O Romeo Romeo...and Kyle too

I don't think anyone in this town was expecting our Chiefs to beat the Green Bay Packers last Sunday. I personally was praying that we would not be blown out with some awful score like 49-7. Before the game started, I noted that the key to staying in the game, with any chance to succeed, the offense had to stay on the field. Dreadful quick three-and-outs would kill the defense and ruin any possibility of winning.
Well, my plan was executed to perfection. The offense started with a 6 minute plus drive--with a critical conversion of a third-and-eight right out of the box--and worked to keep Aaron Rodgers and the Packer offense in a place safe for Chiefs fans, mainly cooling their heels on the bench. Couple that with an outstanding game from the defense, continued stellar kicking from Ryan Succup, and a less than terrific performance by that Packer offense and the Chiefs managed to pull off the upset of the season.
As to what it means for the future: for this season, it keeps playoff hopes, however small, alive, which is more fun than being out of the running. It gives us an idea of what we have with Romeo Crennel and Kyle Orton--not solving those problems, but giving us something new to look at. The next two games, against Oakland here and Denver there, will be quite revealing.
The end of the season will be very interesting.

Chiefs Fire Haley: Did The Wrong Man Take The Fall?

I figured Todd Haley was toast at the end of the season. He had lost his team and his relationship with GM Scott Pioli is apparently quite frosty so it was just a matter of time. However, it came down around 1015 this morning that he was "relieved of his duties" as head coach. I think the 15 yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty was the last straw. I was trying to remember the last time a professional football coach got such a penalty. I could not. It is different from a technical foul in basketball--the 15 yards really hurt.

However, you have to question how this team was put together, how little depth there is, and why Tyler Palko, who washed out of both the CFL and the UFL was considered to be a NFL level quarterback. You have to wonder why we are $30 million under the salary cap with so many needs to fill. All that you lay at the door step of GM Pioli. And many are calling for an account from Pioli on how he put this team together. Some argue that the wrong man was fired.

I don't think Haley is a horrible coach. He needs to mature--he has a lot of rough edges and he has a rep of being hard to work with--but if he can mature, he might just be a fine coach someday. Marv Levy sucked the first time around--ironically with the Chiefs if you recall. Then he went on to lead the Buffalo Bills to the Superbowl several times. I would not be surprised if Haley lands on his feet.

Now, let's see what direction it goes for a new head coach. The rumor mill keeps grinding out the name Josh McDaniels, another branch of the Patriot tree. Will they take the best coach available, perhaps Jeff Fischer, or a guy whose resume is less filled with what he has done and more filled with who he knows?

This fan wants an experienced football guy coaching and a GM who is willing to spend money and take chances to give this team better personnel.

Chiefs-Steelers Sunday Night

Offense.

We need one.

We have a lot of good stuff on this team, but we do not have an offense. Even with Matt Cassel in, we don't have an offense. Our lack is just highlighted by the injuries to Cassel, Charles and Moeaki. Our quarterbacks struggle to run the game, make the correct reads and execute. Some of our players have concentration problems. Bowe's lack of effort with the last pass was terrible--either he didn't see the ball's trajectory correctly, or he was afraid to get hit. Both are below standard for a professional football player.

I am glad, however, that we did not get our heads handed to us on national TV, and that the game was entertaining to the end, and the city shots looked pretty good. So, it could have been much worse.

Chiefs Report: Very Shallow

If you were a realist, you knew that this year for the Kansas City Chiefs had the potential to be a trying and long year. With a division champ's schedule it was possible that the team could have a worse record and actually be better.

This team is not very good at all. In addition to the tough schedule, which actually got tougher with Detroit and Buffalo improving, the Chiefs were severely bitten by the injury bug. The results are just 4 wins--all over weak or struggling teams (and one lucky win)--and blow out losses. Losses where the offense was AWOL, and by dint of that, the defense got blown off the field.

The injuries revealed that the Chiefs were beautiful--OK mildly attractive--only skin deep. When Charles, Berry, etc. were lost, the subs were revealed to be inadequate. The loss of Matt Cassel has revealed that Tyler Palko is not an NFL level QB. Injuries in the secondary have revealed that players asked for more playing time are not very good.

Our lines continue to be a disaster--the offensive line is not protecting or run blocking very well--and the defensive line lacks depth and size. No one has emerged to help Tamba Hali with rushing the passer, so pressure on opposing QBs is sporadic at best.

Coaching and managing too, has taken a step back. Todd Haley made several bad judgment calls on how to manage the team, Scott Pioli has not stepped forward to add new players and the team has a reputation for cheapness. Today, Orten was released by Denver, and I opined that the Chiefs should try to sign him. Then I remembered--it would take money to sign him. Going to be a long rest of the year.

Raiders QBs Stink It Up: KC Wins 28-love

Who can figure the crazy sport of football? The Chiefs appeared headed for a loss playing at the black hole home of the Oakland Raiders, but Raiders second and third string QBs threw 3 INTs each (including a pick-6 each in that total) and KC spun a bagel, 28-0.

It was not all special: Matt Cassell was awful--QB rating 38. So the defense took advantage of back up QBs and an injury to the Raiders #1 runner, but the offense could only generate 14 points in 60 minutes of football? That is not good.

Oh. My. 48-3.

Romeo Crennel's defense had its good moments, but 6 turnovers and too many errors crushed the life out of his unit eventually...

There were signs of hope. Three three and outs. The defense trying hard out there. But then, the penalties and turnovers, and no offense and Jamaal Charles injured...and the next thing you know it's a three touchdown margin...

People are calling for heads at this point, but I am not sure that firing anyone at this point is the right thing to do. I think we just try to live through the year, still looking for the right 53, and then assess at the end of the year. I do not think the team will go any where this year. No playoffs. No winning record.

Oh, and blackouts, we will have them...a boon to fans of other teams. Punishment to the Chiefs.

NFL Week One: Are the Chiefs *That* Bad?

Bad start: "Krumble" on the opening kick off. (KC Star photo)

The Chiefs were really bad on Sunday, yes they were, and many many words have been spoken, written and typed over the past couple days about the game. Here is my take:
1. You are never as good as your best game and as bad as your worse game. This team may not be very good, but they are not as bad as they looked on Sunday.
2. The needs that were not addressed in the off season are still there. Offense and defensive lines are bad and did not get better.
3. As much as we would like to lay a lot of blame at the feet of the coach and the players, I am beginning to question the general manager instead. Scott Pioli has some work to do. He has some explaining to do, but he doesn't 'splain so I will just settle for him to fix this mess.
We didn't draft to need, and we didn't spend the money we have. That needs to change...now.
4. Clark Hunt, quit trying to run the team on a shoe string. A winning team will make money for you. If you are hoping to be just good enough to generate hope, the hope that keeps people going to the stadium in large numbers, and not take the actions that lead to the next level of performance, then I do hope that those inclined to go to the stadium piss on your expensive tickets and ridiculous parking fee and not go.
When I moved to Kansas City, the Chiefs were just getting good under Carl Peterson. The city really came together over the team and it was like a college atmosphere. That good will has been pissed away over the past 10 years or so of losing and seeming not to know how to stop losing. Good organizations are willing to do what it takes to stop losing--that includes taking some reasonable chances and not being afraid to spend money.
Tough football weekend--Giants lost, New Orleans lost (but to the Packers, so not as bad as it could be), Tampa Bay lost. At least the Jets won, beating those Dallas Cowboys. It is always a redeemable week if the Cowboys lose. :)

NFL Off and Passing

That was a rousing start to the NFL season wasn't it? That game between New Orleans and Green Bay had everything except consistent defense. Was it not cool to behold the wonder of Sproles? Seeing him in a new uni reminded you exactly what an exciting player he (still) is. The NFC is in for a treat, seeing him now for 12 games. PS: don't be surprised if this game is remarried in the playoffs...

Is Payton Manning done for the year? For his career? Yesterday's third neck surgery certainly puts this season in question for the QB star. To me, his career is also at risk. As he makes his decision he does need to remember he has about 30 years of living left to do. We are spinal animals and if our spines are compromised, our quality of life is very diminished.

This Sunday's Chiefs game will go a long way in telling us what kind of team we have. With Cassell's injury QB protection and an effective running game will be very important. Can we do it? And can our defense get the Bills off the field in a timely manner? I think the Chiefs are the better team, especially at home, and will win this game. How they win is what will tell us something about the team--a nail biter, big score, sluggish offense, etc.

The NFL is a bit of bread-and-circus for our times, I will admit that. I am glad that there was no strike. Let there be FOOTBALL!

Todd Haley Will Be Blamed...

...and I think he deserves it. The screwy way he handled the practice games--well, you have to wonder if it had anything to do with a season ending injury to our best tight end or our starting QB sitting out the opener.

Sometimes there are good reasons why people keep doing things the old way.

Practice Games Are Useless to Fans

Well, another round of practice NFL games is in the books and I am not sure I know any more about the Chiefs, Giants or any of my favorite NFL teams than I did before they played these games.

Oh, I can tell a few things: The Chiefs are still troubled by offensive, defensive line problems and still have not found a capable receiver to line up opposite Dwayne Bowe or a back up QB we can really trust. Also we have found out that first round pick WR Baldwin is a twit and a diva.

It does offend me, as it does many others, that the clubs charge full freight for these games. To me they should cut the price of everything but food, alcohol and souvenirs for the games. Get a good atmosphere, couple it with a decent team, and you will get fans to come because they will get hooked on the experience. Make it great: make the practice games, which are "lite"anyway the equivalent of the "free" version of an iPhone app, wetting the desire for the real and full thing.

Just sayin.'

Football Camps Ongoing--Progress Slow

well the first round of exhibition games is coming to a close and you can really tell--nothing. Usually you discover what you already know. In the Chiefs case, we needed help on both lines and it is clear that we don't have it yet--certainly not to any depth. We could use a back up QB too.

The Chiefs will be hard pressed to repeat as AFC West champs this year. The Raiders are better, the Chargers are better and there are no games against the NFC West. Kansas City could play better and be a better team overall and still have a worse record and not win the conference.

Meantime the Giants lost also, although by the much more respectable score of 20-10 to Carolina.

The Chiefs need to go and start hitting now in camp.

Nifty time of year this--football and baseball going.

Free Agency, Signings and Losses

Wow, this is like a mix master out here with these contracts flying around! You can't hardly keep up, even with the internets!

Players the Chiefs no longer have include Brian Waters, Chris Chambers, Ron Edwards, and possibly Shawn Smith. Good news is that we have signed almost all 2011 draftees, including our first round pick and picked up also Steve Breston. Overall in the league there seems to be much less holding out by first rounders. I am not entirely sure why, but I do like it. Sign and get in there and practice and learn stuff!

For the Giants, they are having trouble with the great defensive lineman Osi Umenyiora and his contract; he is not fully signed and happy. They have put him on the Did Not Report list after he didn't show for camp. They released Tiki Barber, who wants to return to the NFL, from being restricted. Madison Hedgecock was released. They signed excellent Jets punter Steve Weatherford. The Giants better watch out for Philly, who have resolved their QB delemma by trading Kevin Kolb, and signing Vince Young (shoot, this guy has a .600 winning percentage for games he starts in the NFL!), and signed that guy from the Raiders with the long name, the ridiculously good CB who no one throws on.

No big splashes from the Jets yet. They cut Mark Brunnel, who provided Mark Sanchez with strong back up work, and lost Mizzou product Brad Smith to Buffalo. They wanted the aforementioned DB but lost out to the Eagles.

Around the league, many players have been cut that have been staples at their teams. Antwaan Randle-El was cut by Pittsburgh for example. Lots of players with a bit left in the tank will be available to sign as free agents this year, especially if they are willing to take a cut in pay. Going to be a very interesting year.

NFL Draft Notes

Honest, I have been trying to get excited about the 2011 NFL draft, but it's been hard. Especially now that the lockout has been restored, rookie players can't even talk to coaches, or come to the team practice facilities, never mind starting their contract talks. Except for those drafted before the judge put the order out that restored the lock out, the players didn't even get a chance to get a play book or anything. That being said, some intriguing choices have been made by the teams I care about.

The New York Jets drafted two defensive line players, two wide outs and a quarterback. The New York Giants drafted mainly for defense, including a first line cover guy, two linebackers, a defensive lineman, an offensive lineman, a running back and an another defensive backfield player. The Kansas City Chiefs drafted a wide out in the first round, an offensive lineman, two defensive linemen, two linebackers, and a defensive back. They also drafted a full back and a quarterback. The Chiefs draft featured the Chiefs snagging a couple players who seemed to fall past what their anticipated draft spot would be. Assuming there are no character issues, this looks like the best of these three drafts. All three teams addressed their needs--no funky "best player there" picks here.

Assuming there is football, there is a lot to look forward to as these rookies come into camp...

If There's Football in 2011, Here's the Sked...

Well, assuming we have football, our Chiefs will be on prime time a few times and will finish up with a pretty tough bunch of games...

Sept. 11 vs. Buffalo, noon
Sept. 18 at Detroit, noon
Sept. 25 at San Diego, 3:05 p.m.
Oct. 2 vs. Minnesota, noon
Oct. 9 at Indianapolis, noon
Oct. 16 Bye
Oct. 23 at Oakland, 3:05 p.m.
Oct. 31 vs. San Diego, 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 6 vs. Miami, noon
Nov. 13 vs. Denver, noon
Nov. 21 at New England, 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 27 vs. Pittsburgh, 7:20 p.m.
Dec. 4 at Chicago, noon
Dec. 11 at New York Jets, noon
Dec. 18 vs. Green Bay, noon
Dec. 24 vs. Oakland, noon
Jan. 1 at Denver, 3:05 p.m.

We start out "easy" with Buffalo and Detroit (although the Lions at home can be tough), then almost all the games that are not division foes are with some tough teams. Miami and Minnesota might be down a bit this year, and both those games are here, but overall this is a much harder group of games then last year. Also there will be no sneaking up on people this year.

I hope there is football...

Yes, I Am Excited!

Don't forget to break out the RED tomorrow! Our Chiefs are in the playoffs! There are a bunch of teams that are not in the playoffs--their season is OVER. Our team is still playing!

Get excited!

Glad to see that Arrowhead is mostly full--hope the folks are ready to ROCK!

Go Chiefs!

Chiefs Lose and Look Bad Doing It

A "look out" block--as in "Look out, Matt!" (nfl.com)

Well, what a last couple days have been very interesting for the Chiefs. First, we had the saga of Charlie Weis and Florida. National rumors were rampant that the Florida Gators were interviewing Weis for their Offensive Coordinator position, but Chiefs coach Todd Haley says on Friday, "We don't know anything about that." By Sunday, it was well known that Weis was leaving for Florida. There were all sorts of obfuscations about why, including "following his son" who is in high school now! It has become pretty apparent that Weis and Haley weren't always on the same page, and Charlie just may have had it. Too bad, now, Todd Haley has lost two offensive coordinators in his short head coaching career. Who are the Chiefs going to find to take the position now?

As to today's "important" game, I felt this was a game we should win but might not. Today the team played flat and distracted, especially the offensive line. In fact the start looked promising, with the defense playing hard, but the offense allowed the Raiders to think they had a life, and the Raiders got life. Their lines played hard and consistantly beat the Chief's lines, resulting in 7 sacks of Chiefs QBs, countless hits and hurries, and no rushing game. Meantime the defense was porious to the rush and couldn't get off the field. Result: 31-10 loss. In retrospect, I would have preferred to lose by this score with the subs in. We saw no subs until the mid fourth quarter.

The Chiefs need to bear down and forget about today and concentrate on the game coming up against the Baltimore Ravens a week from today at 1200 CST. Otherwise, it's one and done, and look bad doing it.

Chiefs AFC West Champs!

I'm happy but not so happy that I am writing the same post twice--so head over to the mother ship for a post on the Chiefs!

http://southkansascityobserver.blogspot.com/2010/12/well-how-about-that.html

Chiefs Win

Well, one down two to go!

The Chiefs came out tight and out of synch, but the defense held the Rams to field goals in the first quarter. That 6-0 could have just as easily been 14-0.

After that, the Chiefs offense got into gear, and the Rams were unable to cope. Kansas City winners!

Next up the Titans, who won yesterday, at Arrowhead. Lets go Chiefs!

Rams-Chiefs: Very Important Game

This game...well, I am glad I don't bet on sports, because this game is a very tough game.

You have two young, young teams who are on the upswing after several years of stinkiness.

One team's QB is 10 days out from laproscopic surgery--I believe Matt Cassel will play, but the memories of how badly Ben Rothlesberger played after his appy are in my head. Matt Cassel does not have time for two bad games. However, Brodie Croyle just isn't good enough for us to have in there at this point.

Both are in first place now, but the race for each would be much much easier if they won this game. The Chiefs divisional competition is quite serious with the San Diego Chargers. So there will be pressure.

How will the teams and coaches react? Who will perform best under pressure?

That team, the team that is the least tight or gets rid of the jitters first, will be the winner. The team that avoids stupid penalties, turn overs and plays good defense. That's the winning team.

I hope it's the Chiefs. This is a pick'em to me. See you 1200 at the Jones Dome.

Defense

I'm supposed to be somewhere in 10 minutes so let me make this brief:

The Kansas City Chiefs lost to the San Diego Chargers 31-0 not just because Brodie Croyle isn't very good.

It is because the defense turned in a real clunker, a stinker. This was their game to win, and they didn't do anything.

I wonder if the team convinced itself that there was no way to win without Matt Cassel starting.

If that happened, that is a coaching failure of an epic kind.

The sound of people jumping off the Chiefs bandwagon so far this week has been deafening.