Crucial Decision Gives Chiefs Win
The Kansas City Chiefs were camped just a few feet away from the Oakland Raiders' end zone - down by three points with five seconds remaining. An almost certain field goal from that distance would have taken them into overtime - but not necessarily led them to victory against stubborn Raiders resistance. Most 'by the book' coaches would have gone for the field goal and by his own admission Vermeil usually does too. On this occasion Vermeil went for the win.
The Chiefs put the ball in the hands of Larry Johnson and the third-year running back did the rest by launching his himself into the air and landing in Oakland's end-zone. The Chiefs gained a 27-23 victory and are now at 5-3.
"It was not an impulsive thing. It was the right thing for us to do. And they made me look smart," Vermeil said. "We told Larry, - make sure you get over the top.
"That's the first time I've done that - I normally kick the field goal."
