Kansas City Chiefs NFL Team Column

By Jason Miller

20 February 2008

Taking A Look At the Free Agent Market

Kansas City finds them self well under the cap in 2008. The Chiefs were $18,300.000 under the cap and with cutting Starting Left Guard John Welbourn, they now they free up another 2 Million. The moves could be just the start of a roster shake-up. Several other veterans including CB Ty Law, linebacker Kendrell Bell, wide receiver Eddie Kennison, tight end Jason Dunn and safety Greg Wesley are candidates to be released.

Kansas City Placed the Franchise Tag on DL Jarred Allen, which took up $9 Million of the cap, but the Chiefs still have plenty of money to fill some of their major holes this off season. OT Max Starks was named the Steelers Transition Player and the resigning of Ryan Lilja by the Colts already takes away 2 of the best Tackles on the Market. Other possible target for the Chiefs at Tackle are Jake Scott .

Many believe the Chiefs will look to draft a Tackle in the upcoming draft in the 1st round. A guard is also a huge need and they might sign one in free agency or draft one early. Look for the Chiefs to try land Jordan Gross to fill that spot. The Chiefs are in the market for a go-to WR to go a long with WR Dwayne Bowe and TE Tony Gonzalez. The Bears Bernard Berrian has great speed and he could be the deep threat that KC has been looking for.

23 January 2008

Chiefs Fill Coaching Staff

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Herm Edwards announced on Wednesday that he has named Chan Gailey as the club’s offensive coordinator. Gailey, who served as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys (’98-99), has previously served as an NFL offensive coordinator for Denver (’89-90), Pittsburgh (’96-97) and Miami (2000-01). During his 14 previous seasons in the NFL, Gailey teams have made the playoffs 11 times, including his last eight seasons in the league. In addition, Gailey has coached in the Super Bowl on four occasions.

The 34-year coaching veteran most recently served a six-year stint as the head coach at Georgia Tech (2002-07), where he compiled a 44-33 record and helped the Yellow Jackets earn six consecutive bowl bids. Owning an extensive resume of offensive success Gailey owns a total of 14 years of NFL coaching experience, including eight seasons as either a head coach or an offensive coordinator.

Gailey’s teams qualified for the playoffs seven times during those eight seasons and boasted a 1,000-yard rusher in seven of those campaigns. He compiled an 18-14 record as a head coach with Dallas and guided the Cowboys to two straight playoff appearances. His ‘98 Cowboys squad won the NFC East with a 10-6 record and ranked in the NFL’s top 10 in total offense (eighth – 340.6 ypg), rushing (eighth –125.9 ypg), scoring (ninth – 23.8 ppg) and passing (ninth – 214.8 ypg). Dallas committed a league-low 15 turnovers in ‘98 and tied for third in the NFL with a +11 turnover differential.

The Cowboys were fifth in the NFL with a +10 turnover mark the following season. Dallas also scored 37 rushing TDs from ‘98-99, the fourth-highest total in the NFL over that timeframe. The Chiefs finalized their coaching staff Tuesday by hiring Texas-El Paso offensive coordinator Eric Price to work with wide receivers. Herm Edwards’ first choice as receivers coach was former UCLA coach Karl Dorrell, but Dorrell accepted a position with the Miami Dolphins instead. Price, who was on Edwards’ staff with the New York Jets, interviewed to be the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator. That job went instead to Chan Gailey. The other new offensive coaches are Bob Bicknell (offensive line) and Curtis Modkins (running backs).

16 January 2008

Chiefs Search for Offensive Coordinator

The Kansas City are on a search for their new OC and one could be hired this week. Chan Gailey was back in Kansas City on Tuesday for a second interview and looks to be the front runner. The Chiefs talked to Jim Fassel this week. Here are a list of possible OC for the Chiefs in 2008. Eric Price, the offensive coordinator at Texas-El Paso. Price, was once an offensive assistant for Edwards when he coached the New York Jets. Running a spread offense, UTEP averaged more than 30 points in three of Price’s four seasons as coordinator. Chan Gailey, is a coaching veteran. Gailey in his 34-year career has coordinated offenses for the Broncos, Steelers and Dolphins and been a head coach for the Cowboys and Georgia Tech. He was fired at Georgia Tech in November after six seasons.

Mike Shula, he was the offensive coordinator for Tampa Bay in the late 1990s while Edwards served as defensive-backs coach. He later became head coach at Alabama, where he worked with current Chiefs quarterback Brodie Croyle. Shula currently is quarterbacks coach for Jacksonville and look for the Chiefs to talk to him this week after Jacksonville was beat by New England last week.

Who ever it may be has a lot of work to do with a offense that was ranked 31st in total offense, an offense line that gave up 55 Sacks, tied for the NFL lead, and in 10 games in 2007 the Chiefs scored under 13 points in 9 games. But not all is bad in Chiefs Land. Returning will be RB Larry Johnson, All Pro Tony Gonzalez who had 99 Rec for 1,172 Yards and Dwayne Bowe who in his rookie campaign had 70 Rec for 995 Yards.

With the Draft and Free agency coming up, the Chiefs will look right at offensive line to protect the young gun slinger Brodie Croyle and to open up holes for Johnson.

8 January 2008

Chiefs Look Hard and LONG at Offensive Line

When the Kansas City Chiefs pick in the upcoming April 2008 NFL Draft look for the Chiefs to have their eyes on The Big Tackle from Michigan Jake Long. Despite a poor showing in the season finale against Ohio State, is without a doubt the top offensive lineman in this year's draft. Long is the centerpiece of an offensive line that has led Michigan to a 166.1 yard a game rushing average as a team. Besides being an absolutely mammoth tackle at 6'7" and 315lbs., Long possesses elite speed and footwork for an offensive lineman. The Michigan O-line has allowed just 25 sacks under his leadership in 12 games this season, even though their quarterbacks are not exactly fleet of foot. Jake Long is probably best known for his excellent pass blocking, but don't mistake Long for a finesse tackle. As good as people believe he is, his run blocking may still be underrated. He blocks with a real mean streak. Long does a terrific job of taking on (and running over) a D-lineman and moving into the next level to flatten a linebacker as well. Michigan is averaging 4.0 yards per carry this season and tends to find those tough yards behind Long on the left side. This 2 time All Big Ten performer is experienced on both the left and right side of the line, making a versatile option for an NFL team.

The Chiefs used 32 year old Kyle Turley Chris Terry, who the Chiefs let go during the season and Will Svitek this season at Tackle and the Result for the Chiefs was destrous for the Chiefs. The Chiefs gave up a record setting 54 Tackles in 2007. With only scoring 6 Rushing TD's a big Tackle in the Draft is a Must for the Chiefs. If Long is gone before the Chiefs will br looking at Sam Baker, USC. Baker has amazing feet for a player well over 300 pounds. Baker has long arms and big hands and does a great job keeping defenders at arms length. His pass blocking skills are near the best in the country at the tackle position. He is a better pass blocker than a run blocker and according to some, lacks the mean streak that coaches love in an offensive lineman. Baker has been a four year starter at one of the best college football programs in the nation: USC. He would be a great fit for a team who runs the zone blocking scheme using his superb footwork and ability to sustain blocks.

The Chiefs are set at one of the Guard spots with Brian Waters. John Wellbourn struggled this season and the Chiefs will look at an upgrade at the Guard spot but don't be suprised if the Chiefs take a look at Robert Felton from Arkansas or maybe Center Mike Pollak from Arizona State. Casey Wiegmann has held down the Center spot in KC since coming over from Chicago on March 2001. But at 35, a free agent, and his cap number of $3,635.00 in 2007, look for Wiegmann to look for work some place else. Another option at Center is the Chiefs back up Center Rudy Niswanger who was placed on Injured Reserve during the Season but to in a Free Agent to be.

3 January 2008

KC the City of Change for the Chiefs in 2008

After one of the most disappointed seasons in Chiefs History, look for major changes to happen in the off season and for the Chiefs to look a lot different in 2008. Change has all ready taken place as when four assistant coaches, including offensive coordinator Mike Solari, were fired. The others fired were John Matsko (offensive line), Charlie Joiner (wide receivers) and James Saxon (running backs). The Chiefs had one the worst offensive showing it has had in team history. The offense ranked 31st in the NFL. with 276 yards a game and only averaged 14.1 ppg . One name that has been tossed out for a replacement for Solari is Paul Hackett who served as Chiefs offensive coordinator from 1993-97.

GM Carl Peterson has admitted the Chiefs are in a rebuilding mode that could take a couple of years to have any shot at being a playoff contender. With around 20 Million of Cap space in 2008, the Chiefs have the money to fill some of their many holes. One priority for the Chiefs is to sign DE Jarrod Allen, Allen led the NFL in sacks this past season with 15 and a half and will play in his 1st Pro Bowl. If a long term contact does not get worked out look for the Chiefs to Franchise Allen. The Chiefs have improved their defense the past 2 season by the way of the draft and will free agency and letting Allen go would only be a set back to the much improved defense. The most work the Chiefs need on Defense are at the CB position, where Patrick Surtain and Ty Law is getting up in age and don't be surprised if the Chiefs cut one or both of the former all pro players. Other players on the defense side of the ball that are probley on their way out are LB Kendrell Bell, Benny Sapp, and DT James Reed

As for the offense this is where the Chiefs are going to make many changes. The once great Offense Line and become the worst in the NFL. Out at Center is Casey Wiegmann who held down the OL for the past few years, but at 35 next season the Chiefs will give it over to 25 year old Rudy Niswanger, at 6'5 301 pounds, Niswanger gives the Chiefs just not youth on the OL, but great size to do what the Chiefs do best and that is run the football. Brian Waters is a All Pro at LG. The 3 big question marks will be at LT, RT, and LG. Damion McIntosh who the Chiefs signed last season from Miami was a disappointment at Left Tackle this season and will likely moved to Right Tackle. Kyle Turley and John Welbourn have been disappointments and will not be back in 2008. Look for the Chiefs to sign a Guard or Tackle in Free Agency and pick up both in Free Agency. The 2008 draft is loaded at the Tackle position and with names like Jordan Gross, Ryan Lilja, Max Starks, Jake Scott, and Travelle Wharton in Free Agency, look for the Chiefs to make a run at one or two of these young talented lineman.

Dwayne Bowe emerged as one of the bright spots for the offense this season racking up 995 yards and 5 TD catches this season but had little help from 35 year old Eddie Kennison who was hampered by injury this season. Look for Kennison, WR Sammy Parker, FB/TE Kris Wilson, TE Jason Dunn, KR Eddie Drummond to look for new work in 2008. The Chiefs have already named Brody Croyle the QB for next season, but must find an offensive line to protect him and a player maker to go a long side of Bowe, Gonzalez and Larry Johnson. A good candidate would be WR's Bernard Berrian or Bryant Johnson.

With the Chiefs likely drafting #5 in the up coming draft, their eyes have to be on Jake Long the OT from Michigan, The Chiefs have all their 7 picks in this upcoming draft and an extra 5th, 6th, and 7th round picks. The Chiefs could trade their 1st Round Pick to New Orleans Saints #14 The Saints need a DT and could move up to the Chiefs spot to grab DT Sedrick Ellis, USC. The Chiefs could Draft OT Gosder Cherilus from Boston College or CB Mike Jenkins South Florida and pick up a Extra 2nd and 3rd Round Pick.
One thing is certain in 2008 is that the Kansas City Chiefs will not look the same as it did in 2007. Many changes are coming in the next few months so let the rebuilding began.

18 November 2007

Week 10: Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs

So Monday morning after the Chiefs lost to the Broncos 11-27, a co-worker asked what I thought of the game.  I couldn’t respond.  I had no insightful message, no defense of the team.  Nothing. I truly think any team could have beaten the Chiefs on Sunday.  They were that bad.  No Larry Johnson and Damon Huard was a sitting duck.  Take away the #1 offensive threat and teams are just going to come after you.  Damon learned that, he learned it so well he was taken out of the game and replaced with Brodie Croyle. 

Last week I said it needed to happen, and I am glad it did.  Welcome to 2008 Chiefs fan, ’07 is done. 65 yards on the ground for Priest Holmes in his return to a starting role.  Still no real word on L.J.’s foot, other than it will be reevaluated on Monday the 19^th.  He is not playing against Indy this week, and I can only imagine he is out for a few more at the very least.  He did however say that he would, in fact, play again this year.

Damon Huard, as I said, was knocked out of the game.  That is, after he threw two interceptions and had a fumble that was returned for a touchdown.  Croyle comes in and boom, so much excitement.  Then he threw a pass.  Needless to day he was less than impressive, even when Denver gave him every opportunity to get a touchdown on the final drive.  It seems like he had at least 8 chances close to the endzone and zipped them all over the receiver’s head.  If we keep Croyle as the starter next year, I say we take a page out of the Charger’s playbook and draft a basketball player.  But, they better be about 7’6” to haul in a redzone pass from Brodie.

If the Chiefs keep playing like they did last Sunday… Hello top 5 draft pick.

Week 11: Kansas City Chiefs At Indianapolis Colts

The current point spread puts the Colts at 14.5 point favorites.  97% of Yahoo! Users picked the Colts over the Chiefs.  And this guy is not going to try and prove them all wrong.

The Colts are mad, they are injured, and they are getting served up a QB making his first Pro start.  Welcome to the NFL Brodie, meet the Super Bowl Champion Colts.  Peyton Manning threw 6 picks last week against the Chargers.  Adam Vinatieri missed an easy field goal giving San Diego the game.  Don’t look for those same mistakes in the friendly confines of the RCA Dome in Indianapolis.

Brodie Croyle is lucky he won’t be facing a Colts defense that is healthy.  But, even a patchwork D is capable of making out offensive line look bad, and with L.J. out again, expect to see a ton of pass blitzes to try and get to the young quarterback. 

A note to Herm:  SCREENS, DRAWS, and PLAY ACTION.  Oh yeah, and if on first down Croyle gets sacked, please don’t run a dive play on second and 16.  Then on third and 14 a pass over the middle to Tony Gonzalez 7 yards past the line of scrimmage.  Even my wife picks up on plays like that.  Heck my 4-month-old daughter gets frustrated with the play calling.  If I had to guess, her first full sentence will be something to the effect of “Fire Carl Peterson.”

Now for my prediction…  Colts 38, Chiefs 9.  Not much to be thankful for headed into Thanksgiving week for the Chiefs.  Maybe, just not being 0-10 is worth being happy about.  Oh yeah, and the streak of sell-outs is still intact.

10 November 2007

Week 9: Green Bay Packers at Kansas City Chiefs

Well, this game pretty much went as I expected.  The Chiefs kept it close and had a chance to win, but the Packers kept on coming and pulled out a 33-22 victory over the Chiefs at Arrowhead. The Chiefs led until 3:08 was left in the game.  The Packers went on to score the next 17 points to win the game.  Damon Huard sealed the Packers victory by throwing an interception taken back for a score by Charles Woodson with about a minute left on the clock. The loss was not surprising to me, but one bad thing did come from this game.  Larry Johnson injured his foot on a play where it looked to me like he probably broke his mid-foot.  As I watched the game and saw the play that was my first reaction.  Broken Metatarsal, out for the season.  But it has been about a week and alas, no real information on it.  Basically, we all know he is injured, but the Chiefs are trying to let on that it isn’t that bad.  He is week to week, but anytime a running back has a foot injury, it is bad, bad news.

With the injury to L.J., is it time to let Brodie Croyle step in and get some valuable experience throwing to Dwayne Bowe, and handing of to Kolby Smith?  If Larry Johnson is out for the season, I think the Chiefs must consider doing this.  I know Herm Edwards isn’t one to throw in the towel and call it quits on a season.  I say if the Chiefs lose this week to Denver, and then go into Indy next week and start to get pummeled; it may be time to hand the reins over to the young QB and see what he has.  We need to know if he is the future of this franchise, or destined to be a back-up.  And the sooner we know the better.  The upcoming draft is pretty deep with decent quarterbacks, and it would be nice to pick up a good one if Brodie is not what the Chiefs had hoped for.

Week 10: Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs

Well, it’s that time of year again.  You can feel it in the air, and you just know the Broncos are coming to town.  But this is not the Elway led, Super Bowl bound, juggernaut that most Chiefs fans have grown to loathe.  This years Denver team is down, much like the entire AFC West division is.  Their running game is decent, the passing game is obsolete, and their defense is basically atrocious.  The Chiefs on the other hand have a decent defense, a sub-par offense.  If the defense plays like they have for most of the year the game should be a pretty easy win for the home team Chiefs.

With the injury to L.J. it will give the Chiefs a chance to evaluate what Priest Homes and Kolby Smith bring to the table.  After Priest spouted off this week about how he makes everyone around him look pretty, I would expect him to run all over Denver.  I mean if Casey Printers can make chicken salad out of chicken ___, Priest can make filet mignon out of cow ____.  I just hope Priest doesn’t injure his foot pulling it from his mouth.  Or get a concussion from removing his head from his butt.

I want to say the Chiefs will win this game easily, but there is something in the back of my head telling me, “not so fast.”  The Broncos are plagued by injuries and this does play into the Chiefs hands, but I am still wary of getting fully behind this Chiefs team.  I will say the Chiefs will win, and the game won’t be close, but the score will be.  Chiefs win 17-13.  Mike Shanahan always seems to have a good plan for the Chiefs, but this year I don’t think he can do it with the tools he has.  If he does, then it will be a job well done, and the Chiefs should probably begin looking to ’08. 

3 November 2007

Week 9: Green Bay Packers at Kansas City Chiefs

Well coming off of a bye week has been good for other NFL teams this year.  Will it be as good for the Chiefs?  They have a lot of things going for them in this game history/statistically wise.  Teams are way up over .500 coming off their bye this year, something close to .667, I believe.  Plus, the only team that Brett Favre of the Packers has never beaten in his sure-fire Hall of Fame career is the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Chiefs come in at 4-3 and tied for the lead in the AFC West Division.  The Packers, however, are coming in at 6-1 after an overtime win on Monday night in Denver.  Vegas seems to think the Chiefs have a slight edge on the Pack giving the chiefs a 2.5 point favorite to get the win at home.

The Chiefs defense continues to be impressive, led by Jared Allen who received AFC defensive player of the month honors for October.  In his five games since his suspension the Chiefs are 4-1 and he has 8 sacks in those 5 games.

With the Chiefs at 4-3 and almost half of the games behind them, you have to take the record with a grain of salt.  Of the 7 teams only 2 of them have winning records, San Diego and Jacksonville.  Of their next 8 games they face 5 teams with winning records, and in those next 8 games the combined record is 35-21.  And two of those games are against the Denver Broncos.  The Chiefs definitely have a long road ahead to get to the playoffs, and it may end badly for them as they face tougher competition in the second half of the season.

I don’t think the Chiefs are going to be making their way to the Super Bowl this year, but anything can happen.  If they win Sunday against the Packers they will be one step closer to getting there.  I just do not know if it can happen.  I like the match-ups in this game, but I think the veteran leadership of Favre will break his winless streak against the guys in red and white.  I see this one being close for awhile then Green Bay taking the young safeties for a ride on play-action passes.  27-13 Green Bay.

 Week 8 Summary: As Coach Edwards said last year: “We don’t work on the bye week, wowwwwww.”

20 October 2007

Week 6 Recap: Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs continue to surprise me every now and then.  They showed up to play this game on both sides of the ball and really controlled the game start to finish.  To me the final score makes the game seem much closer than it was.  The Chiefs pulled out a 27-20 victory over the Bengals.  The Chiefs rolled to a halftime lead of 20-7 and gave up the final 10 points to the Bengals in the last 5 minutes of the game.  Damon Huard, Larry Johnson, and Tony Gonzalez all had pretty good games offensively.

There really are no concerns from this game that stick out at me.  The only thing that really chapped me this game was the L.J. fumble.  On a long run, Johnson had the ball away from his body and at the 2 yard-line the ball got knocked loose, rolled out of the back of the end zone and is a touchback for Cincinnati.  If he held the ball close and maintained the three points of contact he would have scored a touchdown and the Chiefs would have rolled to a big victory.  I won’t harp on this too much as they still put together their most complete game so far. Defensively, Jared Allen continues to impress on the defensive line.  I was glad to hear this week that Carl Peterson said that they would not let him leave.  For all if his faults he is still a great football player, and can disrupt a team’s plans offensively.  This week he got credit for 2.5 sacks.  This puts him at 6 for the season and tied for 2^nd in the NFL and he leads the AFC in sacks.  Just think if he played in the first two games instead of serving his suspension.

Notable Stats:

Passing: D. Huard: 25 of 35, 264 yards, 2 TDs

Rushing: L. Johnson: 31 Carries, 119 yards, 1 TD, 1 FumL

Receiving:  T. Gonzalez: 9 Catches, 102 yards, 2 TDs

                   J. Webb: 7 Catches, 78 yards

Defense:  D. Edwards: 8 Tackles

                J. Allen: 2.5 Sacks, 1 FF

Notes: The Chiefs traded RB Michael Bennett to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for an undisclosed draft pick.  This trade is not much of a surprise as the Chiefs are pretty stacked at running back now that Priest Holmes is eligible to return.  They must think that Priest is ready to come back and contribute.

Week 7: Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland Raiders

This is the first chance for the Chiefs to defend their first place in the AFC West standing.  The Chiefs have a chance to get off to a great start in the division.  2-0 in the AFC West and leading the division would be a great way to enter the by week.  Oakland is coming off a loss on the road in San Diego and looks to bring themselves to .500 ball.  Hopefully the Chiefs can keep this from happening, and find themselves a winning football team headed into their week 8 bye.

This game is going to be a battle of two juggernauts… ok so maybe not.  I checked the betting line today and the Raiders were still 2.5 point favorites in the game.  I think whichever team comes to play is going to embarrass the other for the most part.  I am hoping the Chiefs activate Priest Holmes, and his presence not only lights a fire under Larry Johnson, but gives the team a spark.  I think the Chiefs fly into Oakland and head out of the black hole with a win and the lead in the AFC West still firmly in their grasp.  The Chiefs should be able to put up at least 24 on the Raiders with the offense clicking last week.  The defense should be able to hold the Raiders and I think the final will be in the neighborhood of Chiefs 27, Raiders 13. 

12 October 2007

Jacksonville Jaguars at Kansas City Chiefs  FINAL SCORE: 17-7 

Wow what an exciting first drive… The Chiefs actually pass the ball on the first play.  A 30-yard play action pass to Kris Wilson.  A couple of passes to Tony Gonzalez to set up a 31-yard easy field goal for last week’s AFC Special Teams Player of the Week.  Oh wait, he missed it.  That was the last time the Chiefs sniffed the end zone until the end of the game. 

I tried to give myself a few days to let this game settle and see if I can get the bad taste out of my mouth.  It didn’t work.  This game was just downright pathetic offensively.  The Chiefs have always been a team that could run the ball.  Christian Okoye, Marcus Allen, Priest Holmes, Larry Johnson… and that is just recent history.  Larry Johnson had 12 yards.  That’s right TWELVE.  To make it worse, the team as a whole had only TEN yards rushing.  That is barely a first down.  Actually, the Chiefs had ZERO rushing first downs.  None, Zilch, Zippo, Nada.

You want to talk about a less than stellar day?  Look at Larry Jonhson’s stat line.  9 Rushes for 12 yards, 5 catches for 3 yards.  He has never had that bad of a day as a starter.  He, rightfully so, did not speak to the media after the game.  I know I wouldn’t have.  You know who really shouldn’t have talked to the media after a game?  Travis Johnson.  More on him later…...Damon Huard was “injured” late in the game and had to leave.  Someone tell me how he was able to throw the ball, get hit, went to the ground, looked up, saw the pass was intercepted, laid down and grabbed his leg, and left with a shoulder bruise?

Brodie Croyle came in and orchestrated a nice drive against a team that didn’t care, because they were up 17-0.  He hit Samie Parker on 4^th down in the endzone to prevent the first shutout at Arrowhead for the Chiefs this millennium.  Well, it happened last in 1994 to be exact.  The touchdown pass came with no time left so essentially the Jaguars did shut out the Chiefs for 60 minutes.

If these are the true colors of this Chiefs team it is going to be a long hard road.  If we can’t run the ball for a first down, we are going to lose a lot of games.  No really, like 12 or 13 losses.  I don’t think the Chiefs will be held to 10 yards rushing again, but this has to be worrisome to Chiefs fans everywhere.  Even Priest Holmes chimed in to say LJ was getting too cute and needed to run straight ahead.  Go ahead Larry, write another rap song.  It’s ok.

Someone or something needs to light a fire under this offense.  It is obviously not going to be Herm Edwards or Mike Solari.  A leader needs to emerge, and it can’t be Brian Waters.  It has to be either Larry Johnson, Dwayne Bowe, or, I shouldn’t say it but will, Brodie Croyle.  A young player needs to step up to lead this offense. 

There is not much good to tell you about this game, because, well, nothing good happened.  Sure Tony Gonzalez amassed 9,000 yards receiving for his career shortly before halftime, but who didn’t know he was one of, if not, the best tight end ever?  The defense was ok.  Not dominating, but ok.  They forced no turnovers from the Jacksonville offense, and gave up 156 yards rushing.  Not much to write home about on this day.

Notable Stats:

Passing: D. Huard: 19 of 30, 218 yards, 1 INT

              B. Croyle: 6 of 13, 83 yards, 1 TD

Rushing: L. Johnson: 9 Carries, 12 yards

               M. Bennett: 1 Carry, -2 yards

Receiving:  T. Gonzalez: 8 Catches, 100 yards

                   D. Bowe: 4 Catches, 70 yards

Defense:  T. Law: 8 Tackles

                J. Allen: 1.5 Sacks

Completely Off-Topic:

Former Chiefs QB Trent Green suffered a Grade-3 Concussion last Sunday against the Texans.  Another severe head injury for the aging quarterback just might mean a quick retirement from the game.  Hi wife Julie was less than thrilled when he returned after the injury last year on opening day, and I can assure you, this one will make her even more scared.  The Green’s kept their home in Kansas City, and hopefully he will return to the area after his playing time is done.

The concussion happened on a busted play where Ted Ginn Jr. reversed his field and came back the opposite way of the play.  Trent Green in true Trent fashion tried to block a 300+ pound defensive lineman by taking out his legs.  Trent’s head collided with Travis Johnson’s knee, knocking him unconscious.  As Trent lay not moving Johnson walks over and starts taunting Green.  This drew a 15 yard penalty, and I would hope a fine from the NFL.  To make matters worse after the game Johnson went on an expletive filled tirade about how gut-less Trent Green was and how he now had no respect for him.  This in my mind warrants a suspension from either the team or the league.  This is after he had time to cool off, after he saw Green taken away on a backboard on a stretcher, after the game had ended and his team had won.  There is no excuse for an outburst like this.  A man was injured, and his career likely over, and this guy starts trash talking him after the game? 

Week 6 Preview:

Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs Noon Kick-off

I would like to say my optimism is running high for this game, but it isn’t.  The Bengal’s defense is a worthy opponent of our less-than-stellar offense.  They should match up well.  When the Chiefs offense is on the field you should probably get up for a bathroom break or get something to drink.  But make it quick.  Those three-and-outs don’t give you much time.

I am concerned about Chad Johnson and TJ Houshmanzadeh running all over our aging corners and young safeties.  It will be a good test to see if our defense is for real this year.  I think the Chiefs could win this game.  It is highly unlikely though.  I could see this one getting ugly fast, or being another struggle.  I am going to put my estimate at 24-10 Bengals.  The Chiefs will once again allow themselves to get down early and won’t be able to dig out again.  Carson Palmer should throw for about 325 yards if not a little more against Pollard and Page trying to cover receivers for Ty Law and Patrick Surtain as they trip over their walkers.I am not quite sure how I am going to feel Sunday morning as I wake up and get ready to watch the game.  But, it might not take long for me to flip to a different channel…

5 October 2007

Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers

Well, well, well.  I should listen to my wife a little more often.  She tried to tell me that the Chiefs were going to win.  They pulled off a stellar second half against the Chargers and won by a score of 30 to 16.  The Chiefs held the potent Chargers offense to zero points in the second half, while scoring 24 unanswered points.  To give you an idea of the magnitude of this upset, on Yahoo.com users picked the Chargers to win at a rate of 95%.

Whatever Herman Edwards puts into the Gatorade at halftime should be in there the whole game.  The Chiefs this year are outscoring opponents in the second half of games 40 to 13.  The defense has only given up 6 points in the second half of games, 7 points came off of the fumble return by Mario Williams in week one against the Texans.

The running games of both the Chiefs and the Chargers got on track.  LJ and LT ran for 123 and 132 yards respectively.  Tomlinson however found his way to the end zone and Larry Johnson still could not hit pay dirt.  LJ has not gotten a touchdown since 2006.  You would think 2007 would be a lucky year for him since the first and last digits are his number, but so far he is having his worst year since he became a staple in the Chiefs backfield.

 The story of the game was by far rookie wide receiver Dwayne Bowe.  D-Bowe caught 8 passes for a Chiefs rookie record breaking 164 yards and one touchdown.  The touchdown came on a 51-yard catch and run from QB Damon Huard.

Tony Gonzalez caught his 62nd career touchdown tying Shannon Sharpe for the most TDs by a tight end.  He had 5 receptions for 71 yards and his record-tying score.

The Chiefs defense finally scored a touchdown this week.  Tyron Brackenridge scooped up a Philip Rivers fumble and returned it 50 yards for a touchdown.  As I watched this play it appeared Brackenridge let the ball go a hair early.  They gave him credit for the touchdown, so I guess they thought the ball crossed the plane of the goal line.  But a tip for rookies out there: Hold onto the ball the whole time!  At least he did just drop it and not throw the ball out of the endzone.  Imagine as he returned it, then just short of the goal line he throws the ball out of the endzone in celebration…  That is a touchback, Charges ball at the 20 I believe.  Bad news.  Hold onto the ball Tyron.  You will want to keep it anyway.

One problem I saw from the passing game this week is the lack of spreading the ball around.  Getting the game vertical by trying deep passes is one thing, but only completing passes to four players is not a good thing.  Bowe was the only wide receiver to catch a pass.  Larry Johnson made 3 catches and Kris Wilson made one catch.  I know the Chiefs are lacking at the wide receiver position, but we need to find away to throw to both sides with confidence.  Maybe when Eddie Kennison gets back from his torn hamstring we will see some more completions. 

Chiefs Notable Stats:

Passing: D. Huard 17 of 29, 284 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT

Rushing: L. Johnson 25 carries, 123 yards

Receiving: D. Bowe 8 catches, 164 yards 1 TD

Defensive: J. Page 9 tackles, 1 FF, 1 FR

Other Notables:

Dave Rayner the place kicker for the Chiefs was named as AFC Special Teams Player of the Week.  Rayner was 3 for 3 on his field goals and 3 for 3 on extra points, tying his career high of 12 points for a game.

Week 5 Preview:

Jacksonville Jaguars at Kansas City Chiefs

Noon Kickoff

A win against the Jaguars in the last game of the regular season helped propel the Chiefs into the playoffs.  The Jags this year are not looking good, even though a lot of people predicted them as a playoff caliber team.  The defense is the strong point for them, ranked #4 in the league.  The Chiefs bring the #3 defense to the table.  So if you are expecting a shoot-out, you are most likely going to be disappointed. 

The Jaguar offense is definitely not Jaguar-like, more Pinto… or Yugo.  The Chiefs actually rank lower in offensive standings, but the recent surge in production has given Chiefs fans hope.  I am afraid that the Jaguars are just one game away from clicking and getting the Maurice Jones-Drew train back on the tracks.

I still think the Chiefs may actually win this game.  If they can keep the momentum going from the San Diego game, and for the first time get points up on the board in the first half and take a lead into halftime, they should be in great shape to win.  A 3-2 record to start the season would be amazing after what was expected of the Chiefs, nationally, locally, and by me.  With the way the defense has been locking teams up, anything is possible.

I look for this game to be pretty low scoring, something in the neighborhood of 17-10 with the Chiefs defending Arrowhead successfully for the second time this year.

Minnesota Vikings at Kansas City Chiefs (27 Sept  07)

Well it looks as though things pretty much went as scripted.  I predicted the Chiefs to win 13-10, and they came through for me.  Don’t get too excited though and expect me to fly to Vegas.  I am sure this will be a short-lived bout of perfection for me. 

This game was definitely a tale of two-halves.  The Vikings jumped out to a quick lead on the back of “All Day” Adrian Peterson.  He definitely looked less like a rookie and more like a seasoned veteran.  Finding holes and making people miss.

At halftime the Chiefs were losing the yardage battle to Peterson.  They managed to rack up a lowly, very unimpressive 51 yards of offense in the first two quarters.  This was probably due to them waiting until the last play of the 1^st quarter to get a first down.

I still can’t believe that the chips fell the way they did for the Chiefs.  Two possible touchdowns for the Vikings did not pan out.  The overthrown ball to Robert Ferguson who had the coverage beat by an easy 7 yards would have been 6.  The Mewelde Moore pass that was ruled a drop then upheld during review, very easily could have been a touchdown as well. 

Luckily the Chiefs got out of Arrowhead with a win.  Although, one semi-long-standing record did not survive the game.  The Chiefs had not given up 100 yards rushing to a single player in 23 straight games at Arrowhead.  Peterson managed to squeak out with 102 yards on the ground to tumble that record.

If the Chiefs are going to have any chance of salvaging this season and getting above 6-10 for the year, Larry Johnson has got to get some yards.  The O-Line is not opening any holes and LJ is being greeted by the opposing team 2-3 yards in the backfield.  LJ is averaging just 2.8 yards per carry and has not even come close to the end-zone.  Well that is not entirely true.  He got close in this week’s game, but it was called back on a penalty, negating his best run of the year so far.

I know some of you out there are fuming about me saying the Chiefs could go 6-10.  I have the Chiefs losing at least the following games as of right now: Houston, Chicago, Both San Diego games, Cincinnati, Green Bay, in Indianapolis, at Denver, Tennessee, and at the Jets.  Now some of those could swing the other way, but so could the games against Jacksonville, Detroit, and at Oakland.  I think it is pretty safe to say unless this team gets a huge offensive explosion, we are looking at a pretty dismal year.  But don’t get too down in the dumps Chiefs fan, don’t jump off the bandwagon, they will be back.  With a defense like the one that is being built, and a few key offensive parts this team will be back in the hunt soon enough.

The other thing killing the Chief’s are penalties like the one erasing the LJ run.  Too many big plays have been negated by stupid penalties.  Holding on receivers, illegal shifts, mental mistakes.  This week the Chiefs added to their penalty woes with a 10 penalty performance.

The offensive player of the game for the Chiefs would have to be Dwayne Bowe.  D-Bowe had five catches for 71 yards and his second career touchdown.  One of his twisting acrobatic catches was a true showing of his athleticism.  The touchdown was a jump ball over a defender in which he reached up and over the defender grabbing the ball.

The defensive player of the game has got to be Jared Allen.  His spark in the second half really brought out the best in the defense.  In his first game of the season, due to his two-game suspension, he recorded 8 tackles, 2 sacks, a forced fumble, and two batted passes.  Turk McBride after the game called Allen his role-model.  Please dear God, let him mean on the field, not off. 

Chiefs Notable Stats:

Passing: D. Huard 20 of 29, 206 yards, 1 TD

Rushing: L. Johnson 24 carries, 42 yards

Receiving: T. Gonzalez 7 catches, 96 yards

Defensive: D. Johnson 10 tackles

Week 4 Preview:

Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers

Sunday September 30^th 3:15pm Central

The Chiefs face their first division foe this week in the Chargers who went 14-2 last year and have started out this year 1-2 under new head coach Norv Turner.  Expect the Chargers to have something to prove after falling to the Packers this past weekend in Green Bay.  Ladanian Tomlinson has been handcuffed so far this year.  I expect him to have another tough day, but a tough day for him is 110 yards on the ground and two touchdowns.

There is good news and bad news on the Chargers defense.  The good news, their secondary is not very good.  The bad news, the front 7 are very good.  Look for Shawne Merriman to be getting after Damon Huard early and often.  This guy is like Superman, only Superman didn’t use steroids.

I hope for everyone’s sake Larry Johnson gets some blocking.  This brings up my next point.  Where the heck is Boomer Grigsby?  Anyone seen him?  I put out an APB for him, and so far nothing.  I thought he was supposed to be the big punch at fullback to open the hole for LJ.  So far it has been Kris Wilson skirting blocks and catching passes 5 yards behind the line of scrimmage.  If I see another pass to him behind the line of scrimmage I may end up in the hospital.  Mental, medical, it is hard to tell which at this point but either one is possible.

Since 1995 the Chiefs have made 12 visits to San Diego in the Regular season.  They have left sunny California with 4 wins and 8 losses.  The biggest margin of victory for either team is 22 points when the Chiefs won in 1997, 29 to 7.  Of those 12 games half have been decided by 5 points or less, with three of them ending with just a one point margin of victory.  Close games tend to go to the Chargers winning all three of the 1-point decisions.  Last year’s contest in San Diego left a sour taste in the Chiefs mouth.  Ladanian Tomlinson racked up 199 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns on 25 carries.  Interesting Chiefs-Chargers fact:  The team’s first met in 1960 as the Dallas Texans and Los Angeles Chargers in the first game in the history of both franchises.  That game too was a one-point victory for the Chargers.

So now for my prediction on the outcome of this battle for mediocre in the AFC West.  I don’t see the Bolts going on a 3 game skid.  They will defend their home field, and defend it well.  Unfortunately for you Chiefs fans, I see this one going to the Chargers.  24-14 has a good ring to it.  LJ finally makes his way to the end-zone, but it is not nearly enough for the Chiefs to fly back from Dan Diego with a tan and a win.

Record Update:

The Chief’s All-Pro Tight-End Tony Gonzalez is one touchdown shy of tying Shannon Sharpe for the NFL record for TDs by a Tight-End.  He is currently in sole-possession of the #2 spot with 61 touchdowns in his career.  He also trails only Sharpe in receptions by a TE and yards receiving by a TE by 78 catches and 1,183 yards, respectively.  If he stays healthy and keeps up with his averages over the past few seasons, Gonzo should hold all three records by early next season. 

Well Chiefs fans, it is home-opener weekend here in Kansas City.  A renewed excitement, for a team that started off 0-2 so far this season, has sprung on our fair city and upon fans nationwide.  Last year they started off 0-2 ended up 9-7 and backed their way into the playoffs.  Will they have the same luck this year?  I think not.  I will start off by reviewing the past two weeks and give my thoughts on this week as well.

Week 1 – at Houston Texans:  Now I know the Texans have a renewed sense of being in the league.  #1 draft pick last year with Mario Williams, New QB in Matt Schaub, Quietly one of the better receivers in the league in Andre Johnson, and last year’s Defensive Rookie of the Year winner Demeco Ryans make this team better.  But, should the Chiefs really lose to the Texans 20-3?  Herm Edwards held true to limiting the play of Larry Johnson and it really handcuffed our offense.  He had just 10 carries for 43 yards, but also had 7 receptions for 44 yards.  Huard looked a little shaken, but still had a decent day with 22 of 33 passes completed for 168 yards with two interceptions.  The two picks were not entirely his fault, and it makes me hope this week is filled with “hands” drills in practice.  Dropped passes were at an epidemic level in this game. 

The selection of Justin Medlock in the 5^th round has panned out to be a bust.  Way to go on passing on Mason Crosby Herm/Carl.  I mean he only kicked FGs of 53, 37, and 42.  Oh yeah, and that 42 yarder?  Yep it was a game winner with 0:02 on the clock.  Yet another stellar draft day decision by Carl Peterson. 

Notable Stats: 
Passing: D. Huard:  22 of 33 - 168 Yards.  0 TDs 2 INTs 3 Sacks 
Rushing: L. Johnson: 10 Carries – 43 yards, M. Bennett: 5 Carries – 24 yards 
Receiving: S. Parker: 4 Rec. – 48 yardsL. Johnson: 7 Rec. – 44 yardsD. Bowe: 3 Rec. – 42 yards. 
Defensive: D. Johnson: 7 Tkls, D. Edwards: 4 Tkls, 1 Sack, 1 Fumble Rec. 
*Eddie Kennison was injured in the 1^st Quarter with a partially torn hamstring.

Week 2 – at Chicago Bears:  We were 12 point underdogs heading into the game, and we almost lived up to those expectations.  We handed this one to the Bears with a score of 20-10.  Our special teams unit made Devin Hester look even better than he is, which is pretty tough to do.  A penalty cost the Chiefs a touchdown on the flea-flicker from Huard to Bowe.  The Chiefs defense has been pretty good so far.  Definitely the brightest spot is the linebacking unit.  I do feel that they can play a different style of defense other than the “bend don’t break” cover 2 with the speed we have.  But, as long as Herm is at the helm, we are destined to give up the short slants.  This game went pretty much as expected.  The first touchdown of the year was a 16-yard pass to Dwayne Bowe.  If you didn’t see this play, I hope they replay it for you this week before or during the game.  Catch one of the NFL shows this week and they should show it.  A great catch made by Bowe over a player.  One minor problem though.  He made the catch over Tony Gonzalez.  Bowe ran the wrong route, although he says it was because Huard was being pressured, and ended up making a leaping grab over Gonzalez.  I really don’t care who caught it as long as they were in a red jersey.

Bowe made another great catch in the end zone, only to have it called back on a penalty.  It frustrates me to no end that the chiefs had 9 penalties on the road in Chicago for 60 yards.  More penalty yards then rushing yards for Larry Johnson (16 carries, 55 Yards)?  That my friends, is a BIG problem.

The Chiefs had two other scoring opportunities in the second half.  Dave Rayner, Justin Medlock’s replacement, had a 48-yard field goal blocked.  Huard threw an interception on a Third-and-one fade to Samie Parker.  #1 I don’t mind passing on third and a long one.  #2 My god do not throw a fade to Samie Parker.  He is listed at 5’11”, which means more like 5’9”.  Not quite tall enough to leap over defenders to make a catch.  Although, it wouldn’t have mattered.  The pass was destined to hit him square on the back.  It got tipped by Charles Tillman and picked-off by Danieal Manning.

Notable Stats: 
Passing: D. Huard:  19 of 28 - 175 Yards.  1 TD 1 INT 4, Croyle:  4 of 4 – 55 yards.
Rushing: L. Johnson: 16 Carries – 55 yards, M. Bennett: 7 Carries – 14 yards, Fumble 
Receiving: J. Webb: 4 Rec. – 59 yards, T. Gonzalez: 4 Rec. – 43 yards, K. Wilson: 4 Rec. – 34 yards.
Defensive: N. Harris: 10 Tkls, 2 Asst, 1 Sack, 1 Int, D. Edwards: 7 Tkls, 2 Asst,  1 Int,
D. Johnson:  6 Tkls, 1 Asst, 2 Sacks

Week 3 – Home vs. Minnesota:

The home opener:  Get the grills ready, paint up Belly Boy, and shoot some Arrows at Arrow-Man, it is time for the Chiefs to come home.  With the best home record in the NFL since 1990 the Chiefs love playing at Arrowhead. Jared Allen comes back this week after his 2-game suspension for his back-to-back DUI arrests last year.  He should bring a spark and some emotion to this defense this week.  They face a quarterback in his third game as a starter, Tarvaris Jackson, who last week threw 4 picks and no touchdowns.  He did rush for one though.  He is, however on the injury report for a leg injury. If he doesn’t get to play it could be either Kelly Holcomb or Brooks Bollinger making the start.  Holcomb scares me a little, in his career vs. the Chiefs he has a QB rating of 101.6 with 4 touchdowns and just one INT. 

Injury report as of Friday morning:

Chiefs:
Out – Eddie KennisonQuestionable – Keyaron Fox & Jon McGraw
Minnesota:
Day-to-Day – Tarvaris Jackson & Artis Hicks
Questionable – Mike Doss, Tony Richardson, & Chester Taylor
Probable – Robert Ferguson, Vinny Ciurciu, & Naufahu Tahi

My Week 3 prediction:   The Vikings have a tough defense and a lack luster offense.  Wow, this sounds very, very familiar for some reason.  The Chiefs will hopefully have a renewed energy with playing at home and getting Jared Allen back.  Hopefully, the O-Line will open up some holes and LJ can break 100-yards for the first time this season.  I can see another defensive battle brewing on the horizon.  The last time the Vikings came to Arrowhead was 1999 and the Chiefs pulled out a 3-point victory. I think the Chiefs will win their home-opener by the same margin, 13-10.

Notes: In the latest Yahoo! Sports NFL Power Poll the Chiefs are ranked at #31 behind the likes of the Raiders, Jets, and Miami.  Is this a fair rating?  Probably so, I mean the Chiefs have given two very poor performances and with the schedule ahead of us featuring 10 games against teams with.500 or better records last year.   It may be a long year Chiefs fans.  Although the draft party next year could be interesting with a top 5 pick. 

Questions for fans: What position do you think the Chiefs should address next year with their first round draft pick?  Should we finally draft a top flight Offensive Tackle or Quarterback?  Should we get a Corner to replace the aging Patrick Surtain and Ty Law?  Most draft boards and predictions have them picking somewhere between #1 and #7.  I don’t think we will be the worst team in football, but around the #5 pick would not shock me when it is all said and done.

Should there be a quarterback controversy in KC?  I know we went all off-season with this and hoped it was put to rest when Damon Huard was named starter, but it begs to be asked.  How long should they leave Brodie Croyle on the bench?  How much time does the front office need to decide if he is or is not the future of the Chiefs?