The Kansas City Chiefs thought they had a bad playoff history after losing seven consecutive playoff games. Well, on Saturday they lost their eighth straight to the AFC South champion Indianapolis Colts, and that was the fourth consecutive time they lost the first-round Wild Card playoff game to Indy. It was an embarrassing loss to be sure, especially considering the fact that the Chiefs led the Colts by 28 points at one shining juncture and we all thought they certainly had the game in the bag.

Then the Chiefs’ defense had a slow, epic meltdown that led to the stunning 45-44 victory for the Colts in the end. The Colts move forward and the Chiefs’ season ended all too abruptly for a team that started the season with such promise.

One point that should not be overlooked is Kansas City quarterback Alex Smith‘s absolute dominant ability as an offensive team leader.

No one player can be blamed for the Chiefs’ loss Saturday, but Smith played the game of his NFL career which makes the outcome even more tragic. Smith shut his critics up by throwing for an overwhelming 378 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions while running for 57 yards with a smoothness to keep drives and plays going. He did this most of the game without the help of star running back Jamaal Charles who had been injured early on in the game. You couldn’t ask much more of any quarterback in any game.

His overthrown pass to Cyrus Gray should not eclipse the stellar game he had and promise he displayed for the future. He’s Kansas City’s promise for a better tomorrow starting next season, and any criticism he’s received after disappointing games against the likes of the Denver Broncos, San Diego Chargers and the Colts earlier in the season should be written off to him having an “off day.” The guy can obviously play.

Rather than criticize Smith for missing that pass, perhaps the future with the team of Kansas City defensive coordinator Bob “No Blitz” Sutton should be re-evaluated.

Jonathan W. Crowell is a writer and an online sports blogger for www.Rantsports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JW_Crowell, “like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.