KANSAS CITY, Mo., Jan. 1 (UPI) -- Larry Johnson rushed for 201 yards and three touchdowns Sunday as Kansas City routed the Cincinnati Bengals, 37-3.
Despite the victory, the Chiefs failed to qualify for the AFC playoffs because Pittsburgh beat Detroit, 35-21.
It was the last game for Kansas City Coach Dick Vermeil, who told his players he would retire at season's end. Quarterback Trent Green completed 23-of-29 passes for 344 yards and a touchdown while Eddie Kennison made seven receptions for 151 yards.
Jon Kitna was 13-for-24 passing for 76 yards; Carson Palmer went 5-for-8 for 54 yards; Rudi Johnson was held to only 18 yards on 10 carries; and Chad Johnson had four receptions for 55 yards for Cincinnati (11-5), which will be at home against Pittsburgh in a first-round AFC playoff game next weekend.
