,121 yards, a team single-season record at the time. He was named the AFC's Rookie of the Year and became the first running back to represent the franchise in the Pro Bowl. Delaney registered a 193-yard performance in a 23–10 victory against the Oilers on November 15, the best single-game total ever amassed by a Kansas City rookie.

Owning an 8–4 record with four games remaining, the Chiefs were poised to make the playoffs for the first time in 10 years before hitting a three-game losing skid. Bill Kenney missed the club's final three contests due to injury as Steve Fuller temporarily reclaimed the starting quarterback position and guided the club to a 10–6 win at Minnesota, in the final contest played at Metropolitan Stadium. With the Chiefs winning the game, Vikings fans began dismembering the stadium as early as the second half—taking seats, pieces of the scoreboard and even chunks of sod as souvenirs. The victory assured the Chiefs of a 9–7 record, the club's first winning mark since 1973 as coach Marv Levy increased the club's victory total for a third consecutive year. Inspired by the Washington Redskins's "Hail to the Redskins," Levy penned a fight song for the Chiefs called "Give a Cheer for Kansas City" which never caught on.

Offseason

NFL draft

Main article: 1981 NFL draft

Personnel

Staff

  • Founder – Lamar Hunt

  • President – Jack Steadman

  • Vice President and General Manager – Jim Schaaf

  • Director of Player Personnel – Les Miller

  • Assistant Director of Player Personnel – J. D. Helm

  • Head Coach – Marv Levy

  • Quarterbacks and Receivers – Kay Dalton

  • Offensive Backs – Bobby Ross

  • Tight Ends – Frank Gansz

  • Offensive Line – Tom Bresnahan

  • Defensive Coordinator – Rod Rust

  • Defensive Line – Don Lawrence

  • Linebackers – Ted Cottrell

  • Defensive Backs – Walt Corey

  • Kicking Teams – Frank Gansz

  • Strength and Conditioning – Rick Abernethy

Roster

Preseason

Kansas City Chiefsyear=1981border=2}}"WeekKansas City Chiefsyear=1981border=2}}"DateKansas City Chiefsyear=1981border=2}}"OpponentKansas City Chiefsyear=1981border=2}}"ResultKansas City Chiefsyear=1981border=2}}"RecordKansas City Chiefsyear=1981border=2}}"VenueKansas City Chiefsyear=1981border=2}}"AttendanceKansas City Chiefsyear=1981border=2}}"Recap1234
at [Washington Redskins](1981-washington-redskins-season)**L** 10–160–1RFK Stadium32,488[Recap](https://www.profootballarchives.com/1981nflkc.html)
[Chicago Bears](1981-chicago-bears-season)**W** 13–01–1Arrowhead Stadium41,099[Recap](https://www.profootballarchives.com/1981nflkc.html)
[St. Louis Cardinals](1981-st-louis-cardinals-nfl-season)**L** 3–161–2Arrowhead Stadium42,550[Recap](https://www.profootballarchives.com/1981nflkc.html)
at [Miami Dolphins](1981-miami-dolphins-season)**L** 7–311–3Miami Orange Bowl41,290[Recap](https://www.profootballarchives.com/1981nflkc.html)

Regular season

Schedule

Kansas City Chiefsyear=1981border=2}}"WeekKansas City Chiefsyear=1981border=2}}"DateKansas City Chiefsyear=1981border=2}}"OpponentKansas City Chiefsyear=1981border=2}}"ResultKansas City Chiefsyear=1981border=2}}"RecordKansas City Chiefsyear=1981border=2}}"VenueKansas City Chiefsyear=1981border=2}}"AttendanceKansas City Chiefsyear=1981border=2}}"Recap12345678910111213141516
September 6at [Pittsburgh Steelers](1981-pittsburgh-steelers-season)**W** 37–331–0Three Rivers Stadium53,305[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198109060pit.htm)
September 13[Tampa Bay Buccaneers](1981-tampa-bay-buccaneers-season)**W** 19–102–0Arrowhead Stadium50,555[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198109130kan.htm)
September 20**[San Diego Chargers](1981-san-diego-chargers-season)****L** 31–422–1Arrowhead Stadium63,866[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198109200kan.htm)
September 27at **[Seattle Seahawks](1981-seattle-seahawks-season)****W** 20–143–1Kingdome59,255[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198109270sea.htm)
October 4at [New England Patriots](1981-new-england-patriots-season)**L** 17–333–2Schaefer Stadium55,931[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198110040nwe.htm)
October 11**[Oakland Raiders](1981-oakland-raiders-season)****W** 27–04–2Arrowhead Stadium76,543[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198110110kan.htm)
October 18**[Denver Broncos](1981-denver-broncos-season)****W** 28–145–2Arrowhead Stadium74,672[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198110180kan.htm)
October 25at **[Oakland Raiders](1981-oakland-raiders-season)****W** 28–176–2Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum42,914[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198110250rai.htm)
November 1at **[San Diego Chargers](1981-san-diego-chargers-season)****L** 20–226–3Jack Murphy Stadium51,307[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198111010sdg.htm)
November 8[Chicago Bears](1981-chicago-bears-season)**L** 13–16 (OT)6–4Arrowhead Stadium60,605[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198111080kan.htm)
November 15[Houston Oilers](1981-houston-oilers-season)**W** 23–107–4Arrowhead Stadium73,984[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198111150kan.htm)
November 22**[Seattle Seahawks](1981-seattle-seahawks-season)****W** 40–138–4Arrowhead Stadium49,002[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198111220kan.htm)
November 26at [Detroit Lions](1981-detroit-lions-season)**L** 10–278–5Pontiac Silverdome76,735[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198111260det.htm)
December 6at **[Denver Broncos](1981-denver-broncos-season)****L** 13–168–6Mile High Stadium74,744[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198112060den.htm)
December 13[Miami Dolphins](1981-miami-dolphins-season)**L** 7–178–7Arrowhead Stadium57,407[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198112130kan.htm)
December 20at [Minnesota Vikings](1981-minnesota-vikings-season)**W** 10–69–7Metropolitan Stadium41,110[Recap](https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198112200min.htm)

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

Week 1: at Pittsburgh Steelers

First quarter

  • PIT – Lynn Swann 18-yard pass from Terry Bradshaw (kick failed, wide right), 6:11. ''Steelers 6–0. '''Drive: 6 plays, 47 yards, 0:31.'''''
  • KC – Henry Marshall 48-yard pass from Bill Kenney (Nick Lowery kick), 2:14. ''Chiefs 7–6. '''Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 3:57.'''''
  • KC – Nick Lowery 35-yard field goal, 0:08. ''Chiefs 10–6. '''Drive: 4 plays, –2 yards, 0:54.''''' Second quarter
  • PIT – Franco Harris 7-yard run (kick failed, wide right), 5:32. ''Steelers 12–10. '''Drive: 6 plays, 38 yards, 2:50.'''''
  • PIT – Franco Harris 1-yard run (David Trout kick), 1:10. ''Steelers 19–10. '''Drive: 5 plays, 48 yards, 0:54.'''''
  • KC – Nick Lowery 40-yard field goal, 0:00. ''Steelers 19–13. '''Drive: 5 plays, 47 yards, 1:10.''''' Third quarter
  • KC – Carlos Carson 53-yard pass from Bill Kenney (Nick Lowery kick), 13:13. ''Chiefs 20–19. '''Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 1:47.'''''
  • PIT – Greg Hawthorne 1-yard run (David Trout kick), 9:27. ''Steelers 26–20. '''Drive: 7 plays, 57 yards, 3:46.'''''
  • KC – Nick Lowery 42-yard field goal, 3:21. ''Steelers 26–23. '''Drive: 3 plays, 8 yards, 1:36.''''' Fourth quarter
  • KC – Ted McKnight 3-yard run (Nick Lowery kick), 14:07. ''Chiefs 30–26. '''Drive: 7 plays, 38 yards, 3:24.'''''
  • PIT – Jim Smith 41-yard pass from Terry Bradshaw (David Trout kick), 7:12. ''Steelers 33–30. '''Drive: 4 plays, 74 yards, 2:02.'''''
  • KC – Tom Howard 65-yard fumble return (Nick Lowery kick), 1:59. Chiefs 37–33. Top passers
  • KC – Bill Kenney – 14/26, 242 yards, 2 TD, INT
  • PIT – Terry Bradshaw – 21/36, 319 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT Top rushers
  • KC – Ted McKnight – 17 rushes, 59 yards, TD
  • PIT – Franco Harris – 19 rushes, 70 yards, 2 TD Top receivers
  • KC – Henry Marshall – 4 receptions, 89 yards, TD
  • PIT – John Stallworth – 6 receptions, 107 yards

Week 2: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

First quarter

  • KC – Ted McKnight 8-yard run (Nick Lowery kick), 12:43. ''Chiefs 7–0. '''Drive: 2 plays, 14 yards, 0:43.'''''
  • TB – James Wilder 2-yard run (Garo Yepremian kick), 2:08. ''Tied 7–7. '''Drive: 6 plays, 59 yards, 2:57.''''' Second quarter
  • TB – Garo Yepremian 44-yard field goal, 13:09. ''Buccaneers 10–7. '''Drive: 6 plays, 34 yards, 2:53.'''''
  • KC – Nick Lowery 20-yard field goal, 5:30. ''Tied 10–10. '''Drive: 5 plays, 19 yards, 3:29.''''' Third quarter
  • KC – Nick Lowery 20-yard field goal, 7:06. ''Chiefs 13–10. '''Drive: 14 plays, 74 yards, 7:54.''''' Fourth quarter
  • KC – Nick Lowery 42-yard field goal, 9:52. ''Chiefs 16–10. '''Drive: 11 plays, 47 yards, 6:30.'''''
  • KC – Nick Lowery 41-yard field goal, 2:00. ''Chiefs 19–10. '''Drive: 7 plays, 34 yards, 3:45.''''' Top passers
  • TB – Doug Williams – 20/43, 294 yards
  • KC – Bill Kenney – 12/25, 99 yards Top rushers
  • TB – Ricky Bell – 8 rushes, 9 yards
  • KC – Joe Delaney – 13 rushes, 57 yards Top receivers
  • TB – Kevin House – 5 receptions, 87 yards
  • KC – Carlos Carson – 2 receptions, 35 yards

Week 3: vs. San Diego Chargers

First quarter

  • KC – Ted McKnight 1-yard run (Nick Lowery kick), 9:12. ''Chiefs 7–0. '''Drive: 10 plays, 44 yards, 5:48.'''''
  • SD – Kellen Winslow 13-yard pass from Dan Fouts (Rolf Benirschke kick), 4:13. ''Tied 7–7. '''Drive: 8 plays, 64 yards, 2:58.'''''
  • SD – James Brooks 29-yard pass from Dan Fouts (Rolf Benirschke kick), 0:33. ''Chargers 14–7. '''Drive: 4 plays, 47 yards, 1:36.''''' Second quarter
  • SD – Chuck Muncie 1-yard run (Rolf Benirschke kick), 6:14. ''Chargers 21–7. '''Drive: 8 plays, 84 yards, 4:51.'''''
  • SD – Eric Sievers 12-yard pass from Dan Fouts (Rolf Benirschke kick), 2:09. ''Chargers 28–7. '''Drive: 1 play, 12 yards, 0:05.'''''
  • KC – Al Dixon 7-yard pass from Bill Kenney (Nick Lowery kick), 1:19. ''Chargers 28–14. '''Drive: 5 plays, 76 yards, 0:50.''''' Third quarter
  • KC – Ted McKnight 3-yard run (Nick Lowery kick), 10:38. ''Chargers 28–21. '''Drive: 8 plays, 37 yards, 3:55.'''''
  • SD – Chuck Muncie 3-yard run (Rolf Benirschke kick), 7:42. ''Chargers 35–21. '''Drive: 6 plays, 65 yards, 2:56.'''''
  • KC – Billy Jackson 4-yard run (Nick Lowery kick), 3:25. ''Chargers 35–28. '''Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:17.''''' Fourth quarter
  • KC – Nick Lowery 37-yard field goal, 10:07. ''Chargers 35–31. '''Drive: 7 plays, 27 yards, 3:43.'''''
  • SD – Gary Johnson 5-yard interception return (Rolf Benirschke kick), 1:53. Chargers 42–31. Top passers
  • SD – Dan Fouts – 22/43, 284 yards, 3 TD, 3 INT
  • KC – Bill Kenney – 22/41, 303 yards, TD, 5 INT Top rushers
  • SD – Chuck Muncie – 17 rushes, 93 yards, 2 TD
  • KC – Joe Delaney – 9 rushes, 66 yards Top receivers
  • SD – Kellen Winslow – 6 receptions, 96 yards, TD
  • KC – J. T. Smith – 9 receptions, 140 yards

Week 4: at Seattle Seahawks

First quarter

  • KC – Ted McKnight 2-yard run (Nick Lowery kick), 9:56. ''Chiefs 7–0. '''Drive: 10 plays, 67 yards, 5:04.''''' Second quarter
  • KC – Bill Kenney 1-yard run (Nick Lowery kick), 13:41. ''Chiefs 14–0. '''Drive: 12 plays, 50 yards, 6:17.'''''
  • KC – Nick Lowery 30-yard field goal, 6:40. ''Chiefs 17–0. '''Drive: 10 plays, 67 yards, 5:01.'''''
  • KC – Nick Lowery 38-yard field goal, 5:28. ''Chiefs 20–0. '''Drive: 4 plays, –5 yards, 0:59.'''''
  • SEA – Sam McCullum 11-yard pass from Jim Zorn (Efrén Herrera kick), 1:58. ''Chiefs 20–7. '''Drive: 9 plays, 83 yards, 3:30.''''' Third quarter
  • SEA – Sherman Smith 2-yard run (Efrén Herrera kick), 11:01. ''Chiefs 20–14. '''Drive: 8 plays, 51 yards, 3:50.''''' Fourth quarter
  • No scoring plays. Top passers
  • KC – Bill Kenney – 16/25, 239 yards
  • SEA – Jim Zorn – 31/47, 308 yards, TD Top rushers
  • KC – Joe Delaney – 15 rushes, 45 yards
  • SEA – Jim Zorn – 4 rushes, 48 yards Top receivers
  • KC – J. T. Smith – 5 receptions, 81 yards
  • SEA – David Hughes – 12 receptions, 103 yards

Week 5: at New England Patriots

First quarter

  • NE – Don Hasselbeck 13-yard pass from Matt Cavanaugh (John Smith kick), 9:09. ''Patriots 7–0. '''Drive: 9 plays, 45 yards, 4:52.'''''
  • KC – James Hadnot 1-yard run (Nick Lowery kick), 3:27. ''Tied 7–7. '''Drive: 11 plays, 70 yards, 5:42.''''' Second quarter
  • NE – Matt Cavanaugh 8-yard run (John Smith kick), 6:48. ''Patriots 14–7. '''Drive: 4 plays, 17 yards, 2:12.''''' Third quarter
  • KC – Nick Lowery 35-yard field goal, 11:36. ''Patriots 14–10. '''Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 1:31.'''''
  • NE – John Smith 50-yard field goal, 6:57. ''Patriots 17–10. '''Drive: 9 plays, 45 yards, 4:39.'''''
  • NE – Tony Collins 13-yard run (John Smith kick), 3:59. ''Patriots 24–10. '''Drive: 5 plays, 71 yards, 1:52.''''' Fourth quarter
  • KC – Joe Delaney 18-yard run (Nick Lowery kick), 14:54. ''Patriots 24–17. '''Drive: 9 plays, 66 yards, 4:05.'''''
  • NE – Stanley Morgan 66-yard pass from Andy Johnson (kick failed, wide right), 13:07. ''Patriots 30–17. '''Drive: 4 plays, 77 yards, 1:47.'''''
  • NE – John Smith 43-yard field goal, 7:36. ''Patriots 33–17. '''Drive: 6 plays, 39 yards, 3:17.''''' Top passers
  • KC – Bill Kenney – 9/20, 108 yards, 3 INT
  • NE – Matt Cavanaugh – 10/19, 162 yards, TD, 2 INT Top rushers
  • KC – Joe Delaney – 18 rushes, 101 yards, TD
  • NE – Tony Collins – 19 rushes, 96 yards, TD Top receivers
  • KC – Willie Scott – 3 receptions, 44 yards
  • NE – Stanley Morgan – 4 receptions, 118 yards, TD

Week 6: vs. Oakland Raiders

First quarter

  • KC – Nick Lowery 52-yard field goal, 8:39. ''Chiefs 3–0. '''Drive: 9 plays, 42 yards, 3:33.''''' Second quarter
  • KC – Billy Jackson 4-yard run (Nick Lowery kick), 6:28. ''Chiefs 10–0. '''Drive: 6 plays, 86 yards, 3:15.''''' Third quarter
  • KC – Nick Lowery 25-yard field goal, 8:51. ''Chiefs 13–0. '''Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 6:09.'''''
  • KC – Henry Marshall 48-yard pass from Bill Kenney (Nick Lowery kick), 2:37. ''Chiefs 20–0. '''Drive: 9 plays, 64 yards, 3:33.''''' Fourth quarter
  • KC – J. T. Smith 9-yard pass from Bill Kenney (Nick Lowery kick), 10:18. ''Chiefs 27–0. '''Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:27.''''' Top passers
  • OAK – Jim Plunkett – 12/29, 129 yards, INT
  • KC – Bill Kenney – 16/23, 187 yards, 2 TD Top rushers
  • OAK – Kenny King – 11 rushes, 46 yards
  • KC – Joe Delaney – 28 rushes, 106 yards Top receivers
  • OAK – Cliff Branch – 4 receptions, 46 yards
  • KC – Henry Marshall – 6 receptions, 110 yards, TD

Week 7: vs. Denver Broncos

First quarter

  • KC – Billy Jackson 1-yard run (Nick Lowery kick), 8:37. ''Chiefs 7–0. '''Drive: 9 plays, 52 yards, 4:45.'''''
  • KC – Whitney Paul 47-yard fumble return (Nick Lowery kick), 0:22. Chiefs 14–0. Second quarter
  • No scoring plays. Third quarter
  • DEN – Steve Watson 11-yard pass from Craig Morton (Fred Steinfort kick), 4:56. ''Chiefs 14–7. '''Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:35.''''' Fourth quarter
  • KC – Henry Marshall 64-yard pass from Bill Kenney (Nick Lowery kick), 14:08. ''Chiefs 21–7. '''Drive: 3 plays, 70 yards, 0:52.'''''
  • DEN – Steve Watson 1-yard pass from Craig Morton (Fred Steinfort kick), 8:59. ''Chiefs 21–14. '''Drive: 12 plays, 82 yards, 5:09.'''''
  • KC – Joe Delaney 82-yard run (Nick Lowery kick), 5:27. ''Chiefs 28–14. '''Drive: 2 plays, 80 yards, 0:41.''''' Top passers
  • DEN – Craig Morton – 25/38, 342 yards, 2 TD, INT
  • KC – Bill Kenney – 6/12, 100 yards, TD, 2 INT Top rushers
  • DEN – Dave Preston – 13 rushes, 39 yards
  • KC – Joe Delaney – 21 rushes, 149 yards, TD Top receivers
  • DEN – Rick Upchurch – 5 receptions, 138 yards
  • KC – Henry Marshall – 3 receptions, 80 yards, TD

Week 8: at Oakland Raiders

First quarter

  • OAK – Morris Bradshaw 6-yard pass from Marc Wilson (Chris Bahr kick), 12:34. ''Raiders 7–0. '''Drive: 1 play, 6 yards, 0:04.''''' Second quarter
  • OAK – Marc Wilson 3-yard run (Chris Bahr kick), 11:09. ''Raiders 14–0. '''Drive: 6 plays, 68 yards, 2:32.'''''
  • OAK – Chris Bahr 51-yard field goal, 0:00. ''Raiders 17–0. '''Drive: 6 plays, 18 yards, 1:15.''''' Third quarter
  • KC – Billy Jackson 29-yard run (Nick Lowery kick), 0:29. ''Raiders 17–7. '''Drive: 6 plays, 72 yards, 2:16.''''' Fourth quarter
  • KC – Billy Jackson 3-yard run (Nick Lowery kick), 7:20. ''Raiders 17–14. '''Drive: 9 plays, 59 yards, 4:19.'''''
  • KC – Billy Jackson 3-yard run (Nick Lowery kick), 1:57. ''Chiefs 21–17. '''Drive: 11 plays, 82 yards, 4:22.'''''
  • KC – Gary Spani 91-yard fumble return (Nick Lowery kick), 0:24. Chiefs 28–17. Top passers
  • KC – Bill Kenney – 8/25, 132 yards, 3 INT
  • OAK – Marc Wilson – 19/47, 251 yards, TD, 4 INT Top rushers
  • KC – Steve Fuller – 3 rushes, 43 yards
  • OAK – Kenny King – 11 rushes, 49 yards Top receivers
  • KC – Henry Marshall – 5 receptions, 85 yards
  • OAK – Cliff Branch – 4 receptions, 86 yards

Week 9: at San Diego Chargers

First quarter

  • SD – Chuck Muncie 1-yard run (Rolf Benirschke kick), 10:19. ''Chargers 7–0. '''Drive: 7 plays, 50 yards, 2:34.'''''
  • KC – James Hadnot 2-yard run (Nick Lowery kick), 3:36. ''Tied 7–7. '''Drive: 11 plays, 72 yards, 6:43.''''' Second quarter
  • SD – Chuck Muncie 4-yard run (kick failed, wide right), 4:10. ''Chargers 13–7. '''Drive: 5 plays, 71 yards, 2:32.'''''
  • SD – Rolf Benirschke 29-yard field goal, 0:30. ''Chargers 16–7. '''Drive: 9 plays, 56 yards, 1:26.'''''
  • SD – Rolf Benirschke 19-yard field goal, 0:00. ''Chargers 19–7. '''Drive: 2 plays, 32 yards, 0:19.''''' Third quarter
  • KC – Billy Jackson 2-yard pass from Bill Kenney (Nick Lowery kick), 11:55. ''Chargers 19–14. '''Drive: 4 plays, 56 yards, 1:39.''''' Fourth quarter
  • KC – Nick Lowery 21-yard field goal, 14:50. ''Chargers 19–17. '''Drive: 13 plays, 78 yards, 7:15.'''''
  • KC – Nick Lowery 32-yard field goal, 6:32. ''Chiefs 20–19. '''Drive: 10 plays, 49 yards, 6:25.'''''
  • SD – Rolf Benirschke 22-yard field goal, 0:13. ''Chargers 22–20. '''Drive: 14 plays, 70 yards, 6:04.''''' Top passers
  • KC – Bill Kenney – 13/22, 190 yards, TD
  • SD – Dan Fouts – 24/39, 297 yards, INT Top rushers
  • KC – Joe Delaney – 23 rushes, 117 yards
  • SD – Chuck Muncie – 16 rushes, 63 yards, 2 TD Top receivers
  • KC – J. T. Smith – 5 receptions, 92 yards
  • SD – Chuck Muncie – 6 receptions, 71 yards

Week 10: vs. Chicago Bears

First quarter

  • CHI – Rickey Watts 12-yard pass from Vince Evans (John Roveto kick), 13:43. ''Bears 7–0. '''Drive: 3 plays, 7 yards, 0:12.'''''
  • KC – Nick Lowery 34-yard field goal, 8:28. ''Bears 7–3. '''Drive: 10 plays, 60 yards, 5:15.''''' Second quarter
  • CHI – John Roveto 24-yard field goal, 7:06. ''Bears 10–3. '''Drive: 5 plays, 8 yards, 3:21.'''''
  • KC – Nick Lowery 33-yard field goal, 0:00. ''Bears 10–6. '''Drive: 3 plays, 8 yards, 0:33.''''' Third quarter
  • No scoring plays. Fourth quarter
  • CHI – John Roveto 23-yard field goal, 12:47. ''Bears 13–6. '''Drive: 15 plays, 67 yards, 8:02.'''''
  • KC – Henry Marshall 1-yard pass from Steve Fuller (Nick Lowery kick), 0:44. ''Tied 13–13. '''Drive: 10 plays, 55 yards, 1:30.''''' Overtime
  • CHI – John Roveto 22-yard field goal, 1:53. ''Bears 16–13. '''Drive: 12 plays, 59 yards, 5:30.''''' Top passers
  • CHI – Vince Evans – 7/30, 77 yards, TD
  • KC – Steve Fuller – 7/20, 88 yards, TD, INT Top rushers
  • CHI – Walter Payton – 21 rushes, 70 yards
  • KC – Billy Jackson – 14 rushes, 56 yards Top receivers
  • CHI – Ken Margerum – 4 receptions, 48 yards
  • KC – Henry Marshall – 4 receptions, 48 yards, TD

Week 11: vs. Houston Oilers

First quarter

  • KC – Joe Delaney 6-yard run (Nick Lowery kick), 1:55. ''Chiefs 7–0. '''Drive: 4 plays, 38 yards, 2:11.''''' Second quarter
  • KC – Nick Lowery 37-yard field goal, 11:04. ''Chiefs 10–0. '''Drive: 7 plays, 14 yards, 3:14.'''''
  • HOU – Toni Fritsch 21-yard field goal, 0:02. ''Chiefs 10–3. '''Drive: 11 plays, 69 yards, 3:13.''''' Third quarter
  • KC – Billy Jackson 1-yard run (Nick Lowery kick), 7:26. ''Chiefs 17–3. '''Drive: 7 plays, 46 yards, 3:06.''''' Fourth quarter
  • HOU – Ken Burrough 50-yard pass from Ken Stabler (Toni Fritsch kick), 9:36. ''Chiefs 17–10. '''Drive: 2 plays, 60 yards, 0:39.'''''
  • KC – Nick Lowery 42-yard field goal, 5:13. ''Chiefs 20–10. '''Drive: 6 plays, 50 yards, 4:23.'''''
  • KC – Nick Lowery 38-yard field goal, 1:56. ''Chiefs 23–10. '''Drive: 5 plays, 14 yards, 2:58.''''' Top passers
  • HOU – Ken Stabler – 12/22, 194 yards, TD, 2 INT
  • KC – Bill Kenney – 6/11, 39 yards Top rushers
  • HOU – Earl Campbell – 21 rushes, 99 yards
  • KC – Joe Delaney – 29 rushes, 193 yards, TD Top receivers
  • HOU – Ken Burrough – 4 receptions, 80 yards, TD
  • KC – J. T. Smith – 1 reception, 9 yards

Week 12: vs. Seattle Seahawks

First quarter

  • SEA – Efrén Herrera 26-yard field goal, 7:57. ''Seahawks 3–0. '''Drive: 12 plays, 76 yards, 7:03.'''''
  • KC – Nick Lowery 37-yard field goal, 2:46. ''Tied 3–3. '''Drive: 9 plays, 54 yards, 5:11.''''' Second quarter
  • KC – Nick Lowery 24-yard field goal, 11:16. ''Chiefs 6–3. '''Drive: 9 plays, 62 yards, 3:44.'''''
  • SEA – Efrén Herrera 30-yard field goal, 2:51. ''Tied 6–6. '''Drive: 15 plays, 74 yards, 8:25.'''''
  • KC – J.T. Smith 14-yard pass from Bill Kenney (Nick Lowery kick), 1:07. ''Chiefs 13–6. '''Drive: 8 plays, 73 yards, 1:44.'''''
  • KC – Lloyd Burruss 46-yard interception return (Nick Lowery kick), 0:31. Chiefs 20–6. Third quarter
  • KC – Billy Jackson 1-yard run (Nick Lowery kick), 9:40. ''Chiefs 27–6. '''Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 5:20.'''''
  • SEA – Steve Largent 30-yard pass from Jim Zorn (Efrén Herrera kick), 5:16. ''Chiefs 27–13. '''Drive: 9 plays, 76 yards, 4:24.''''' Fourth quarter
  • KC – Willie Scott 2-yard pass from Bill Kenney (kick failed, wide right), 14:57. ''Chiefs 33–13. '''Drive: 9 plays, 70 yards, 5:19.'''''
  • KC – Billy Jackson 1-yard run (Nick Lowery kick), 9:36. ''Chiefs 40–13. '''Drive: 9 plays, 56 yards, 4:18.''''' Top passers
  • SEA – Jim Zorn – 19/30, 258 yards, TD, INT
  • KC – Bill Kenney – 17/22, 181 yards, 2 TD Top rushers
  • SEA – Theotis Brown – 16 rushes, 63 yards
  • KC – James Hadnot – 10 rushes, 106 yards Top receivers
  • SEA – Steve Largent – 4 receptions, 63 yards, TD
  • KC – J. T. Smith – 7 receptions, 70 yards, TD

Week 13: at Detroit Lions

Thanksgiving Day games First quarter

  • DET – David Hill 10-yard pass from Eric Hipple (Eddie Murray kick), 11:51. ''Lions 7–0. '''Drive: 6 plays, 73 yards, 3:09.'''''
  • KC – Billy Jackson 4-yard run (Nick Lowery kick), 6:35. ''Tied 7–7. '''Drive: 9 plays, 69 yards, 5:16.''''' Second quarter
  • DET – Eddie Murray 34-yard field goal, 13:53. ''Lions 10–7. '''Drive: 8 plays, 23 yards, 3:00.'''''
  • DET – Freddie Scott 40-yard pass from Eric Hipple (Eddie Murray kick), 4:29. ''Lions 17–7. '''Drive: 5 plays, 60 yards, 1:31.''''' Third quarter
  • KC – Nick Lowery 33-yard field goal, 8:47. ''Lions 17–10. '''Drive: 9 plays, 47 yards, 6:13.'''''
  • DET – Eddie Murray 46 yard field goal 3:13. ''Lions 20–10. '''Drive: 11 plays, 44 yards, 5:34.''''' Fourth quarter
  • DET – Billy Sims 4 yard run (Eddie Murray kick), 2:46. ''Lions 27–10. '''Drive: 10 plays, 70 yards, 4:42.''''' Top passers
  • KC – Steve Fuller – 10/17, 131 yards
  • DET – Eric Hipple – 10/22, 132 yards, 2 TD Top rushers
  • KC – Joe Delaney – 17 rushes, 77 yards
  • DET – Billy Sims – 20 rushes, 64 yards, TD Top receivers
  • KC – J. T. Smith – 5 receptions, 61 yards
  • DET – Freddie Scott – 3 receptions, 71 yards, TD

Week 14: at Denver Broncos

First quarter

  • DEN – Rob Lytle 2-yard run (Fred Steinfort kick), 12:03. ''Broncos 7–0. '''Drive: 4 plays, 83 yards, 2:57.''''' Second quarter
  • DEN – Fred Steinfort 23-yard field goal, 14:16. ''Broncos 10–0. '''Drive: 15 plays, 75 yards, 6:03.'''''
  • DEN – Larry Canada 2-yard run (kick aborted), 5:37. ''Broncos 16–0. '''Drive: 11 plays, 77 yards, 5:57.'''''
  • KC – Nick Lowery 43-yard field goal, 1:04. ''Broncos 16–3. '''Drive: 11 plays, 55 yards, 4:33.'''''
  • KC – Nick Lowery 45-yard field goal, 0:30. ''Broncos 16–6. '''Drive: 4 plays, 0 yards, 0:22.''''' Third quarter
  • KC – James Hadnot 1-yard run (Nick Lowery kick), 1:48. ''Broncos 16–13. '''Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 3:37.''''' Fourth quarter
  • No scoring plays. Top passers
  • KC – Steve Fuller – 18/34, 261 yards, INT
  • DEN – Craig Morton – 16/24, 281 yards Top rushers
  • KC – Joe Delaney – 11 rushes, 36 yards
  • DEN – Dave Preston – 13 rushes, 38 yards Top receivers
  • KC – Al Dixon – 6 receptions, 86 yards
  • DEN – Steve Watson – 2 receptions, 103 yards

Week 15: vs. Miami Dolphins

First quarter

  • MIA – Tony Nathan 5-yard run (Uwe von Schamann kick), 2:36. ''Dolphins 7–0. '''Drive: 6 plays, 38 yards, 2:23.''''' Second quarter
  • KC – Al Dixon 2-yard pass from Steve Fuller (Nick Lowery kick), 12:00. ''Tied 7–7. '''Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 5:36.'''''
  • MIA – Uwe von Schamann 39-yard field goal, 5:06. ''Dolphins 10–7. '''Drive: 12 plays, 47 yards, 6:54.''''' Third quarter
  • No scoring plays. Fourth quarter
  • MIA – Andra Franklin 1-yard run (Uwe von Schamann kick), 14:13. ''Dolphins 17–7. '''Drive: 9 plays, 44 yards, 4:05.''''' Top passers
  • MIA – Don Strock – 8/16, 109 yards, 2 INT
  • KC – Steve Fuller – 21/37, 206 yards, TD, INT Top rushers
  • MIA – Andra Franklin – 17 rushes, 40 yards, TD
  • KC – Steve Fuller – 8 rushes, 42 yards Top receivers
  • MIA – Tommy Vigorito – 3 receptions, 42 yards
  • KC – J. T. Smith – 5 receptions, 99 yards

Week 16: at Minnesota Vikings

First quarter

  • MIN – Rick Danmeier 43-yard field goal, 10:33. ''Vikings 3–0. '''Drive: 14 plays, 50 yards, 4:27.'''''
  • KC – Nick Lowery 30-yard field goal, 1:12. ''Tied 3–3. '''Drive: 4 plays, 9 yards, 1:41.''''' Second quarter
  • No scoring plays. Third quarter
  • KC – Stan Rome 15-yard pass from Steve Fuller (Nick Lowery kick), 10:03. ''Chiefs 10–3. '''Drive: 8 plays, 37 yards, 4:57.'''''
  • MIN – Rick Danmeier 33-yard field goal, 4:30. ''Chiefs 10–6. '''Drive: 6 plays, 30 yards, 1:15.''''' Fourth quarter
  • No scoring plays. Top passers
  • KC – Steve Fuller – 12/16, 145 yards, TD, INT
  • MIN – Tommy Kramer – 17/38, 177 yards, INT Top rushers
  • KC – Billy Jackson – 25 rushes, 102 yards
  • MIN – Tony Galbreath – 11 rushes, 55 yards Top receivers
  • KC – Carlos Carson – 3 receptions, 78 yards
  • MIN – Tony Galbreath – 7 receptions, 60 yards

Standings

References

References

  1. "1981 Kansas City Chiefs draftees". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
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