Playoffs? Playoffs! Yes, Playoff Talk Brewing in K.C. By CP3

The glory of victory is bliss. It’s a surreal time for Kansas City Chiefs fans after a decisive win over the Jacksonville Jaguars last Sunday in Arrowhead Stadium. I love Sunday afternoons when you’re looking for a win and Monday mornings when you’ve found one. Yes, this is a similar quote from Coach Jones in the move Radio, but it’s right on the money. This type of pathology inspires cautious playoff talk from football fans in the “The City of Fountains.”

A fountain of hope is flowing in K.C after matching last season’s 4 win record in only week 7 of the 2010 effort. It’s tough to deny the natural urge to talk about the Chiefs bright future and possible postseason berth behind a much better than expected start to the season. Joy, hope, and over confidence are the best ingredients for a recipe of disappointment. Our quest today will distinguish between a surreal 4-2 record and the reality of the remaining 2010 schedule.

First things first, when any team goes from worst to first, the fan base is going to experience a shock to the system. In 2009 the Kansas City Chiefs defense had more holes than the Iraqi Navy and the offense wasn’t much better. It would seem almost inconceivable to have the #1 rushing attack in the NFL averaging 176 ypg, a phenomenal Offensive Line, and a 9th ranked Defense following last season. However unbelievable, all of the above are true. And, to add insult to injury, the Chiefs are ranked 12th over all just ahead of last year’s Super Bowl Cinderellas, the New Orleans Saints ranked 13th. WHAT??? OUCH!!!

The Chiefs displayed a sundry of offensive weaponry on Sunday in Arrowhead stadium. DMC, that’s Dexter McCluster, not to be confused with the rap group Run DMC, was showing off his ADIDAS early in the game. This kid has wicked speed and fears no man. Ole Miss did a great job developing Mr. McCluster. As Charlie Weis works him into a system containing a plethora of talent, it’s going to be an honor and privilege to watch this guy work. Thomas Jones launched his first 100 plus rushing game in a Chief uniform. Along with Jamaal Charles and Jackie Battle, Kansas City rounded out the game with 236 yards rushing and 3 rushing T.D’s. It is a true joy to watch these running backs do their thing while madman Weissy is upstairs scratching his belly and hatching his next brilliant offensive scheme. If Charlie Weis keeps calling games like the last one, we’ll be moving on up like “The Jefferson’s.”

Matt Cassel, Matt Cassel, Matt Cassel. How can you dog a man that manages the game and is showing progress. The Chiefs starting QB turned in another solid report card. He went 13/18 for 193 yards 2TD and no Interceptions. When you have a running game as explosive as such, all you HAVE to do is manage the game. D Bowe and T Moe are Cassel’s favorite targets. Bowe seemed to be on the same page as the rest of the offense Sunday hitting for 2 TDs. However, #81 Tony Moeaki leads the Chiefs in receptions and is threatening all of Tony G’s rookie season records. We all know Tony Gonzalez is a stand up guy, a future Hall of Famer, and will retire his jersey in Arrowhead with full honors. He would be happy for T Moe regardless of any Tight End record breaking this year. Right Gonzo???

Derrick Johnson flew in to save the day with a pick 6 in the second half. It was looking pretty grim when the zebra’s called another game changing passing interference call against Brandon Carr who was clearly being hooked on the play. “It’s legal to call Offensive Passing Interference in Chiefs games,” I guess the Ref’s didn’t get the memo. Eric Berry chimed in with a nice interception as well. Tamba Hali has 5.5 sacks on the season and is ranked 13th in that category. This guy is a Beast!!! My hat is off to Romeo Crennel. He has galvanized this defense into one cohesive block of iron in less than one season. Numbers never lie. The Chiefs are ranked 9th in overall defense. This tells the tale of hard work on behalf of Scott Pioli, Todd Haley, Romeo Crennel, and the Kansas City Chief Defense.

Now for the Million Dollar question, are the Playoffs possible? All cylinders were firing for the Chiefs in their four wins this season. Against the Colts, the Chiefs defense had their ears pinned back and had the tachometer in the red. Against the Texans, the Chiefs offense had their pedal to the metal. Both games resulted in a loss but were on the road and were very close. The Special Teams have played well in all six outings. With this said, Ray Charles could see the glaring key to victory. If the Chiefs want to a taste of the Postseason this year, their offense and defense must both play well on game day. Although the Chiefs supposedly have the 2nd easiest schedule in the league, the road to the playoffs is no cake walk.

The AFC West has to be one of the weakest divisions in the NFL this year. However, you can never count out the San Diego Chargers. These guys have been the Chiefs nemesis for years and love to make late comebacks. The Bolts are the proud owners of a 2-5 record, 0-2 in the Division, and are missing key players on both sides of the ball. It will be a great day in Chiefs Nation when these guys are mathematically eliminated from the postseason. The most likely team to stand in the way of a Chiefs playoff berth this year could be the Oakland Raiders? After ringing the alarm last week and hanging 59 points on the Broncos, Oakland may be this season’s #1 playoff foe. The Raiders are sitting on a 3-4 record and 2-0 in the division. Some say they had the best draft in the league. Therefore, their best football may remain to be seen. I’m sure Darren McFadden has a few things to say about that. These guys are serious. Opposing team’s fans DO GET SHANKED in the Black Hole. Take a peek at Oakland’s schedule. If the Raiders win a lion’s share of games over Seattle, Pittsburgh, Miami, San Diego, and Indy it’s going to be tight. Week 17 in Arrowhead could be the deciding factor on which AFC team goes to the dance. Remember you heard it here first.

Being weary of the other AFC teams is only natural. However, focusing on each game will get the Chiefs to the promise land. The Buffalo Bills are not to be taken lightly. The winless Bills are due. They have given Miami, New England, and Baltimore a run for their money this year. Ray Lewis is thanking his lucky stars that field goal clanked the wrong way last week. The positive side to next week’s game is that it is in Arrowhead. The Chiefs are 8 point favorites but the Bills are changing their defensive scheme to stop the Kansas City running attack.

The next four games are crucial for Kansas City. Facing Denver and Oakland on the road will be vital to winning the division. If we can escape the Black Hole and Invesco Field with wins, the Chiefs could be looking at their first playoff berth since 2006.

I’m biased. However, my crystal ball says the Chiefs win the AFC West this year.

Playoffs? Playoffs? Yes, Playoffs! Playoff talked has brewed and filled to the brim.

Chiefs Impressive Against Jags by MP!!!

Another impressive home win for the Chiefs Sunday at Arrowhead against the Jacksonville Jags!

Arrowhead was at a fever pitch for a 42-20 dismantling of the Jags. The win showcased huge plays on offense and defense for the now 4-2 Chiefs, who next lineup against the Buffalo Bills on Halloween in the friendly confines.

The Jags had to trot out a 3rd stringer at QB, fresh off a tractor, in Todd Bouman. I know what you are thinking, not that impressive of a victory. Objectively, Bouman played well. He went for 222 and 2 TD's to go with 2 INT's. Not until the 3rd Quarter did he go south and the game was still very much up for grabs. Late in the 3rd with Bouman deep in his own end he overlooked Derrick Johnson who snatched a bad ball out of the air and ran it in from 15 yards. That made it 28-20 Chiefs, and they would go on to stretch it out from there. Bouman had another pick late when rook Eric Berry ran it back to the Jags 11.

The Chiefs continue to impress with their game planning and play calling. The Jags were off balance all day trying to figure out the Chiefs. Charlie Weis called a great game mixing in a lot of Dexter McCluster early along with Jamaal Charles on the edge with Thomas Jones, who went for 125 on 20 carries, between the tackles. Jones was awesome with 125 on 20 carries including a 70 yard scamper in the first half. Kansas City racked up 236 on the ground today and yes the Chiefs are still the top ground attack in the NFL! Weis called our man Dwyane "hands of stone" Bowe's number on the first drive of the 2nd half and he broke free for a 53 yard TD. Bowe capped his day with a nice, fully extended grab in the zone for a 6 yard TD in the 4th quarter.

The defense was led again by Derrick Johnson who has to be playing as well as anyone in the NFL on that side of the ball. Tamba Hali got after it all day as usual and Glenn Dorsey and Shaun Smith were tough up front. Brandon Carr played well with Brandon Flowers and Berry had some nice plays too. Just like last week, the Chiefs were victim to 2 horrific P.I. calls. One on Carr and on one Berry. Why is that so hard to call and why if there is any contact do the officials to immediately target the defensive player?

Watching the game I found myself thinking again of where we have been and where we are going. How far have we come in a very short period of time? Amazing! I also thought a lot about how much our drafts are finally paying off. Check this: 2005 was DJ,'06 was Tamba,'07 Bowe,'08 was Flowers and Carr, Dorsey and Charles and Branden Albert. Then this year with McCluster, Arenas and Berry. A couple more nice drafts, a couple savvy pick-ups and I think we have a chance at the promised land!!

The glaring stuff I see is the need for Matt Cassel to improve at QB. We could use some players on the O-Line and the biggest thing I see that would help would be a speedy, sure handed wide receiver!

All that said, in a very short time I am forgetting how bad it has been. This Chiefs team shows glimpses of the Vermeil offenses mixed with the Special Teams and D that Marty had. Balance people! I know our schedule is weak. I also know this year may not be much more than 9-7 or 8-8...but the future baby! The future is bright!

Around the horn: Congrats to the Texas Rangers beating the hated Yankees! I will be rooting for them in the Series. I like Josh Hamilton a lot, and 4 dingers and .350 is nice, but my MVP.....Cliff Lee baby! He is a gamer and clutch guys like him do not come around very often!! Congrats to the MU Tigers!! I called them beating the overrated Sooners!! Next: the overrated Huskers....and I am a KU fan! How bad is it that Nebraska loses to Texas...and the Horns lose the next week to Iowa State? Uhhh TROUBLE!! Should be a great finish this year in college football. Almost NBA time....who do ya have? Great stuff...thanks everyone for checking us out!!!

VC Says: This may be Snyder's best coaching job yet!

Take a look. No I said take a look, not a glance, at these Kansas State Wildcats. This is something truly special that's developing.

Bill Snyder orchestrated the Miracle in Manhattan in his first go-round at K-State.

This may, I said may, just trump what he did in Act I.

This is nowhere close to being the K-State team of 2003 that shocked the college football world when it bested top-ranked Oklahoma 35-7 at Arrowhead Stadium for the Big XII Championship. OK, there may be one similarity. Darren Sproles vs. Daniel Thomas but that's about it.

The Wildcats are 5-1 entering Saturday's game at Baylor. Baylor may throttle K-State like it did Kansas a couple of weeks ago. I don't think so. Oh trust me, I think Baylor will probably win. Robert Griffin is very good and K-State has proven any running quarterback is going to have a field day against the Wildcats.

But Snyder doesn't get blown out. He might get pushed around, like Nebraska did earlier in a 48-13 beating in Manhattan.

I had no idea what to expect when KU-KSU met eight days ago in Lawrence. I truly believed - and I'm on record with Steve and Scott who were with me - that the first team to 15 points that night would win. I was right, K-State was the first team to score 15 points. I just didn't think they would add 44 points on to that total.

This team is not 5-1 material, folks. This team should be 4-2 or even 3-3. With Daniel Thomas, this probably is a 4-2 team at worst. This team should be thinking two more wins means a bowl game somewhere, you know one of those "dot-com" type games.

Before the season, I was on record on this very blog saying K-State would finish 7-5 and could end up at the New York Bowl or whatever that game is called that will be at Yankee Stadium. When the dust settles, this could still be a 7-5 team. I mean, let's think about this, Carson Coffman is not the Snyder-type signal-caller that excels in this system. And K-State's defense can't stop anything up the gut.

And yet here it is October 22 when I'm writing this and K-State is 5-1.

Remember Jack Hartman and how he took average ballplayers and athletes that nobody wanted and made them great athletes? Ed Nealy, a Bonner Springs native, quickly comes to mind as a Hartman protege. Hartman could take those average players and mold them into the athletes that made K-State great. And buddy do I remember Nealy calmly stepping to the free-throw line in Allen Fieldhouse and swishing two free throws to beat KU!

Yea baby!

That's exactly what Snyder is doing. This may, folks, be Snyder's best coaching job yet. He's still coaching a lot of Ron Prince's players. While Prince had Texas' number, he went 0-9 against the three most important games on K-State's schedule: Mizzou, Kansas and Nebraska. While Snyder has already lost to Nebraska and a road game looms at Mizzou, Snyder got the best of KU last week. It's a team Snyder knows is important to K-State fans.

Stan Weber, color analyst on the K-State Radio Network and a good friend of mine for 20 years, shared this on a Kansas City radio station recently. Two years ago, Snyder was in the booth next to Stan the day K-State played KU at Lawrence. Snyder was in the midst of his retirement but was in the visiting team's suite designated for the athletic director and their staff. KU pummeled K-State that day. At the end of the game, Stan said he looked over at Snyder. Snyder had been taking notes throughout the game and he left that day hurt.

A few days later, Prince was fired. Not long after that, K-State announced that Snyder was making his return. Stan Weber said Snyder's return actually began that day KU beat K-State. Snyder was back, taking notes, just like old times.

Beating KU is nice. Trust me, it's great, but folks there will be an even bigger game that will go in K-State's favor this year. Perhaps the Cats beat UT in Manhattan. Possibly they beat Mizzou, doubtful, but possible.

I'm still going to say 7-5 for this team. I think 8-4 is realistic if they can beat Baylor this weekend. Beat Baylor and Oklahoma State in back-to-back weeks and suddenly 9-3 is within reach, but I'm going to be conservative. Afterall, it is an Election Year! haha

Nice job, coach Snyder! This is your best job yet! I hope you're rewarded with a decent bowl. Eight wins will get him some votes for Coach of the Year at least in the Big XII! Nine wins will begin to earn him votes at the national award.

And don't even begin to think about Retirement Part II. You've got a grandson on the K-State team now. He needs your attention!

EMAW!

Simmer Down! CHIEFS Future is Magnificent. By CP3

The below is from my main man Chris Phillips....a burgeoning star in the world of writing and a renowned Chiefs Fan.....mp.

“That play call on 3rd and 2 was horrible. Tony Moeaki over the middle is a low percentage play. It should have been a run play to Jamaal Charles!” This was the buzz from Chiefs Fans Monday morning after the Kansas City loss against the Houston Texans 31 – 35. “The Zebras stole the game! That was the worst call ever! That was a 37 yard swing. We really won yesterday.” More quotes from the Water Cooler Crowd.

I have to admit, I was thinking the same thing. As a matter of fact, I was so mad I didn’t even want to talk about it at all! However, it’s easy to get dragged in to a discussion when you feel like you got robbed. Misery loves company and there was more than enough to go around for Chiefs Fans that day.

Everybody knew that the Colts and Texans games were going to be tough. When you dissect the Chiefs schedule at the beginning of the season if these two games don’t jump off the page, then you’re delusional. These games were on the road and both opponents have a high powered offense. Peyton Manning has been a menace to society for years. Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson, and Arian Foster have lit up the fantasy world this season. What hurts is the way the Chiefs lost both outings. Let’s take a step back and a quick look at these games before we start pointing fingers.

Kansas City’s Defense played lights out against the Colts. How long has it been since you saw the Colts in a field goal battle? When had Peyton Manning not thrown for a touchdown at home against the Kansas City Defense? How long has it been since Kansas City has had a stifling defense? The truth is they had Peyton’s number that game and Tamba Hali played like a Champ. Manning was visibly shaken all through the first half. It looked like a miracle was about to take place in Indy. The K.C. offense sputtered and it just didn’t happen. Here’s the thing. When you have a chance like that to beat the Colts, you have to take advantage. Yes, Matt Cassel didn’t win the game but he didn’t lose it either. It takes time to progress and evolve with a new and under-developed team.

Kansas City’s Offense played phenomenal against the Texans. Matt Cassel threw for 200 plus yard, 3 TD’s, no interceptions, and had a passer rating of 122.9. This was clearly the best game Cassel has had in a Chiefs uniform. This type of performance is why he got paid the big cheese cake. The offense was balanced with 200 plus yards of rushing to compliment the passing game. However, this game will probably be remembered by the bone chilling play call on 3rd and 2 to seal the game. As well as the P.I. call against Brandon Flowers. I think Flowers, Haley, and every other Chiefs Fan was going to spontaneously combust after that mishap. Even Tony Dungy chimed in to air his dismay about the penalty. You know it’s got to be bad if Mr. Cool, Calm, and Collective has a comment to make against the Zebras. Oh, and let’s not forget, Tamba Hali. He was held more than a newborn baby in Reliant Stadium Sunday. Of course no holding calls all day against the hometown heroes. Here’s the thing. K.C has to find a way to lock the game down when they’re up 10 points with 6:30 left in the 4th quarter. This brings me to the point.

The Chiefs would have gained serious respect around the league if they could have split these two games, much less win both of them. And, they could have! The fact of the matter is we lost both games, or did we? Our record is 3-2, yep we lost both games. But just look at what have we gained this season? We know our Defense can play on the level against any team in the league. We know our offense can shoot it out against any team in the league. Our Special Teams has turned in a great report card for the first 5 games of the season. We are atop a Division that honestly, is pretty weak. A 9-7 record will make the playoffs in the AFC West.

Now, let’s think back to the beginning of the season. It’s Monday Night, September 13, 2010. The Kansas City Chiefs are playing the San Diego Chargers in the new Arrowhead Stadium (New Body, Same Soul.) Chris Berman and Michael Irvin are calling the Bolts to go to the Super Bowl. Many experts have the Chiefs season sewn up 5-11 at best. The Rain starts to pour the beginning of the 2nd quarter and J. Charles breaks a heart stopping run that will never be forgotten. I get chills just thinking about, it even now. Every rain soaked Chiefs fan in that stadium witnessed a “Magical Monday Night” performance. A multitude of phenomenal things have happened for the Chiefs since that moment. It’s easy to get caught up in the emotional roller coaster of these first five games.

Chiefs Nation; take a step back, look at the big picture, and be thankful. Up or down, victory or defeat, fair or unjust, we should be proud. The fact of the matter is we all need to simmer down. The future is magnificent.

Chiefs fight the Texans and Officials! by MP

“Everybody thought it was pass interference. The ref made the call though. We can’t take it back now. The ref already made the call, so that is what we have to go with.” Brandon Flowers, Chiefs DB on the call that changed the game and led to a 35-31 Houston victory at Reliant Stadium Sunday.

Flowers is right. We can't do anything about it now, but what a tough loss after another well played game on the road. Now the Chiefs look to get right at home against Jacksonville and Buffalo the next two Sundays.

Sitting at 3-2 the season is still full of bright spots to me. I have been very pleased with the gun-slinging style of coaching from Todd Haley and the play calling from Charlie Weiss and defensive efforts directed by Romeo Crennel.

Haley started the same way today as he did at Indy. A long drive, 4th down deep in the Red Zone and makes a quick call to go for it. Today they get it and set the pace, only relinquishing the lead with 35 seconds left in the game on the Andre Johnson winning TD play. Flowers gets the phantom PI call that truthfully should have been offensive interference setting up the Texans late in the game.

Some teams would be crushed, but I think the Chiefs are fine. I think they know they played very well the last two weeks and are happy to be going home with a 3-2 record. Jamaal Charles continues to impress, Thomas Jones is a hammer between the tackles, and Matt Cassel is managing the game. Roberto Duran Dwyane Bowe even made some catches today....MAS than last week! The defense is playing great, most notably LB Derrick Johnson and Flowers in the defensive backfield. Was anyone else confused on why Brandon Carr checked Andre Johnson so much today? Why not 24??

All things said I like the Chiefs and how things are shaking out. San Diego, Oakland and Denver lose again!! So no real damage done. I like the way they are hitting on D, reminds me of the early 90's when NO ONE wanted to come to Arrowhead against that outfit! They had Peyton Manning guessing last week and held the high-powered Colts to 4 fg's and a weak TD.

Jacksonville will be tough next week but I like our chances. So far I like looking back at what we have done, but what I really like...and not just talking the rest of the year, but the future, is what is yet to come!!!

Around the horn....

I hope the Rangers do a job on the Yankees. Is there a more hated franchise than them? Maybe the Cowboys?? Nice 1 and 4 start Dallas, I would flush Wade Phillips tomorrow if it were me. Speaking of flushing...can someone flush Turner Gill please? Ummmm if you had Kansas and 51 points against the Cats, YOU LOST! How do you not get off the bus against K-State? Let's see a few other hated franchises deserve a shot or two...Oakland Raiders, see ya....you are done. Denver Donkeys....done too...nice coach there in Denver! College football is crazy this year. I guess we have Boise against TCU to look forward to in the title game....great system BCS!! Nebraska....nice loss to a weak Texas team. Florida loses to Miss St? What is going on?? 'Bama loses to South Carolina?? It's been a crazy year... great stuff. Fall is here folks...my favorite season and that means great football and HOOP SEASON!! I got to check the Heat against the Thunder at Sprint Center last week....look out for both of those teams this year!! Quick Poker Shout Out...look out for one of my faves...Michael "the Grinder" Mizrachi...he is in the November final 9 of the Main Event!!! OOH YEAH!!! Thanks for reading everyone!!!