Chiefs at Broncos - Week 2 - Record: 0-2
The four keys to this game happened
1. During the game last week.
2. At the end of the very first Chiefs drive today.
3. At the end of the very last Chiefs drive today.
4. At the coin flip for overtime.
What happened during those times?
1. Trent Green was injured. I am convinced that with him in there we would have been able to capitalize on all the opportunities we had today. Looking at the way the Broncos were playing so weakly, I just know he would've beaten them. Even though Damon Huard did pretty well, you could tell that we were just too damn timid to do anything that would take it to the Broncos. Just a testament to how good a quarterback Green is.
2. We did have a terrific first drive, getting all the way up against the Broncos goal line when Larry Johnson fumbled. Playing in Denver you just can't for two seconds give up a chance to score an early touchdown. Sure enough Denver got its field goals to tie in regulation in the second half when both our offense and defense seemed to wilt in that high altitude. With that initial score under our belts we could've controlled the entire game.
3. What in blazes were we doing, the score 6-6, with a couple good long minutes left in regulation and a first down at our own 31 ready to get an easy 50 yards to get into easy field goal range and get the win? We bumbled and bambled and diddled around until we had to punt. When the announcers said we seemed to be playing for overtime, I about wanted to die. Well, we lost the game, so what difference would it have made if we went for it and they intercepted a pass or something so we could lose in regulation?! At least we would've really tried.
4. Sure enough, the Broncos won the toss. Thuh end. Lights out at that point. Deep into an exhausting game, our defense (which I should say still played extraordinarily well) gave up some big plays and their Hall-of-Fame kicker summarily came in to end it.
I can only hope that Herm Edwards takes a long look at his game calling over the next two weeks and actually works to try to win games. To his credit, again, he didn't have Trent Green. But let Damon Huard try to win it for goodness sake. At least then we can't say you didn't try.
I must add that one reason we shut the Broncos down was because of the terrific play of our-- ta-da!-- punter. Colquitt got off great punts, two of which he got inside the 5 yard line.
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Sunday, September 10, 2006
Bengals at Chiefs - Week 1 - Record: 0-1
What a disasterous start to the season. Yes, Trent Green got clocked on a play that took him off the field on a strecher, and preliminary reports are that he is okay, all things considered. But his shocking departure was a metaphor for this game.
Can anyone for two seconds think that Kyle Turley can replace Willie Roaf? Last year it was clear that the one critical factor in how we won games versus how we lost games was whether or not Roaf was in there and doing well. It was that pronounced. This game featured Trent Green running all over the place like a soda cup on the Harbor Freeway. Sorry, but as good as he is, he can't do squat with that.
Listen, you can take all the components of a team and debate about which ones are the ones that will bring you the most success. As far as what I've seen and heard from the people in the know, here they are in order of importance:
1. Offensive line.
2. Defensive line.
3. Quarterback.
4. All the others.
As great as Larry Johnson is and can be, he won't go anywhere if no one is leading the way down the field. Sure enough, he only got 68 yards today. Everyone remembers Emmitt Smith of the Super Bowl Cowboys in the mid-90's, but people forget that his offensive line was probably the best in NFL history. Nothing against Smith, but my grandma could've run backwards on her hands behind that line. I think we're really in trouble unless we get our OT situation fixed.
We were doomed from the outset in this contest. Green fumbled the ball on the very second play of scrimmage, setting the tone. Dante Hall never muffs a kick, but he did today, setting up their first score. And blasted this highly drafted punter-- you can't get off a 29 yard punt from your own 8 and expect one of the best QB's in the league to fail to capitalize.
The one bright spot was that our defense played decently given the holes they were put into. They gave up only one TD drive-- otherwise they effectively shut them down. I might add that backup QB Damon Huard played with some guts off the bench. That solid showing is a bit reassuring in case Green can't make it back for a while. No matter what, we all hope the best for Green whatever happens.
What a disasterous start to the season. Yes, Trent Green got clocked on a play that took him off the field on a strecher, and preliminary reports are that he is okay, all things considered. But his shocking departure was a metaphor for this game.
Can anyone for two seconds think that Kyle Turley can replace Willie Roaf? Last year it was clear that the one critical factor in how we won games versus how we lost games was whether or not Roaf was in there and doing well. It was that pronounced. This game featured Trent Green running all over the place like a soda cup on the Harbor Freeway. Sorry, but as good as he is, he can't do squat with that.
Listen, you can take all the components of a team and debate about which ones are the ones that will bring you the most success. As far as what I've seen and heard from the people in the know, here they are in order of importance:
1. Offensive line.
2. Defensive line.
3. Quarterback.
4. All the others.
As great as Larry Johnson is and can be, he won't go anywhere if no one is leading the way down the field. Sure enough, he only got 68 yards today. Everyone remembers Emmitt Smith of the Super Bowl Cowboys in the mid-90's, but people forget that his offensive line was probably the best in NFL history. Nothing against Smith, but my grandma could've run backwards on her hands behind that line. I think we're really in trouble unless we get our OT situation fixed.
We were doomed from the outset in this contest. Green fumbled the ball on the very second play of scrimmage, setting the tone. Dante Hall never muffs a kick, but he did today, setting up their first score. And blasted this highly drafted punter-- you can't get off a 29 yard punt from your own 8 and expect one of the best QB's in the league to fail to capitalize.
The one bright spot was that our defense played decently given the holes they were put into. They gave up only one TD drive-- otherwise they effectively shut them down. I might add that backup QB Damon Huard played with some guts off the bench. That solid showing is a bit reassuring in case Green can't make it back for a while. No matter what, we all hope the best for Green whatever happens.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Chiefs Pre-Season Note
The exhibition schedule is in full swing, and for any who happen to come across this site I just want to make a brief note. No comments will be offered here about any of these games because I pay no attention to them. The obvious reason is that they don't count, but I also don't know anything about them because (a) they mostly feature scrubs struggling to make the team, (b) key players get injured and I'd really rather not see that, and (c) I wish to sustain my sports celibacy on its regular basis.
There is good reason for this deliberate and I must say blissful ignorance--for instance today in my LA Times was a huge spread about cheating in sports. One article described what the Bronco linemen did in the 1998 playoff game the Chiefs lost by four points. They put Vasoline all over their jerseys, and all the officials did was try to wipe it all off with towels. If they broke the rules, why were they allowed to continue to play the game? It is funny, as much as I lament that loss, I had just known nothing about this incident. Knowing about it now certainly doesn't make me feel any better, but it does give me good standing upon which to remain blissfully ignorant today. Why deal with that stuff?
Of course I enjoy my team to the extent that I will pay attention to their regular season games, and just for that three hours allow my emotions to bang around in my gut whereever they may go. Yes I will feel abjectly crestfallen after some games, like last year's New York Giants game. I will feel particularly elated after some games, like the clutch Patriots victory.
I will say that all I know about this year's team is that we have a new coach, Herman Edwards, and I hear fine things about him. We drafted a decent QB from Alabama that may have that promise of being developed for I think the first time ever for the Chiefs. And as I walked by the magazine rack, I noted that of the five fantasy football publications, Larry Johnson was on the cover of each and every one of them. I don't know if that's a good thing or not. Is there a jinx to that? Or will he actually be as good?
The exhibition schedule is in full swing, and for any who happen to come across this site I just want to make a brief note. No comments will be offered here about any of these games because I pay no attention to them. The obvious reason is that they don't count, but I also don't know anything about them because (a) they mostly feature scrubs struggling to make the team, (b) key players get injured and I'd really rather not see that, and (c) I wish to sustain my sports celibacy on its regular basis.
There is good reason for this deliberate and I must say blissful ignorance--for instance today in my LA Times was a huge spread about cheating in sports. One article described what the Bronco linemen did in the 1998 playoff game the Chiefs lost by four points. They put Vasoline all over their jerseys, and all the officials did was try to wipe it all off with towels. If they broke the rules, why were they allowed to continue to play the game? It is funny, as much as I lament that loss, I had just known nothing about this incident. Knowing about it now certainly doesn't make me feel any better, but it does give me good standing upon which to remain blissfully ignorant today. Why deal with that stuff?
Of course I enjoy my team to the extent that I will pay attention to their regular season games, and just for that three hours allow my emotions to bang around in my gut whereever they may go. Yes I will feel abjectly crestfallen after some games, like last year's New York Giants game. I will feel particularly elated after some games, like the clutch Patriots victory.
I will say that all I know about this year's team is that we have a new coach, Herman Edwards, and I hear fine things about him. We drafted a decent QB from Alabama that may have that promise of being developed for I think the first time ever for the Chiefs. And as I walked by the magazine rack, I noted that of the five fantasy football publications, Larry Johnson was on the cover of each and every one of them. I don't know if that's a good thing or not. Is there a jinx to that? Or will he actually be as good?
Saturday, January 07, 2006
Chiefs 2005 Season - The Spaghetti Western Take
I don't know anything about the Chiefs except what I see and hear during the three hours they play on Sunday. I read no sports page, I watch no sports news, I visit no sports website-- for any sports of anything. So in my year-end assessment, I have no knowledge of draft, trade, or retirement moves, which is not necessarily a good thing, but I also have no conception of what media Monday-morning pundits are saying, and that is necessarily a good thing. I will admit that for this post I did take a peek at the Chiefs roster, only to note how many years certain players have been on the team, because that bit of information is instrumental for my take here.
The Good. Our youth. We have some pretty decent young players that showed tremendous promise this year. Most times Kawika Mitchell and Derrick Johnson were terrific on defense. If they can just learn to tackle all the time they'd be great. It is obvious Jared Allen is a keeper but only if he behaves. Sammy Parker looked helpless out there in the first few games but came around and really shined a number of times. And of course Larry Johnson is nothing less than spectacular. The only real disappointment in the youngins department was punter Dustin Colquitt. When you draft a punter as high as third, you'd better see him make booming punts on at least a semi-regular basis. Really, he barely made it to mediocre, but maybe that's just because he was a rookie. He'll get a few more chances.
The Bad. Our age. Let's face it. We're ancient. Notice how short the "our youth" paragraph was just now? Let's start with the key to our game, the O-line, and it doesn't look pretty. Brian Waters and John Welbourn are mid-career vets, but the others damn-near senior citizens. Get ready to weep. Future Hall-of-Famers Will Shields and Willie Roaf were both playing in their 13th years. Roaf's return to the line sparked a great run for us-- I think we went 5-2 after he came back-- but there were still a couple of times when he got burnt badly. Trent Green is really pushing it at 12 years. Eddie Kennison, 10 years. Tony Gonzalez, 9 years. (As good as these guys are.) Our defensive backfield did fine with the additions of Sammy Knight and Patrick Surtain, but even those guys are getting up there. The only major player on the team who's in the middle of his service, right where he can be great (if he isn't already), is Dante Hall.
The Ugly. Our focus. Look at this team: 10-6. Ten-and-six record for cryin' out loud, and no playoff spot. This has happened to only one other team since 1991 (Miami two years ago). Certainly this was because there were six teams that just had better records in the AFC this year, but the fact is in a couple of those losses, when it came down to being clutch, we beat ourselves. The turning point in the season? That fumble just before the end of the half when we were really taking it to the Cowboys. We were about to go up 21-10, but instead they run the fumble back a long way, and then bop right in for a touchdown and we're down 17-14 just like that. Thing is, we still should have won, up 28-24, when a foolish holding penalty against us on a Cowboy 4th down for what should have been effectively the last play of the game gave them new life to score the go-ahead touchdown. Those kind of mistakes at just the wrong times betrayed what a fine team this was, but also demonstrated that you've got to be on top of it all mentally for the full 60 minutes of gametime. And that non-tackling thing? It's not that we can't tackle. It's that we overpursued and we ran around them and we bounced against them and they zipped on by. This is a problem of focus, not inability. In some ways, that made this season that much more frustrating.
I'd love to have a Dick Vermeil clone coaching us next year, but some part of me felt that too much of the Vermeil tenderness kept these guys from really keeping that focus. Let's hope for someone with the Vermeil heart, but with an added Lombardi boot so some of these guys can get kicked in the butt sometimes.
I don't know anything about the Chiefs except what I see and hear during the three hours they play on Sunday. I read no sports page, I watch no sports news, I visit no sports website-- for any sports of anything. So in my year-end assessment, I have no knowledge of draft, trade, or retirement moves, which is not necessarily a good thing, but I also have no conception of what media Monday-morning pundits are saying, and that is necessarily a good thing. I will admit that for this post I did take a peek at the Chiefs roster, only to note how many years certain players have been on the team, because that bit of information is instrumental for my take here.
The Good. Our youth. We have some pretty decent young players that showed tremendous promise this year. Most times Kawika Mitchell and Derrick Johnson were terrific on defense. If they can just learn to tackle all the time they'd be great. It is obvious Jared Allen is a keeper but only if he behaves. Sammy Parker looked helpless out there in the first few games but came around and really shined a number of times. And of course Larry Johnson is nothing less than spectacular. The only real disappointment in the youngins department was punter Dustin Colquitt. When you draft a punter as high as third, you'd better see him make booming punts on at least a semi-regular basis. Really, he barely made it to mediocre, but maybe that's just because he was a rookie. He'll get a few more chances.
The Bad. Our age. Let's face it. We're ancient. Notice how short the "our youth" paragraph was just now? Let's start with the key to our game, the O-line, and it doesn't look pretty. Brian Waters and John Welbourn are mid-career vets, but the others damn-near senior citizens. Get ready to weep. Future Hall-of-Famers Will Shields and Willie Roaf were both playing in their 13th years. Roaf's return to the line sparked a great run for us-- I think we went 5-2 after he came back-- but there were still a couple of times when he got burnt badly. Trent Green is really pushing it at 12 years. Eddie Kennison, 10 years. Tony Gonzalez, 9 years. (As good as these guys are.) Our defensive backfield did fine with the additions of Sammy Knight and Patrick Surtain, but even those guys are getting up there. The only major player on the team who's in the middle of his service, right where he can be great (if he isn't already), is Dante Hall.
The Ugly. Our focus. Look at this team: 10-6. Ten-and-six record for cryin' out loud, and no playoff spot. This has happened to only one other team since 1991 (Miami two years ago). Certainly this was because there were six teams that just had better records in the AFC this year, but the fact is in a couple of those losses, when it came down to being clutch, we beat ourselves. The turning point in the season? That fumble just before the end of the half when we were really taking it to the Cowboys. We were about to go up 21-10, but instead they run the fumble back a long way, and then bop right in for a touchdown and we're down 17-14 just like that. Thing is, we still should have won, up 28-24, when a foolish holding penalty against us on a Cowboy 4th down for what should have been effectively the last play of the game gave them new life to score the go-ahead touchdown. Those kind of mistakes at just the wrong times betrayed what a fine team this was, but also demonstrated that you've got to be on top of it all mentally for the full 60 minutes of gametime. And that non-tackling thing? It's not that we can't tackle. It's that we overpursued and we ran around them and we bounced against them and they zipped on by. This is a problem of focus, not inability. In some ways, that made this season that much more frustrating.
I'd love to have a Dick Vermeil clone coaching us next year, but some part of me felt that too much of the Vermeil tenderness kept these guys from really keeping that focus. Let's hope for someone with the Vermeil heart, but with an added Lombardi boot so some of these guys can get kicked in the butt sometimes.
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Bengals at Chiefs - Week 17 - Record: 10-6
Dick Vermeil surely couldn't be more proud of his team in this last game of his five year stint here, a 37-3 trouncing of Cincinnati. With Pittsburgh predictably winning, we're out, and I can't help but think that if we just tackled in the Giants game or we just put away the Cowboys like we should have or held that 17-0 lead against the Eagles, he'd get one more playoff game for us. But the "what if's" don't really bug me-- about half the teams in the NFL could say those same things about any one thing in any one game that could've gone just right for them to get into the post season.
Not too many teams finish with a 10-6 record and don't make the playoffs, and we certainly have reason to be proud. Larry Johnson and our offensive line is phenomenal, and I must say that our linebacking and defensive backfield had pretty decent years. There's a solid foundation for next year. We definitely need help on the D-line and we really really really need to look at developing a quarterback. Trent Green is wonderful, but how much longer can he go? Of course, developing a playoff calibur quarterback of their own-- an absolute requisite for Super Bowl contention, really-- is something we've been wondering for eons if the Chiefs can actually accomplish, since they have never ever done it. Think someone would take half our highest draft picks for the chance to pick Matt Leinart?
As for the new coach, let's hope we get somebody who has mastered the game like no one else and has a passion for his players that gets them to play at that top-flight level that makes it all worth it. Someone like, ohhh, Dick Vermeil. What a joy to have had such an amazing gentleman coach our team for as many years as he did.
Dick Vermeil surely couldn't be more proud of his team in this last game of his five year stint here, a 37-3 trouncing of Cincinnati. With Pittsburgh predictably winning, we're out, and I can't help but think that if we just tackled in the Giants game or we just put away the Cowboys like we should have or held that 17-0 lead against the Eagles, he'd get one more playoff game for us. But the "what if's" don't really bug me-- about half the teams in the NFL could say those same things about any one thing in any one game that could've gone just right for them to get into the post season.
Not too many teams finish with a 10-6 record and don't make the playoffs, and we certainly have reason to be proud. Larry Johnson and our offensive line is phenomenal, and I must say that our linebacking and defensive backfield had pretty decent years. There's a solid foundation for next year. We definitely need help on the D-line and we really really really need to look at developing a quarterback. Trent Green is wonderful, but how much longer can he go? Of course, developing a playoff calibur quarterback of their own-- an absolute requisite for Super Bowl contention, really-- is something we've been wondering for eons if the Chiefs can actually accomplish, since they have never ever done it. Think someone would take half our highest draft picks for the chance to pick Matt Leinart?
As for the new coach, let's hope we get somebody who has mastered the game like no one else and has a passion for his players that gets them to play at that top-flight level that makes it all worth it. Someone like, ohhh, Dick Vermeil. What a joy to have had such an amazing gentleman coach our team for as many years as he did.
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Chargers at Chiefs - Week 16 - Record: 9-6
When we went ahead 20-7 in the middle of the 2nd quarter, our kicker doinked the PAT and naturally I thought, "Oh great, we're going to lose this one 21-20. Great."
Turns out our defense did what it should have done last week. We stuffed their go-to back, an All-Pro one at that. He only got a handful of rushing yards. And after super receiver Antonio Gates caught a TD pass for them early, I don't think he caught another pass all day. We frustrated their QB unaccustomed to the game's rainy smushy weather, and the game ended with the same 20-7 score.
Thing is, next week we have to hope less-than-mediocre Detroit plays the game of their life in Pittsburgh. And of course we have to beat division champion Cincinnati at home. A tall order, and one to hope for, but I've made my peace. If we don't get into the playoffs, I won't be too bummed. We're just too schizophrenic. We can spank top-class teams like the Broncos, Patriots, and Redskins, but bumble around and get spanked by weak teams like the Bills and the playing-way-over-their-heads Cowboys and Giants. Eeyee.
When we went ahead 20-7 in the middle of the 2nd quarter, our kicker doinked the PAT and naturally I thought, "Oh great, we're going to lose this one 21-20. Great."
Turns out our defense did what it should have done last week. We stuffed their go-to back, an All-Pro one at that. He only got a handful of rushing yards. And after super receiver Antonio Gates caught a TD pass for them early, I don't think he caught another pass all day. We frustrated their QB unaccustomed to the game's rainy smushy weather, and the game ended with the same 20-7 score.
Thing is, next week we have to hope less-than-mediocre Detroit plays the game of their life in Pittsburgh. And of course we have to beat division champion Cincinnati at home. A tall order, and one to hope for, but I've made my peace. If we don't get into the playoffs, I won't be too bummed. We're just too schizophrenic. We can spank top-class teams like the Broncos, Patriots, and Redskins, but bumble around and get spanked by weak teams like the Bills and the playing-way-over-their-heads Cowboys and Giants. Eeyee.
Saturday, December 17, 2005
Chiefs at Giants - Week 15 - Record: 8-6
The entire story of a game we had absolutely no business whatsoever losing can be summed up in a simple sentence:
They tackled, and we didn't.
In fact, our untackling was so spectacular that their go-to back got a thoroughly shameful 200+ yards, the most of any back in all of the NFL this year.
So, yeah, that's the story. Really. That's it.
Thuh end.
The entire story of a game we had absolutely no business whatsoever losing can be summed up in a simple sentence:
They tackled, and we didn't.
In fact, our untackling was so spectacular that their go-to back got a thoroughly shameful 200+ yards, the most of any back in all of the NFL this year.
So, yeah, that's the story. Really. That's it.
Thuh end.
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Chiefs at Cowboys - Week 14 - Record: 8-5
I am certain that some obscure Norse god who is freezing his buns off in the coldest part of Valhalla somewhere put some bodacious hex on the Chiefs the day after Jan torched his Vikings with three clutch field goals in Super Bowl IV. Since then, we have had the worst worst worstest of luck in the clutch field goal department. Don't think so? To wit:
1971 - Jan Stenarud (the same) can't get just one of, what was it, three or four field goal tries? I dunno, I lost count--against Miami in the notorious Christmas Day overtime divisional playoff game. We make the playoffs but once (1986) over the next 20 years.
1990 - We dominate the Dolphins in the wild-card playoff game, ahead 16-3 in the 4th quarter. They scamper back and go ahead 17-16. With a couple minutes left we drive all the way down into easy FG range when a holding call puts us back a bit. Nick Lowery then just can't hit the 50 yarder.
1995 - Lin Elliot just can't get any of three very makeable tries in a divisional playoff game we should have easily won over Indianapolis. We lose 10-7.
1996 - We are 9-4 on the season but lose the next three straight, including one again to Indy at home and the last one against Buffalo. Amazingly we still have a shot to back into the playoffs when Morten Andersen, probably the greatest kicker in NFL history, lines up for an 18 yarder against Jacksonville. If he makes it, Atlanta wins, Jax loses, they're out and we're in. He misses. He misses an 18 yard field goal.
1997 - Pete Stoyanovich makes a key field goal in the divisional playoff game against Denver when a holding call nullifies it. We line up again, and he promptly boots it off the upright. We end up losing 14-10, when if it was 14-13 we could have just kicked another FG on 4th and 1 in those last seconds rather than throw an incompletion to give the game to the Broncos.
1999 to 2001 - The Raiders don't miss any of their game-winning FG's against us at home three years in a row. The '99 version was in the last game and it knocked us out of the playoffs that year.
Fast forward to today's game, when Lawrence Tynes comes in to tie the game after two incredible pass plays to get us right into range with only 16 seconds on the clock. A bad snap messed it up to begin with, but he still should have hit it easily. Don't think there's a hex on us?
Fact is, it should have never come down to that. We were clearly showing we were the better team in this game, and yet we still couldn't get the job done, committing critical penalties and turnovers. We're still in this thing, but we'll have to see if we're true finishers.
I am certain that some obscure Norse god who is freezing his buns off in the coldest part of Valhalla somewhere put some bodacious hex on the Chiefs the day after Jan torched his Vikings with three clutch field goals in Super Bowl IV. Since then, we have had the worst worst worstest of luck in the clutch field goal department. Don't think so? To wit:
1971 - Jan Stenarud (the same) can't get just one of, what was it, three or four field goal tries? I dunno, I lost count--against Miami in the notorious Christmas Day overtime divisional playoff game. We make the playoffs but once (1986) over the next 20 years.
1990 - We dominate the Dolphins in the wild-card playoff game, ahead 16-3 in the 4th quarter. They scamper back and go ahead 17-16. With a couple minutes left we drive all the way down into easy FG range when a holding call puts us back a bit. Nick Lowery then just can't hit the 50 yarder.
1995 - Lin Elliot just can't get any of three very makeable tries in a divisional playoff game we should have easily won over Indianapolis. We lose 10-7.
1996 - We are 9-4 on the season but lose the next three straight, including one again to Indy at home and the last one against Buffalo. Amazingly we still have a shot to back into the playoffs when Morten Andersen, probably the greatest kicker in NFL history, lines up for an 18 yarder against Jacksonville. If he makes it, Atlanta wins, Jax loses, they're out and we're in. He misses. He misses an 18 yard field goal.
1997 - Pete Stoyanovich makes a key field goal in the divisional playoff game against Denver when a holding call nullifies it. We line up again, and he promptly boots it off the upright. We end up losing 14-10, when if it was 14-13 we could have just kicked another FG on 4th and 1 in those last seconds rather than throw an incompletion to give the game to the Broncos.
1999 to 2001 - The Raiders don't miss any of their game-winning FG's against us at home three years in a row. The '99 version was in the last game and it knocked us out of the playoffs that year.
Fast forward to today's game, when Lawrence Tynes comes in to tie the game after two incredible pass plays to get us right into range with only 16 seconds on the clock. A bad snap messed it up to begin with, but he still should have hit it easily. Don't think there's a hex on us?
Fact is, it should have never come down to that. We were clearly showing we were the better team in this game, and yet we still couldn't get the job done, committing critical penalties and turnovers. We're still in this thing, but we'll have to see if we're true finishers.
Sunday, December 04, 2005
Broncos at Chiefs - Week 13 - Record: 8-4
I thought we were about to be the first team ever to lose a game by a nanometer, a phantom one at that, just the thing that would happen to the Chiefs. Denver was driving, near midfield, with a couple minutes left in the game, and we were up 31-27. Their running back, Mike Anderson, gets the ball on a fourth-and-one and it was obvious that we stopped him just short. There was no way in the world he got that first down.
But then one of the side judges comes running down from the top of the screen signaling that the ball was past that yellow line the television puts there to indicate where the first down marker is. I was stunned. Did I miss it? Did he just barely get across it?
They measure. In come the chains. The post just barely touches the football. I mean it's a nanometer of that post.
First down.
Aagh. I couldn't believe. And I don't know what the instant replay rules are, so I'm thinking it is unchallengable.
But Dick Vermeil can challenge the call. He does, and what a call. They look at the replay, and they show it again for us all to see, and it is clear that there is no way they got that spot right.
They reverse it, as they should. KC ball, 1st and 10.
We run the ball a number of times-- Larry Johnson of course-- getting a first down along the way, except that we end up with a 4th down at about Denver's 30 yard-line with 8 seconds left. What do you do? I tell you what you do, and it's not what Vermeil did: have Trent Green take the snap and shuffle around until you get tackled promptly giving Denver one last possession. What you do do is give the ball to Dante Hall and have him run backwards fast and then all around for 8 seconds and then kneel. He doesn't have to go so far that if he trips or something Denver can flick a short pass for a TD. I can't figure out why coaches don't do this.
Fortunately, the last Denver hail mary pass play was broken up way short of the goal line anyway, so we came away with a clutch win we needed big-time.
Oh, and did anyone catch TV commentator Phil Simms ask if it can possibly be that we rely so much on offensive tackle Willie Roaf? Yes, it's true! Trent Green was back to his normal slinging self today with that extra cushy protection on that left side.
Three weeks after the Buffalo debacle, we may actually now have a contending team.
I thought we were about to be the first team ever to lose a game by a nanometer, a phantom one at that, just the thing that would happen to the Chiefs. Denver was driving, near midfield, with a couple minutes left in the game, and we were up 31-27. Their running back, Mike Anderson, gets the ball on a fourth-and-one and it was obvious that we stopped him just short. There was no way in the world he got that first down.
But then one of the side judges comes running down from the top of the screen signaling that the ball was past that yellow line the television puts there to indicate where the first down marker is. I was stunned. Did I miss it? Did he just barely get across it?
They measure. In come the chains. The post just barely touches the football. I mean it's a nanometer of that post.
First down.
Aagh. I couldn't believe. And I don't know what the instant replay rules are, so I'm thinking it is unchallengable.
But Dick Vermeil can challenge the call. He does, and what a call. They look at the replay, and they show it again for us all to see, and it is clear that there is no way they got that spot right.
They reverse it, as they should. KC ball, 1st and 10.
We run the ball a number of times-- Larry Johnson of course-- getting a first down along the way, except that we end up with a 4th down at about Denver's 30 yard-line with 8 seconds left. What do you do? I tell you what you do, and it's not what Vermeil did: have Trent Green take the snap and shuffle around until you get tackled promptly giving Denver one last possession. What you do do is give the ball to Dante Hall and have him run backwards fast and then all around for 8 seconds and then kneel. He doesn't have to go so far that if he trips or something Denver can flick a short pass for a TD. I can't figure out why coaches don't do this.
Fortunately, the last Denver hail mary pass play was broken up way short of the goal line anyway, so we came away with a clutch win we needed big-time.
Oh, and did anyone catch TV commentator Phil Simms ask if it can possibly be that we rely so much on offensive tackle Willie Roaf? Yes, it's true! Trent Green was back to his normal slinging self today with that extra cushy protection on that left side.
Three weeks after the Buffalo debacle, we may actually now have a contending team.
Sunday, November 27, 2005
Patriots at Chiefs - Week 12 - Record: 7-4
Getting up for this game was probably not difficult since we were facing the Super Bowl champs and nothing less than playing at top form would do. A fine effort, but curmudgeonly me, the Patriots were still without their top running back and have slogged along all season playing no better than .500 ball.
Our defense is showing that it can play, and I don't think there is any question at this point that it is much improved from last year. Greg Wesley had three of the four picks we had on the day, so our guys did a terrific job of disrupting the Brady-to-Branch connection.
Our offense is still struggling big-time in the red zone, exposing in the rawest way the loss of Priest Holmes. Down there he just found a way to get into the end zone. Today Larry Johnson did pound it in from the one on the very first drive, but after that we'd get down there and we'd be all excited and then blap -- in'd come Tynes to boot in a chip shot. This is just not going to get it done. The other touchdown was a unconventionally non-spectacular 52-yard pass play to Dante Hall, who did do a nifty job of getting behind the defense.
On the whole I can't be unpleased with the result today, setting us up positively for more of a grueling final stretch of the season in which we play all winning teams.
Getting up for this game was probably not difficult since we were facing the Super Bowl champs and nothing less than playing at top form would do. A fine effort, but curmudgeonly me, the Patriots were still without their top running back and have slogged along all season playing no better than .500 ball.
Our defense is showing that it can play, and I don't think there is any question at this point that it is much improved from last year. Greg Wesley had three of the four picks we had on the day, so our guys did a terrific job of disrupting the Brady-to-Branch connection.
Our offense is still struggling big-time in the red zone, exposing in the rawest way the loss of Priest Holmes. Down there he just found a way to get into the end zone. Today Larry Johnson did pound it in from the one on the very first drive, but after that we'd get down there and we'd be all excited and then blap -- in'd come Tynes to boot in a chip shot. This is just not going to get it done. The other touchdown was a unconventionally non-spectacular 52-yard pass play to Dante Hall, who did do a nifty job of getting behind the defense.
On the whole I can't be unpleased with the result today, setting us up positively for more of a grueling final stretch of the season in which we play all winning teams.
Friday, November 25, 2005
Chiefs at Texans - Week 11 - Record: 6-4
I think this week the Chiefs kept in mind how they lost last year's game against the Texans, at home, in such a silly way-- a loss which really set the tone for a 3-8 start to that season. They knew there was no way they were going to lose this year's rematch, especially when this Texans team had a record of 1-8.
Larry Johnson ran for over 200 yards to put the stamp on a 45-17 pasting. The team showed that it did have at least a little bit of the drive to win that it didn't have last week. There's a glimmer of hope, but we still need Willie Roaf and we still need to prove it against a team like the Patriots this week.
Fortunately we've got a batch of games at home to finish the season.
I think this week the Chiefs kept in mind how they lost last year's game against the Texans, at home, in such a silly way-- a loss which really set the tone for a 3-8 start to that season. They knew there was no way they were going to lose this year's rematch, especially when this Texans team had a record of 1-8.
Larry Johnson ran for over 200 yards to put the stamp on a 45-17 pasting. The team showed that it did have at least a little bit of the drive to win that it didn't have last week. There's a glimmer of hope, but we still need Willie Roaf and we still need to prove it against a team like the Patriots this week.
Fortunately we've got a batch of games at home to finish the season.
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Chiefs at Bills - Week 10 - Record: 5-4
It would seem that Trent Green had a miserable day, but any time what happened to him happens to any quarterback, it is the offensive line that had the miserable day. So let's just tell it like it is: the OL suffered three interceptions, six sacks, and a lost fumble. Trent Green does not, cannot, and will not have what he had two years ago (indeed last year when, really, we lost several games because of crazy plays that went against us) because the offensive line is a shadow of what it was. I can't say it emphatically enough: The #1 critical factor in this year's mediocre performance to date is not having Willie Roaf out there.
The was a game that really showed how weak this team is. We couldn't do diddly and this was still with a second-string QB in for the Bills and our defense neutralizing RB Willis McGahee.
What is scary is how old we are. Who are our top players on offense? Trent Green is ancient. Eddie Kennison and Tony Gonzalez are grizzled vets. Priest Holmes, bless him, I think is done. Larry Johnson is all we've got and you can't have a productive offense with one offensive threat and little strength up front as I just mentioned. Add to this the fact that Dick Vermeil just looks exasperated out there, and it spells big trouble.
Today, anyway, this team just looked horrific. When you add to it all two missed field goals and endless fighting resulting in two ejections, it is evident this is a team without the winning drive and spirit to be real contenders. Sigh. I can't give up on them too soon, so I just say "Today, anyway..." But looking at this team-- still, sigh...
It would seem that Trent Green had a miserable day, but any time what happened to him happens to any quarterback, it is the offensive line that had the miserable day. So let's just tell it like it is: the OL suffered three interceptions, six sacks, and a lost fumble. Trent Green does not, cannot, and will not have what he had two years ago (indeed last year when, really, we lost several games because of crazy plays that went against us) because the offensive line is a shadow of what it was. I can't say it emphatically enough: The #1 critical factor in this year's mediocre performance to date is not having Willie Roaf out there.
The was a game that really showed how weak this team is. We couldn't do diddly and this was still with a second-string QB in for the Bills and our defense neutralizing RB Willis McGahee.
What is scary is how old we are. Who are our top players on offense? Trent Green is ancient. Eddie Kennison and Tony Gonzalez are grizzled vets. Priest Holmes, bless him, I think is done. Larry Johnson is all we've got and you can't have a productive offense with one offensive threat and little strength up front as I just mentioned. Add to this the fact that Dick Vermeil just looks exasperated out there, and it spells big trouble.
Today, anyway, this team just looked horrific. When you add to it all two missed field goals and endless fighting resulting in two ejections, it is evident this is a team without the winning drive and spirit to be real contenders. Sigh. I can't give up on them too soon, so I just say "Today, anyway..." But looking at this team-- still, sigh...
Sunday, November 06, 2005
Raiders at Chiefs - Week 9 - Record: 5-3
Struggling to get down for that game-tying field goal in the final seconds, Trent Green whips a pass out to Larry Johnson who rambles 36 yards but barely can't get into the end zone. Faced with the choice between a field goal to send it into overtime and going for it from the one-yard line, Vermeil decides for the latter and Johnson pounds it in for the score.
It can't get any more exciting than that. Another clutch win over the Raiders.
Thing is, it should never have been that exciting. We had taken command of the game at the beginning of the 4th quarter, leading 20-9, and had the Raiders in a 4th and long situation when Jared Allen gets a stupid roughing the passer penalty, then gets a personal foul penalty by mouthing off, and then costs us a time-out when we have to tell him to get out on the field. This is one of those banes of being a fan. Allen has definitely helped this defense, but what do you do with a guy like that, a terrific player who can get you in serious trouble with idiotic moves like this one. Aaaagh!
When are we going to get a break on the schedule from facing world-class receivers. It was Terrell Owens a few weeks ago, then Antonio Gates last week, this week it was Randy Moss (and I might even say Jerry Porter is pretty great). Even with his groin injury Moss burned us for a touchdown. Hopefully it will only serve to toughen up the defense that has improved from last year, but we absolutely can't afford any Jared Allen-type antics to mess up what we do have going.
Struggling to get down for that game-tying field goal in the final seconds, Trent Green whips a pass out to Larry Johnson who rambles 36 yards but barely can't get into the end zone. Faced with the choice between a field goal to send it into overtime and going for it from the one-yard line, Vermeil decides for the latter and Johnson pounds it in for the score.
It can't get any more exciting than that. Another clutch win over the Raiders.
Thing is, it should never have been that exciting. We had taken command of the game at the beginning of the 4th quarter, leading 20-9, and had the Raiders in a 4th and long situation when Jared Allen gets a stupid roughing the passer penalty, then gets a personal foul penalty by mouthing off, and then costs us a time-out when we have to tell him to get out on the field. This is one of those banes of being a fan. Allen has definitely helped this defense, but what do you do with a guy like that, a terrific player who can get you in serious trouble with idiotic moves like this one. Aaaagh!
When are we going to get a break on the schedule from facing world-class receivers. It was Terrell Owens a few weeks ago, then Antonio Gates last week, this week it was Randy Moss (and I might even say Jerry Porter is pretty great). Even with his groin injury Moss burned us for a touchdown. Hopefully it will only serve to toughen up the defense that has improved from last year, but we absolutely can't afford any Jared Allen-type antics to mess up what we do have going.
Friday, November 04, 2005
Chiefs at Chargers - Week 8 - Record: 4-3
A poor first half really cost us. We couldn't do anything, and I wonder again how Dick Vermeil can justify not using Tony Gonzalez at all until the second half when we came alive to make it a game. This is most appalling in light of San Diego's banged-up defense. Our once touted offensive line couldn't protect Trent Green-- I believe the loss of Willie Roaf has hurt us the most this year.
I still don't think we learned enough from the Terrell Owens disaster of week 4 when we seemed to forget all about the best receiver in the game. This time it was Antonio Gates who ran all over us. I will say that it looked like we did do a better job of covering him. That first TD pass was just a terrific throw by SD quarterback Drew Brees.
In the 4th quarter it looked as though Marty Schottenheimer was going to cave again, but we just didn't take advantage of it. Playing catch-up for the entire game didn't help.
A poor first half really cost us. We couldn't do anything, and I wonder again how Dick Vermeil can justify not using Tony Gonzalez at all until the second half when we came alive to make it a game. This is most appalling in light of San Diego's banged-up defense. Our once touted offensive line couldn't protect Trent Green-- I believe the loss of Willie Roaf has hurt us the most this year.
I still don't think we learned enough from the Terrell Owens disaster of week 4 when we seemed to forget all about the best receiver in the game. This time it was Antonio Gates who ran all over us. I will say that it looked like we did do a better job of covering him. That first TD pass was just a terrific throw by SD quarterback Drew Brees.
In the 4th quarter it looked as though Marty Schottenheimer was going to cave again, but we just didn't take advantage of it. Playing catch-up for the entire game didn't help.
Saturday, October 22, 2005
Chiefs at Dolphins - Week 7 - Record: 4-2
We won 30-20 with the help of two big 50 yard field goals from Lawrence Tynes. Does this tie a record? I can't imagine that very many place kickers in NFL history have two in a game.
Our defense did merely okay again, allowing several big plays before the half to let the Dolphins score, and letting their not-Ricky Williams back get a 65 yard touchdown run.
This one was a bit unusual as it was played on Friday night because hurricane Wilma was on its way, and wasn't broadcast anywhere but locally. Too much high school football still being played.
Still, the win was sweet because we've lost so many tough games to this team, especially in Miami.
We won 30-20 with the help of two big 50 yard field goals from Lawrence Tynes. Does this tie a record? I can't imagine that very many place kickers in NFL history have two in a game.
Our defense did merely okay again, allowing several big plays before the half to let the Dolphins score, and letting their not-Ricky Williams back get a 65 yard touchdown run.
This one was a bit unusual as it was played on Friday night because hurricane Wilma was on its way, and wasn't broadcast anywhere but locally. Too much high school football still being played.
Still, the win was sweet because we've lost so many tough games to this team, especially in Miami.
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