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.
No comments:
Post a Comment