Week 13 - Told Ya So

Last week, before any of the Jovan Belcher issues, I predicted that the Chiefs would beat the Carolina Panthers. I also predicted that the reason we would win is because Romeo Crennel would come in with a good game plan and would stay committed to running the ball. I'm glad to say that I was right,

The Kansas City players came into the stadium Sunday with heavy hearts, just 24 hours after hearing that their teammate had killed his wife and himself. In games like this one it can be hard for a team to ride emotions for an entire 60-minute game. Teams normally come out strong with a desire to win for whatever cause they may be representing that day, but that much emotion can also make you become more disheartened when you fail. You will fail at some point during every game and that's a given. Coaches preach not to be too emotional during a game for that reason exactly. The teams that consistently win are the teams with the shortest memories. When things go well, you can't get too high and coast and when things go poorly, you can't get too down and give in.

The Chiefs were able to get off to that hot start, as expected, and were able to keep the Panthers at bay for the rest of the game with another strong rushing performance from Jamaal Charles and surprising and impressive efficiency from Brady Quinn. Charles ran for 127 yards on 27 carries while Peyton Hillis added 19 more yards and a score on a powerful run inside the five to get the game started. Brady Quinn played the best game of his career on Sunday and we needed it to pull out this win. He threw only four incomplete passes, going 19 of 23, for 201 yards and 2 touchdowns. While he wasn't exactly lighting it up with throws down field, he played a very smart and under control game. He reminded me of Matt Cassel before this season, choosing to make the safe throw rather than make the big play. That style won't win many games by itself but it does keep you in the game and allow other playmakers to win it for you. With a running back like Charles, all we rally need is someone to keep the defense honest and not load up the box with 8 or 9 guys every down.

When you are effiecient throwing the ball, limiting incompletions, and you run the ball with success, it keeps the clock running. Teams like the Saints, Patriots and Packers are what I call "clock friendly" teams. They want their to be as much time on the clock as possible so they can keep putting up points. Teams like the 49ers, Vikings, and Chiefs are not so "clock friendly". They know they aren't going to score many points but if they can keep the ball out of your hands then it doesn't really matter. They want the clock to be moving at all times, limiting your chances to score. With this method, you must be more efficient with each possession. If you have multiple drives that are long but don't end up in at least a field goal then you accomplished nothing. Empty drives are the worst enemy of team that aren't "clock friendly" because they are making the game shorter. While limiting the other teams scoring chances, they also limit their own. The other team is more like to score with a high powered offense so you have to cash in as much as possible.

In 2010 the Chiefs used this game plan every week. Teams knew what was coming and still couldn't stop it. It was great to see and one team imposing their will on another is the kind of football I love to watch. The last two weeks have been like that even though we've only came out with the win once.

Players of the Game
Chiefs
Offense - Brady Quinn: I've hated on him all year and now it's time to give him a little love. He played great going 19 for 23 with 201 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Defense: Brandon Siler and Cory Greenwood: You don't know them because they never play. They rotated in to replace Jovan Belcher and both played pretty well. It's hard to step in when you have less than 24 hours notice that the guy in front of you is not only not playing, but dead.

Panthers
Steve Smith: He embarrassed out secondary all day long. He's getting up there in age but he still has blazing speed and a loud mouth. He made the secondary look bad and then told them that he made them look bad and they couldn't do anything about it. He ended the day with 5 catches for 120 yards, including a 53 yard completion from Cam Newton and a 23 yard score.

Because It Wasn't Bad Enough

The Chiefs have had one of the worst seasons in franchise history. Since that apparently wasn't enough, breaking news this morning was that Chiefs' 25 year-old, middle linebacker, Jovan Belcher had killed his girlfriend and them himself. Not many details about the situation have come forth but I'm sure they will eventually. To this point, the young linebacker was having a productive and promising career but this isn't about stats so I won't even discuss them. He and his girlfriend, Kasandra Perkins, had a 3 month-old daughter. Reports say that after shooting Perkins he traveled to the Chiefs' facilities where he was confronted by general manager, Scott Pioli, and head coach, Romeo Crennel, who tried to prevent him from turning the gun on himself. After thanking them for all that they had done for him in his career he killed himself. Belcher will be remembered as a hard worker who made himself a starter after being undrafted out of the University of Maine.

(Pictures compliments of blacksportsonline.com)

(Picture compliments of kcchiefs.org)

R.I.P. Kasandra Perkins and Jovan Belcher

2013 NFL Draft

With only five games left in the season I think it's safe to say the season is over for our KC Chiefs. While it may be unfortunate that we didn't have a good season, that does mean that we're going to have a great pick in the draft and, at this point, it will be the very first one. I've made a short slideshow of the top five players I think we should draft in the upcoming year. Here they are:

(Pictures compliments of collegefootball.ap.org, sports.yahoo.com, sportsillustrated.cnn.com, timesfreepress.com, zimbio.com)

1. Jarvis Jones (UGA) - Some may think I'm crazy since we already have two good outside linebackers but I think it might be smart to draft the best player available, move Tamba Hali back to defensive end, and improve what is already a strength. Hali isn't good in open space anyway so why not let him replace one of our inept D-ends (Tyson Jackson or Ropati Pitoitua). I think this improves both our linebacking corps and our defensive line.

2. Manti Te'o (Notre Dame) - He may win the Heisman as a defensive player this year which is already impressive. He's been by far the best player on a great defense and is a tackling machine. Again, some might say we don't need more linebackers and to those people I direct you to the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers. You can never have enough linebackers. With Jovan Belcher becoming a free agent after this season, I would love to see Te'o and Derrick Johnson play side-by-side in our 3-4 defense. With a weak class of QBs and WRs I don't think anyone would fill one of those holes enough to draft them with a top 3 pick.

3. Geno Smith (West Virginia) - Do I think he's the future of the Chiefs franchise? No. Do I think the Chiefs need a quarterback? Yes. Do I think he's the best QB available in this years draft? Yes. He fills the biggest hole our team has and that's the only reason we should draft him with a top 3 pick.

4. Robert Woods (USC) - I don't know why Dwayne Bowe would stay in Kansas City. We don't have a QB, we're rebuilding, and we need to be running the ball as much as possible since we have Jamaal Charles. I think that he'll be gone next season and we'll need a big, deep ball threat like Woods to replace him on the outside as a number one target for whoever plays QB next year. This years wide receiver class isn't great but I think he's the best available.

5. Dee Milliner (Alabama) - The best corner on the best defense in college football. Nick Saban knows defense and his players always seem NFL ready. After shipping out Stanford Routt two weeks ago we need a replacement and I think Javier Arenas is a nickel corner at best. Brandon Flowers is a great corner and our safeties are good, but we need to find a real second corner.

Where You At?

In the 2011 NFL draft the Chiefs selected Pittsburgh wide receiver Jonathan Baldwin. In the 2012 season Baldwin has accumulated a grand total of 16 catches. Compare that to other first -round, second-year wide receivers. AJ Green has 67 receptions, 1,022 yards and 10 touchdowns while Julio Jones has 53 receptions, 883 yards and 6 touchdowns (while sharing targets from Matt Ryan with pro-bowler Roddy White). While both of the other receivers were top ten draft picks and Baldwin was the 26th pick, they were the only three receivers drafted in the first round. When you're drafted you're always going to be compared to the other players drafted around you and that's inevitable.

Saying Baldwin has not lived up to expectations is an understatement. With those 16 catches that he has, he has only 224 yards and has yet score. Since Baldwin can't/has yet to perform, and Steve Breaston has all but disappeared, the Chiefs have been desperate to find replacements. Dexter McCluster who isn't even a full time receiver is our second leading receiver after Dwayne Bowe and running back Jamaal Charles is third. Last week we started Jamar Newsome who was on the practice squad the day before.

With the 2013 class of quarterbacks being a weak one, I look for the Chiefs to draft a wide out in the first round, even though I don't think they should. I want Manti Te'o at linebacker to complete a linebacking corps of Derrick Johnson, Tamba Hali, and Justin Houston. Who will be throwing to that receiver is still up in the air but I wouldn't be shocked to see Michael Vick in red next year (by far not my first choice).

Bold Prediction - Week 13

The Panthers are coming into town this weekend with a 2-8 record. After going 6-10 last year, Carolina has taken two steps backward. Cam Newton was a stud in 2011 break passing and rushing records for rookies but, this year, a banged up offensive line, a below average receiving corps, and less production from their run game have slowed him down. Teams now have game tape on him and I think that may be part of the reason for his struggles as well. Our 1-10 Chiefs are bad. Really bad. But I'm going to pick them to win this game.

Last week Romeo came in with a solid game plan and our defense looked a little improved even though they haven't played that bad all season. I expect another strong performance from them, holding Carolina to 14 points or less. They only average 18.4 points per game so that doesn't seem too farfetched for our above average defense. Even thought the Chiefs offense is only averaging a league worst 14.6 points per game I think Romeo will show dedication to the running game and be more efficient. After Steve Smith and Greg Olsen, Cam Newton doesn't have many weapons to throw to and the running game, that used to be a two headed monster with Deangelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, is now underperforming. Cam Newton has more rushing yards than either of them with 394 and the team has only 1079. For more Panthers stats check out http://www.nfl.com/teams/statistics?team=CAR.

Final Prediction: 20-13 Chiefs

Week 12 - Keep Away

When you play Peyton Manning, there seems to be only two ways to beat him: keep the ball away from him and win the time of possession battle or make him turn the ball over at least three times. Sometimes just doing one of those isn't enough and today was one of those days. The Chiefs did win the time of possession battle for the game, especially in the first three quarters. But in the fourth quarter the gap narrowed and the defense was only able to pick Manning off once.

Peyton is a first ballot Hall of Famer, maybe my favorite player in the league, the only 4-time MVP in the history of the NFL, maybe the best player to ever play the game, and one of the classiest guys you'll find. To see him play well after coming back from neck surgery is great, even if it is against our own team. He's turned the Broncos into a legitimate Super Bowl contender and I wouldn't be surprised if they never lost again this season.

The Chiefs played a lot better today than I was expecting and Romeo came in with a good game plan and had the defense fired up. We were able to keep the ball 31 minutes and 43 seconds but most of that was in the first three quarters. We were able to run the ball successfully as we have all season but today we showed commitment to the running game like we should have been in the past. With 31 carries we were able to accumulate 138 yards but came up short in the red zone every time only scoring on three field goals.

Since we kept the ball out of Peyton's hands he threw for 285 yards and two touchdowns (below average for him but great compared to any Chiefs' QB performance). Their defense looked great as always and tightened up in the red zone when they needed to. The game ended with yet another loss at 14-9 bringing us to 1-10 but this week looked encouraging finally.

Players of the Game
Chiefs
Offense: The entire offensive line - Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil are two of the best pass rushers in the AFC. With rookies starting at left tackle and left guard, I was expecting at least six sacks in this game. We were able to shut down Dumervil and only allowed Miller to get to Brady Quinn once on the day. They gave up two total sacks and dominated in the run game. I think this o-line has become a strength for the Chiefs and look forward to building around them.
Defense: Romeo Crennel - no one stood out in particular on the D this week but Derrick Johnson did lay a huge hit on Knowshon Moreno and Brandon Flowers picked off the future Pro Bowler on a terrible throw and misread. Romeo Crennel came into the game with the game plan to keep the ball out of Peyton's hands and he showed some gumption and stuck to it even through the red zone struggles. He gained some respect from me and hopefully other fans too.

Broncos: Peyton Manning - I think I've said enough. He'll win out the rest of the season and carry the Broncs into the AFC Championship against the Texans in a great game between two balanced teams. In my opinion he should win his fifth MVP award this year but it'll be a close vote between him and Matty Ice (Matt Ryan of the 10-1 Atlanta Falcons).

Week 11 - Pop Warner

You know that one kid in a little football game that's just bigger and stronger than everyone else on the field? Jermaine Gresham was that kid on Sunday. In the red zone Andy Dalton hit him with a pass at the four yard line. He was hit by Eric Berry immediately and then three other Chiefs defenders. He continued to drag all of them towards the end zone like they were children and the play was originally ruled a touchdown but after review they decided he was down at the half yard line. He only had 69 yards and never scored but this one play just seemed like an example of how the Chiefs seem to play every week.

I'm looking forward to the day that we win our next game (if that day happens) so that I will have something pleasant to blog about. This wasn't meant to be a rant blog or to hate on the Chiefs. I try to find bright spots every week but sometimes it's nearly impossible. This week seemed like one of those days only being able to score 6 points on two Succop field goals and allowing 409 total yards and 28 points.

We gave up a few big passing plays to AJ Green but the run defense was the sad part. We gave up 189 rushing yards to below average running backs BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Cedric Peerman and the not-so-athletic QB Andy Dalton.

There's not many positive things to say about the game other than the fact that Tony Moeaki played much better than he has all season and was our leading receiver. AJ Green made one of the best catches of the season. Javier Arenas was overmatched with the big second year receiver and most of the game after replacing the recently released Stanford Routt. The one handed grab on the sideline, in the end zone, will be seen on highlight reels for awhile as this was the one time Arenas did have good coverage all day but he still was able to make the catch.

Players of the Game
Chiefs
Offense: Tony Moeaki - After returning from a torn ACL last year he has not looked like anything near the player he was in the past. While Jamaal Charles has returned with success Moeaki and Eric Berry have not been the same players as they have in the past. Having the same surgery twice in the past I understand how hard it can be to come back and it made me happy to see him succeed on Sunday.
Defense: Derrick Johnson - At some point I'll be able to select someone else as my defensive player of the week but I don't know when. He had another great week with 10 tackles and a forced fumble. It's nice to see him succeed after a rough start at the beginning of his career after being the 15th overall pick and not living up to expectations right away. He needs to be in the pro bowl and he is the best middle linebacker in the AFC in my opinion. He's ahead of Ray Lewis at this point in his career, he is more versatile than both of the Jets MLBs and Brian Cushing of the Texans just tore his ACL so we'll have to see how he comes back from his injury. He is my favorite Chief.

Bengals: AJ Green - 91 yards and a ridiculous touchdown. The second year wide out is quickly becoming one of the best in the league. He's a dangerous deep threat with his height and size and has some of the best hands in the NFL. There's not many that are better than him and he is now an elite target for Andy Dalton. I haven't given it a ton of consideration but the only receivers that are better than him off the top of my head are Larry Fitzgerald, Andre Johnson (when he's not hurt), Calvin Johnson, and Brandon Marshall. That's good company, especially when it's only your second year in the league.

Week 10 - Slip 'N Slide

The Chiefs travelled to Pittsburg's Heinz Field this weekend to take on the Steelers in a Monday night showdown. KC came into town as huge underdogs but the Pennsylvania weather made the game a bit more competitive than the fans were anticipating. The game was less about who wanted to win and more about who was going to screw up enough to lose. I'm not sure what it is about some fields like Soldier Field in Chicago and Heinz Field, but there is something that makes them incredibly sloppy every time it rains or snows. The footing is bad for both teams and it makes it difficult for all the players to cut and change direction. 

While some people (mostly old-timers), think that this is "real" football. However, I think that those conditions make the game far less entertaining. Professional football features some of the best athletes in the world and I think that when you those abilities away with the field conditions then you aren't getting the same quality game. It also evens the playing field way too much. The Steelers are the far superior team, but since both teams were limited in using their athletic ability and strength the game becomes more about who can hang on to the ball better. 

This week's game was just that and the Chief's were able to keep it close. Both teams couldn't move the ball at all. The Chiefs had just 290 yards and the Steelers actually had fewer with only 249. We had the advantage in the running game as Jamaal Charles rushed for 100 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries and Peyton Hillis added another 30 yards and a nice change up to Charles' style. I think that's the way we should use the two backs every week. 

The difference in the game was the timing of each teams' turnovers and the kickers. Each team had just one turnover but Matt Cassel's lone interception came in overtime in our own territory. Lawrence Timmons picked off a pass that never should have been thrown and returned it inside the Chief's five yard line. The other difference was shown in the next play. Earlier in the game Ryan Succop missed a field goal wide to the right making him 2 for 3. After the interception, Shaun Suisham immediately came out and made his third field goal of the night.

We did have our first lead in a game all year going up 10-0 early but that lead was quickly relinquished and we lost 16-13 in overtime. Some might say we looked better than we have lately, but I'd say the Steelers and the field made us look better than we are. Next week we take on the Cincinnati Bengals at home. I'm expecting another loss but hey, I'm still rooting for them!

Players of the Game

Chiefs

Offense: Jamaal Charles - After just 5 carries against the Raiders, Charles looked healthy and quick. He had 23 carries for 100 yards and scored a touchdown. He was the main source of the little offense that we had and he actually held onto the ball this week. I hope we continue to give him the carries he deserves.

Defense: Derrick Johnson - If DJ doesn't make the pro-bowl this year it will be a shame. He is the only consistent linebacker we have at the moment and he is playing like a bonafide stud. He had 12 tackles Monday (by far the most on the team) and did a lot of it on his own. A linebacker needs help from his defensive line almost all the time, to keep the offensive line from reaching his level, but there were multiple times where he was just too athletic to be blocked by the Steeler's o-line. He continues to impress me weekly.

Steelers: Shaun Suisham - The kicker gets some credit this week. He was 3 for 3 on the sloppy field. Even though none of them were very far, with the farthest one being a 35-yarder, he was still dependable. His dependability turned out to the the difference in the game after Succop went 2 for 3 in the same conditions.

Unfamiliar Territory

Woah!!! We have a lead! I just wanted to take the extra time and make a completely separate post to bring special attention to the first lead the Chiefs have had all week. It is now week 10 and we are 1-7. It's been a pathetic season and this game against the Steelers is probably one that we will probably not win but this gives me something to be excited about. After our first drive of the game we look like a real NFL team. We drove down the field with passes, runs, and play action and scored. Now I've got to get back to the game!

Week 8 - Still Behind

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DC Game Plan

I've been on vacation the last few days in Washington DC and even with all the history around me I still found time to think about football, as always. The Washington Redskins are buzzing all over town which surprised me since the more successful Ravens are actually just as close to DC as the Skins are. I was confused until I started looking around and talking to people wearing football apparel.

The answer was simple. RGIII. With the drafting of a superstar in Robert Griffin III Washington has not only immediately improved their team, with the addition of a better quarterback, they have also made their team a more desirable destination for free agents. When free agents, especially offensive players, look at the Chiefs I would imagine they have to say to themselves, "They don't have a QB that can get me the ball or make me look better." I'm surprised Dwayne Bowe was interested in signing a contract with the Chiefs this season and with Cassel or Quinn at the helm I don't think anyone would be interested in signing here.

Drafting an exciting and young quarterback is a very risky and inaccurate science. I know that. But, at some point you have to give it a shot, if not as an attempt to improve your team, at least for the fans' sake. Fans need something to be excited about and look forward to. If they don't get that eventually they will lose faith in the team and quit supporting them, further damaging their image to the rest of the league.

I don't have much faith in this class of quarterbacks in 2013. After Matt Barkley and Geno Smith I don't think any quarterback in college football will make an impact in the NFL. Colin Klein is the next Tim Tebow, Landry Jones gets worse every year, and Tajh Boyd, Logan Thomas, and Tyler Wilson are just not ready for the next level. Aaron Murray could be a surprise much like Andy Dalton but I'm not sure about him yet. I'm sure people disagree with me but I just don't think any of them are ready for the NFL. If we don't get a top three pick I don't see the Chiefs getting a quality QB.

I don't know where the future lies for the Chiefs at quarterback but this week against the Raiders Brady Quinn will start. This will be a rough season for KC.

QB Battle

Matt Cassel has been cleared by team doctors for full contact practice this week. As the team heads into their bye week he and Brady Quinn will both be getting reps with the starters. Head coach, Romeo Crennel, has left the door open for either quarterback to start against the Raiders in week eight. With the Raiders coming to town, I see a team that is very beatable. I sincerely hope that one of them steps up and take hold of the job because I don't know a single team that has had a quarterback controversy during the season and has been successful (ex: Jets, Eagles, Cardinals). If you don't know who's leading your offense, it's hard to move forward with your game plan. No matter how good the rest of your team is, a defined leader is a must have for you to win games. We can run the ball all we want, but without a QB that can convert on third down every once in awhile or a defense like the 2000 Baltimore Ravens, you won't get very far. 

Cassel gives us the best chance to win. He is the best QB on our roster (sadly). I could be wrong, but I doubt it. I want a decision to be made this week and I don't want the controversy to continue any further. The coaching staff has to make the decision and stick with it because if a coach doesn't trust his leader, why would he trust himself? This is a vital week for the team.

Who will win? Vote on the new poll!

Week 6 - Happy Now?

I hope all the Matt Cassel haters are pleased with the game this weekend. I hope everyone realizes now that Brady Quinn is not capable of leading the Chiefs anywhere. Last week I pointed out that Brady Quinn had a career quarterback rating of 67.3. That's bad. This week he played even worse than he normally does with a 48.1 rating and a total QBR of 15.7 (50 is average). I can't put all the blame for our loss this week on Quinn though. There weren't many bright spots for the whole team.

Our running game was stagnant, our passing game was far too simplistic, and the defense got burnt all day. This week was the lowest total of rushing yards all season with just 80, averaging only 2.7 yards per carry. The passing game consisted of safe and easy throws averaging just 4.7 yards per attempt. In contrast, the Bucs averaged 12.6 yards per attempt. Tampa Bay came into this game averaging by far the most yards per completion in the NFL. I'm not sure what the defensive backs saw on film this week, but they allowed big play, after big play all game. We looked unprepared in every aspect of the game in a 38-10 loss.

The offense couldn't score a touchdown but the special teams came through with a score of their own on a ridiculous looking play that brought back memories of the Super Bowl VII Garo Yepremien mishap. I'm not sure how to explain it so take a look at the video.

Players of the Game
Chiefs
Offense: Nate Eachus - While he didn't really do anything spectacular, neither did the rest of the team. He finally got a couple carries and made the most of them as well as grabbing a 19 yard reception down the middle of the field.
Defense: Derrick Johnson - The pro-bowler played like one this week with 12 tackles. The next highest total for the Chiefs was Eric Berry with just 4. He seems to be the only defender that can be consistently counted on.

Buccaneers: Mike Williams - He had only 4 receptions but they were all bombs. He ended the game with 113 yards (28.3 yard average) and a touchdown. Even when he was covered well he went up over the Chiefs' corners to make the catch.

Week 5 - Headlines

The Chiefs have been in headlines this week for all the wrong reasons. In the last two games we have turned the ball over TEN times, coming to a league-leading, grand total of 19 giveaways in just five games. Some teams will only turn the ball over around twenty times all season and we're now on pace to have over 60. While the offense is clearly struggling, most fans want to blame it all on Matt Cassel. While Cassel has thrown nine interceptions (only around half of which weren't bobbled by his receivers), we also have ten fumbles, which is by far the most in the NFL.

While I may not be a Matt Cassel fan, necessarily, I don't think he is the reason we are losing games. While he is not a stud quarterback by any means, I absolutely, let me repeat, absolutely do not think that Brady Quinn is a better option. Over the last five seasons Cassel has averaged 210.74 yards per game. That is far from upper echelon but a good number for the "game manager" that he has always been. He has also averaged just over two interceptions per game over that period. He does just enough to keep you in every game with an 81.1 quarterback rating. Brady Quinn, who hasn't played in a regular season game since 2009, has a career quarterback rating of 67.3 and averages just 128.9 yards per game. He has almost thrown an interception for every touchdown he's thrown with ten scores and nine turnovers. In comparison, Cassel has thrown 81 touchdowns and thrown just 54 interceptions. It is absolutely ludicrous to think that Brady Quinn has somehow shown that he is a more viable option to lead this team. To the fans saying "well we might as well give him a chance" take a look at his past. His former teams have chosen, Seneca Wallace, Colt McCoy, Jake Delhomme, Bruce Gradkowski, Ken Dorsey, Derek Anderson and even Tim Tebow as their starters over Quinn. Most people haven't even heard of most of them and there's a reason for that. Even with all of the evidence available for them, fans actually cheered when Matt Cassel was injured, lying motionless on the ground for minutes. It was pathetic and disgusting that fans actually cheered about a player being injured. Right tackle, Eric Winston, had a message for the fans about what they had done.

While this was what most of the media got from the game, there was actual play going on, on the field. The defense held a high powered Ravens offense to just nine points and had the best game they played all season. I think that the Ravens are one of the best teams in the AFC this year with a great defense, as always, and an improved offense that will lead them into the playoffs. In my eyes, a 9-6 loss to one of the best teams in the league was actually encouraging, especially when we had four turnovers. This year's offensive line looked dominant. Since the 2003 season our line has looked pathetic until now. Even against a defense like the Raven's they were able to give Jamaal Charles room to accumulate 162 total yards. If our offensive line and defense play this well all season we'll have a chance. If not, and Quinn plays as bad as I expect he will, expect a top three draft pick.

Players of the Game
Chiefs
Offense: Eric Winston - Not only did he stick up for his team after the game, he handled future pro-bowler Haloti Ngata for most of the game and led a MUCH improved offensive line to open up holes for Jamaal Charles all game.
Defense: Justin Houston - Just another very impressive game from the second year outside linebacker. Two more sacks brought his total to six (half a sack more than last season after just five games).

Ravens: Ray Rice - The running back had a good game, carrying the uncharacteristically unproductive offense for the day and sealing the game for them on a third down carry, diving for the last yard he needed. He always impresses me with how fast he gets through even the smallest holes.

Week 4 - Pre-Game Popcorn

For those of you who have never carried a football, there's more to it than you think. You don't, or at least shouldn't, just put it in your arm and run. There's a technique that is taught to most running backs and receivers at a very young age. 

This is how the ball should be held when running in the open field:

Compliments of rankopedia.com

This is how the ball is held by every Chiefs' running back, with the exception of Nate Eachus (who rarely gets a chance to carry the ball):

Compliments of The Wichita Eagle

For some, the difference may not be visible. For others, it's glaring. In four games, the Chiefs have managed to turn the ball over FIFTEEN times. The seven interceptions Matt Cassel has thrown in four games is the same as the number of interceptions Aaron Rodgers threw in four times as many games last year, but I don't believe that's the main reason we're losing games. The most crucial part of the game takes place inside the ten yard line. Whether you are backed up against your own end zone, or you are about to score, those are crucial moments in any game. In those moments, almost every team is careful with the ball, counting on the running game to move the ball. In the Chiefs' case, however, that has turned out to to be even more dangerous than putting it in the air. EIGHT fumbles have caused the opponent to win in those crucial moments of the game. 

In the picture of Jamaal Charles above, you can see the ball resting against his forearm, and moving with his arms as they pump. This would be an acceptable technique if he were in the open field, and sure there were no defenders around him. In this picture he isn't even past the line of scrimmage and will be hit soon. That is lazy and poor execution of a technique he was probably taught at the age of five or six. The little things win ball games. Being lazy and not doing them is a sure way to embarrass your team by handing the ball to the opponent.

The first picture is of Tiki Barber, former running back for the New York Giants. Early in his career he led the NFL in fumbles almost every season. Eventually, his coach, Tom Coughlin, told him that if it didn't change, he'd find himself on the bench. He famously changed his technique to what is pictured and for the rest of his career he was last in the league in fumbling the ball. In the picture of Charles, even a middle schooler could take that ball from him. All it takes, when cradling the ball, is a slight hit (much less than the average NFL player is capable of delivering) to dislodge the ball. With Tiki Barber's technique, the is no place for the ball to squirt out. A player has to physically pull it from your arms, which can happen still, but RARELY.

It may seem like I haven't the game much, but the game mostly consisted of us turning the ball over to the Chargers. Coming into the game the Chiefs had averaged the most yards per game in the entire NFL, but six turnovers is too much for any team to overcome, no matter how bad the other team plays. The Chargers didn't do anything very well on offense as pro-bowler, Phillip Rivers, threw for only 206 yards, but that's because they didn't have to. KC handed the ball over in their own territory giving the defense no chance to keep San Diego from scoring. 

This week we played sloppy football. There was very little effort put forth and we didn't take care of the ball. The players should be embarrassed by the show they put on for their home fans. The Chargers scored at will and laughed their way back home with a 37-20 victory and first place in the division.

Players of the Game:

Chiefs 

Defense: Tamba Hali - He finally looked like the old Tamba. He looked strong, man handling offensive linemen. He made plays in the backfield and looked close to what he was last year. He had five tackles, two in the backfield, and one sack.

Offense: Dwayne Bowe - Matt Cassel looked for him on almost every play. He targeted Bowe twelve times (seven more than any other receiver) and they connected on seven of them for 108 yards and a touchdown. He was the only player that looked dominant for the Chiefs, winning every one-on-one battle with the San Diego corners (when Cassel could get the ball somewhere close to him).

Chargers

Antonio Gates - The eight-time pro-bowler looked like the seasoned veteran that he is. Romeo Crennel thought that the athletic Eric Berry would be able to neutralize Gates and had him cover him on-on-one for the entire first half. In the first half, Gates was thrown to five times, and embarrassed Berry on every one of them. He caught three of the passes thrown his way for over 70 yards. The only passes that weren't completed were because Berry attempted to mug him and was called for pass interference. It really emphasized that experience and wisdom will beat youth and athleticism every time.

Week 3 - Irrelevant

The Chiefs did exactly what they had to do to beat the New Orleans Saints this week. In my prediction, I said that in order for them to keep the game close they would need to get pressure on Drew Brees, force him to turn the ball over, and run the ball successfully. They did all three, and they were able to run the ball so well that they were able to pull out a tightly contested overtime game.

The pressure up the middle disrupted Brees' timing. Since he's so short he was forced out of the pocket where he either was caught and sacked or had to throw the ball away. After a first drive in which the Saints averaged over ten yards per play, the defense tightened up and, for the most part, neutralized the big plays.

While Romeo had the defense doing its thing the offense was struggling to find big plays just like New Orleans. At the half the Saints led 10-6 with Succop providing the two field goals needed to keep the game close.

In the second half the Chiefs found their source of big plays. After rushing for three yards on six carries last week, Jamaal Charles had a breakout week, reminding people of his 2010 campaign. The former Texas track star sliced through holes hard and fast and when he got into the open he used that track speed well. He ran for 233 yards and also had 55 yards receiving and a touchdown.

The defense was impressive in the second half. An interception by the newly acquired Stanford Routt (our first of the season) halted what looked like a scoring drive, and the emergence of the young Justin Houston was a huge bright spot. Houston accounted for three of the team's four sacks on the day, including one safety that completely flipped the momentum of the game and brought the game within a field goal.

After Mr. Irrelevant, Succop, kicked his fifth field goal in regulation the game was tied entering overtime. After a few drives by both teams, that all resulted in punts, the Chiefs finally got back into field goal range. Mr. Irrelevant put his sixth three-pointer through the uprights for the win as the Chiefs finally got their first win and handed the Saints their third "bounty era" loss.

Players of the Game:

Chiefs
Offense - Jamaal Charles. He looked fast, quick, and determined after a feeble effort against the Bills. He accounted for 288 total yards and the Chiefs only touchdown (a 91 yard run) as we relied heavily on Succop and the defense for the rest of our scoring.
Defense - Justin Houston. The second year outside linebacker had a breakout game with three sacks and a safety. Drew Brees felt him all day.

Saints
Darren Sproles - The little, big play machine, was just that for the Saints. He had two long kick returns, as well as two long runs and a few short receptions. He always seems to be there when he's needed.

Week 2 - Embarrassing

First of all, I apologize for not making my prediction for the game this week. Rest assured there will be one this week.

However, it's a good thing I didn't make a prediction because I would have be completely incorrect. After watching the Buffalo Bills get torched by a Jet's team, who's biggest off-season acquisition was a punt protector, I was expecting the Chiefs who, on paper, have a MUCH better offense to do the same. I don't mean to be a pessimist but there was literally not a single encouraging thing that happened in the game.

The offensive line couldn't block which meant we couldn't run or throw the ball. After a fairly impressive week one, Jamaal Charles had just three yards on six carries. Some people may say, "But Matt Cassel threw for over 300 yards and had two touchdowns!" While the numbers may look decent, the performance was not at all. Most of that yardage and both touchdowns came against the NFL equivalent of the Bills' JV team. Not only did we not perform but Kevin Boss, who seemed to have a connection with Cassel, and Jamaal Charles left the game with injuries. Charles play sporadically when needed but Boss was not able to return with an apparent head injury.

Two of the three starters that were out last week (Brandon Flowers, Tamba Hali, and Kendrick Lewis) returned in week two. Brandon Flowers played okay, only allowing one catch over ten yards, but Tamba Hali's return was just sad. He was easily blocked and most of the time you weren't even aware he was on the field. With Lewis still out Abram Elam started again, and once again disappointed with his coverage skills, especially in the red zone. Everyone played poorly, but one person stood out to me. Derrick Johnson, my favorite defensive player for the Chiefs, looked pathetic. He got driven backwards by offensive linemen multiple times, failing to get off of blocks, and leaving huge holes in the second level of the D. I expect a much better game from him next week.

The Bills ran over, around, and through us all day with a backup running back. With pro-bowler Fred Jackson injured CJ Spiller came in for the second week in a row and embarrassed the Chiefs. He had 170 total yards and two touchdowns, mostly in the first half. The final score was 35-17 but anyone watching knows it was much worse than the final indicates.

Players of the Game :

Bills: CJ Spiller - The backup had 170 total yards and was most of the Bill's offense, accounting for their first two touchdowns and a deflated Chiefs defense.

Chiefs: Peyton Hillis - Since I have to pick someone I guess I'll pick him. While he didn't have great stats he did have one run that impressed me in particular. He ran over Terrence McGee and almost took his helmet off twice with two violent stiff-arms. I love his toughness and violence he runs with even if it only gains eight yards.

Week 1 - Firepower

The Atlanta Falcons' offense will be one of the top five offenses in the NFL this season. While the Chiefs may have been missing several key defensive players (Kendrick Lewis, Brandon Flowers, and Tamba Hali) the Falcons torched our D through the air in the first half, and in the second half just did whatever they wanted. 

We put up a pretty good fight in the first half with Jamaal Charles ripping off a couple long runs and Matt Cassel looking like he did when he played for the Patriots, slinging the ball around finding multiple receivers all over the field. The biggest surprise in the game to me was Dexter McCluster. Cassel and "Run DMC" seemed to have found a connection over the offseason as he looked for him anytime he was in trouble. That seemed to be a good idea because McCluster came up clutch on third down several times, breaking tackles and juking defenders, doing whatever he had to do, to get the first down.

The second half was a whole different story. The offense stalled, not only losing the ability to move the ball, but all also losing the ability to take care of the ball. Cassel turned the ball over three times with two picks and a fumble. The Falcons took advantage of them scoring points off of all them. 

Any Chiefs fan that watched the Mizzou game the day before saw almost two identical performances from their Missouri teams. Both held their own against a superior team until it was crunch time. The better team is always decided late in games. The Falcons hopefully gave the Chiefs a wake-up call with a 40-24 shellacking. 

Preseason Week 4 - Smashmouth

The starters for both the Chiefs and Packers only played a few drives but it did show me a little bit of what I think we've been lacking in recent years. When looking at some of the best teams in the NFL over the past 50 years like the 49ers, Steelers, and recently the Ravens, you notice one thing: they won't back down from anyone. They look to impose their will both offensively and defensively and, most of the time, do just that.

Last night the Chiefs started the game with 9 consecutive running plays from three different running backs. After two first downs the drive eventually stalled and ended with a field goal but seeing the prospective "thunder and lightning" idea play out as planned was nice to see. Jamal Charles put his speed on display after returning from tearing his ACL last year was encouraging, and watching Peyton Hillis run through and over defenders provided the old school feel.

As if seeing the White Rhino (Hillis) truck people wasn't refreshing enough, seeing Nate Eachus continue what he started last week just added to my excitement. Last week I commented that Eachus may struggle to make the final roster of 53 players but this week it seemed that he was the third string running back and had a good chance of not only making the team, but playing in the regular season.

I hope that what we saw out of the Chiefs continues over the course of the season, because I think the ability to impose your will on the other team is a very important aspect of almost every good team in the NFL. When a team can consistently challenge your defense by running the ball down your throat it's very hard to not get demoralized. If it does continue, which would be harder against a better run defense like the Broncos, I think we have a decent chance of winning our division in 2013.

Preseason Week 3 - Game of Inches

In the Chiefs third preseason game they showed flashes of what the team should be built on, as well as a lot of what has kept them from being consistent and winning a playoff game since 1993. Bad field position was the main culprit tonight. It seemed like the Seahawks started every drive on their own forty leaving the defense helpless with its back almost immediately against the red zone.

The first quarter was pathetic offensively but fairly impressive defensively considering how often and quickly they were on the field. The first drive set the tone for the rest of the night with three consecutive negative plays, including a sack on third down, followed by a punt from inside their own 20. Anytime you find yourself punting from there you're inevitably going to give the other team the advantage. As a defensive player myself, I know that it is hard to stay in the mindset of keeping them from scoring when they only need 20 to 30 yards to be in field goal range. However, the defense did do a good job in the first quarter, allowing only two mid-range 3 pointers. The offense had only 3 yards.

The second quarter saw the momentum shift as the defense became visibly gassed, which lead to some embarrassingly undiciplined play. Rookie QB Russell Wilson took advantage of the D completely losing containment with 31 and 27 yard runs on back-to-back drives. The exhaustion became very clear as - after some shoddy tackling on a run by rookie Robert Turbin (93 yards and a TD) - Wilson rushed them to the line and found a wide open Kellen Winslow in the end zone. The Chiefs looked lost and ready to get off the field. The very next drive was more of the same with two roughing the passer penalties on Tamba Hali and three long passes. With the exception of one long drive, on which Cassel methodically moved the team down the field with short completions. The offense was mostly to blame for the performance of both themselves and the defense with only 102 yards.

At the half, the game was already decided and following a fumble and interception from Cassel on the first two drives, and a terrible first drive by the defense the backups entered. Anyone watching the game learned a new name in Nate Eachus. While he may struggle to make the final cut down to 53 players next week he was the only shining star in this game. In the backfield he ran hard and finished every run right with two hands on the ball and his pads down. He ended the game with 98 yards and a touchdown right before time expired with a final score of 44 to 14. While we are deep at the running back position, I would be disappointed to see him go. As he jogged to the sideline and sat on the bench, you could see the excitement and it looked like that was one of the greatest moments of his life.

Follow him on twitter @Nate_Eachus

Picture by standardspeaker.com