Kansas City Chiefs: Week Eleven Report Card

 

Surprise!  Kansas City is here to contend.  It is only one win.  No, wait, it’s two wins in a row…isn’t that, dare I say it?  A winning streak!? 

While the Pittsburgh Steelers were hampered as the heart of their defense, safety Troy Polomalu sat out due to injury, it was still clear that no one believed the Chiefs had a chance to win against the reigning Super Bowl Champions.

With a large number of Steeler fans in attendance at Arrowhead Stadium, it was those who dawn the red and gold and attend week-after-week who cheered on a Ryan Succop game-winning field goal in overtime. 

Here’s how the grades shake out:

 

Pass Offense: B

It is easy to be torn here as quarterback Matt Cassel’s performance was far from “lights out,” but plays were made when it mattered most.

Cassel’s inaccuracy and tendency to hold the ball too long continue to be a problem for the Kansas City pass offense. 

Once receiving a fresh set of downs inside the Pittsburgh ten, the goal-to-go situation was marginalized as Cassel, with time to throw, took a sack on third down and the team settled for a field goal. 

Cassel’s completion percentage is hovering in the low fifties and when you get knocked down as much as he does, every throw that gets out of his hands counts. 

However, key elements of a great passing game made themselves present. 

It is exciting to see head coach and offensive coordinator Todd Haley willing to air-it-out on first down.  The Chiefs took a number of shots downfield. 

The passing game was also clutch, as wide receiver Chris Chambers made the big play in overtime to set up the 22 yard Succop kick. 

Chris Chambers has made his presence known quickly, Lance Long has fast become a local favorite, and Bobby Wade gives a viable threat to make clean catches and potentially break long runs.  Even with Dwayne Bowe suspended, this passing offense has potential to be more than respectable.

 

Run Offense: B

Larry who?  Fans hope this question can be raised on a weekly basis. 

With Haley finally giving running back Jamaal Charles the duties of a featured role, the running back has responded by playing hard and doing the small things. 

Oh yeah, the guy also had a 97 yard kickoff return for a touchdown, but that’s special teams. 

Charles is not the biggest back, weighing less than 200 pounds, but he runs with authority and finishes runs.  He may not run a linebacker over, but multiple times you saw him bounce off of a hit, keep his feet, and head back up field. 

The most exciting thing about Charles (aside from pure speed) is his patience in letting holes develop and finding how to exploit what the defense gives him.  He is reminiscent of Priest Holmes in that he shouldn’t simply be sent into the teeth of the defense down after down, but on offense certainly doesn’t feel confined to running perimeter run plays. 

Charles is showing surprising versatility and will be a spark plug in this offense for seasons to come.  Next, it would just be nice to see a couple 100 yard games and some great short-yardage runs.

 

Pass Defense: B+

Quick note: Cornerback Brandon Flowers can teach linebackers in this league how to tackle.  Every Pop Warner coach in America would do well to sit their athletes in front of game footage of Flowers. 

Kansas City got gashed for a number of yards, but came up clutch as they helped the offense earn 10 points off two clutch interceptions.

In the absence of Mike Vrabel, it was the former Division III college athlete, Andy Studebaker, who filled in as an outside linebacker and made his presence known. 

I highlighted Studebaker as a player to watch during Kansas City’s preseason, although primarily for his abilities as a pass rusher, but in this game it was Studebaker who caught both interceptions. 

One came by plucking the ball out of the air and the other came as Pittsburgh quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger threw it right to Studebaker who was playing his zone.  Neither was particularly spectacular, but there’s a lot to be said for playing one’s defensive assignment. 

He was in position to make the plays because the defensive coordinator called a play that put him in position to capitalize.  That kind of smart play can lead to more big plays than simply exceptional athletic ability.  However, anyone who saw Studebaker outrun Steelers receiver Santonio Holmes after a pick knows the guy isn’t lacking speed. 

KC’s pass rush struggled until the fourth quarter, when they came alive, sparked by a Mike Brown sack that came on a safety blitz.

 

Run Defense: C+

Good, but not great. 

Ron Edwards is showing some strong push from the nose tackle position and works well with the tandem of youngsters on the ends, Glenn Dorsey and Tyson Jackson.  However, the Chiefs would be well-served to find a premiere run-stuffing nose tackle that would allow players like Dorsey to utilize their big-bodied athleticism. 

With converted defensive ends like Tamba Hali playing outside linebacker there should be more complicated blitz schemes to confuse an offensive line with than simply sending the outside linebacker from the edge. 

If at least two members of an offensive line are required to occupy a premiere nose tackle, gaps are likely to open up and exploit with some unique zone-blitzes.

 

Special Teams: A

Why isn’t this an A+? 

Succop was a perfect two for two on field goals, including the game winner.  He booted kickoffs for touchbacks.  Punter Dustin Colquitt gave his normal pro bowl caliber performance, forcing fair catches inside Pittsburgh’s own twenty.  The return game even showed up, providing the first score of the game with a 97 yard kickoff return for six. 

So why only an A?  Kick coverage has big room for improvement as Steelers’ return man, Stefan Logan, had too many returns that swallowed up big chunks of yards.

 

Play of the game:

With the Steelers threatening to turn the game into a one-sided affair, passing in a goal-to-go situation, Andy Studebaker intercepted Ben Roethlisberger just inside his own end zone and streaked down the sideline with Brandon Flowers in stride to help block pursuing defenders, the outside linebacker rumbled all the way to inside the Pittsburgh ten, turning the tables on the Super Bowl champs.  

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Kansas City Chiefs-Pittsburgh Steelers: Three Key Matchups for Sunday

The Kansas City Chiefs and the Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off of very different 2008 seasons. 

The Steelers, of course, were the Super Bowl Champions, whereas Kansas City finished with only two wins and their second consecutive top-five pick in the draft.  A dichotomous matchup between these two teams takes place in week 11 of the NFL season. 

The Steelers have “struggled” to a mark of 6-3, in a relative downward spiral from their place atop the NFL.  It would be nice to say the Chiefs are also moving in the opposite direction from last year. However, Kansas City mirrors last year’s record with only two wins. 

Despite the hoopla surrounding the “Pittsburgh collapse,” and the flurry of commotion regarding the upheaval of the Chiefs organization, this is still a matchup of an elite NFL team versus a basement dweller. 

Despite the difference in talent between these two teams, there are still some intriguing matchups that might play a factor if a major upset is in the works.

 

Brandon Flowers-Hines Ward

Neither of these players is the most physically gifted, meaning, neither of these players would blow someone’s socks off with eye-popping combine numbers. 

Chiefs cornerback Brandon Flowers saw his value drop in the draft due to a poor 40-time and Steelers receiver Hines Ward is never in a conversation of the fastest receivers in the league. However, both are arguably among the premiere players at their respective positions. 

Ward established himself long ago as a crafty, savvy veteran who exceeds the expectations of him merely based on a physical examination.  The former Super Bowl MVP is the Steelers all time leader in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. 

Flowers is a youngster who is quickly making a name for himself.  Flowers has hung with the speedsters like Darrius Heyward-Bey of the Raiders and is an exceptional open-field tackler.  He is emerging as a potential lock-down corner that may see several Pro Bowls in his future. 

Flowers’ seemingly sub-par speed means he exceeds as a student of the game and the almost intellectual matchup with Ward may prove a lesson for Flowers, who hopes to show he is ready to be more teacher than student. 

 

Ben Roethlisberger’s Tendency to Hold on to the Ball too Long-The Struggling Kansas City Pass Rush

Pittsburgh’s quarterback is a big man.  Ben Roethlisberger, or Big Ben, stands at 6’5″, 241 pounds.  He is known for his ability to tear away from many would-be tacklers, which seems to inflate his confidence in holding the ball, to let plays further develop in the secondary. 

Kansas City has seen mild improvement in their pass rush, but improvement doesn’t say much, as last year the Chiefs set an NFL record for fewest sacks in a season. Still, with Roethlisberger’s tendency to hold on to the ball, Kansas City may have an opportunity to add to their total of 12 sacks on the year.

 

Matt Cassel-The Steelers Defense Sans Troy Polomalu

Troy Polomalu, a safety out of USC, has made five consecutive Pro Bowls and is considered the best in the league at his position. 

A Steelers defense without Polomalu, is like the Colts offense losing Peyton Manning.  Polomalu’s presence, or lack thereof, cannot be overemphasized. 

In recent weeks, Kansas City quarterback Matt Cassel has been given more time to stand in the pocket and make plays.  Despite the fact that number one receiver Dwayne Bowe is out of the game because of suspension, Kansas City has accumulated a varied body of pass catching weapons. Without having to face Polomalu, Kansas City’s best chance to hang with the reigning Super Bowl champs may be through the air.  

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Kansas City-Oakland: If You Build It, They Will Run

An eye-for-an-eye, going blow-for-blow, what goes-around-comes-around.

All are slogans that surmise the season series between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Oakland Raiders.   

Slain by the big play too many times this season, it appeared the Chiefs would fall victim to the bad habit yet again in week 10. 

Oakland went 70 yards on four plays that included a 60-yard run by Michael Bush.  This was answered by a 44 yard scamper for a touchdown by Chiefs back Jamaal Charles, for the team’s first rushing touchdown of the year. 

These big plays aside, the Chiefs simply outplayed the Raiders and didn’t shoot themselves in the foot, despite three turnovers.  The season series is split 1-1, both winning on the opposing team’s turf.

For an analysis, here’s what jumps out:

 

Jamaal Charles looks like an upgrade from Larry Johnson

Charles played a key role in several Kansas City firsts for the season.  He scored the team’s first rushing touchdown, notched the team’s first 100-plus yard rushing performance (the second of his career), all on the way to aiding the team’s first victory within the AFC West.

As was anticipated, the back’s best runs came on extended plays to the outside, where if Charles can find a seam or hit the corner he is a threat to break the play for a touchdown. 

However, it was the speed and power with which Charles hit holes between the tackles that was surprising.  He showed an ability to fight for the hard yards, running with an authority that doesn’t match the player’s physical build. 

Most exciting is the patience Charles shows, reminiscent of Priest Holmes.  This is a weapon with a lot of potential who now has a regular opportunity to make plays as he did in week 10. 

 

The football Gods aligned the cosmos

Twice, plays were not overturned in favor of the Chiefs. 

The first was a Mark Bradley catch and run on 3rd-and-23 where Bradley dove and extended the ball to earn the first.  In a call the commentators disagreed with, the referees upheld the ruling on the field of being just short, forcing a punt. 

Late in the fourth, with Oakland driving and looking to tie the game, or win given the extra point, Oakland’s number one pick of 2009, Darrius Heyward-Bey, caught a 22-yard pass tiptoeing to stay inbounds. 

Again, the controversial play fell in favor of the Raiders after review.  Any Chiefs fan watching the game will adamantly insist the play was out-of-bounds. 

Yet if you subscribe to the idea of the football Gods, NFL equilibrium was achieved as Heyward-Bey would juggle the ball as he attempted to receive a pass on the very next play. 

Chiefs safety Mike Brown plucked the ball out of the air and wisely stepped out of bounds to seal the victory for the Chiefs.  

 

Matt Cassel will not win games for the Chiefs

This isn’t to say that with Cassel at quarterback the Chiefs are going to lose.  Rather, it has become increasingly clear that Cassel is not quite the savior of the franchise that many fans and commentators had hyped him to be this past offseason.

Cassel is more than a functional quarterback as at times he looks very good.  However, he has been given more time to throw these past two weeks and he is far from lighting it up. 

He throws his receivers jump balls that come in too low, hits running backs with bullets they can’t hold onto, and his accuracy is just a little off.

However, to learn this may be a relief as he can now be another piece of this team’s puzzle instead of having to be the cog upon which all things rely. 

Instead of a criticism, this truth can be seen as a step toward a cohesive team identity that fans hope will be synonymous with winning. 

In spite of all of this, it was enormously encouraging to see the Chiefs pass downfield on first down.

Where Cassel does shine is his knack for leadership both in the huddle and on the sideline. 

It’s clear that Cassel is physically tough with how many times he’s been hit this season, but enduring the barrage of criticisms and comments from head coach Todd Haley as he goes to the sideline has proven Cassel’s mental toughness as well.

 

Play of the game

Down by seven and with a 1st-and-10 at the Kansas City 26, Oakland was looking to potentially tie the game.  Bruce Gradkowski had replaced JaMarcus Russell at quarterback for the Raiders and had looked good at the helm of the silver and black’s offense. 

After hitting rookie receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey for a 22-yard gain on 3rd-and-1, Gradkowski looked to the receiver again. 

Heyward-Bey got open, but couldn’t receive the ball cleanly as he juggled the ball, which floated into the air and was grabbed as gently as a one might catch a falling baby by Chief’s safety Mike Brown to ensure a Kansas City win.

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Kansas City Chiefs Looking Ahead Post-Larry Johnson

What happened?

Unpopular, egomaniacal, and talented, such are the thoughts and perceptions of Larry Johnson as he departs Kansas City. 

To most Chiefs fans it appeared that Johnson never quite enjoyed playing in Kansas City.  Perhaps Kansas City was not the problem, as one can question if LJ truly enjoys the game of football.  Even when the media lauded LJ as being “good,” or, “quiet,” all this meant was a standoffish isolated player hadn’t spoken out brashly against his team or gotten in trouble with the law.

There is no shock in seeing LJ go.  In fact, the amount of attention garnered by a player who only played two strong seasons is pretty appalling. 

Looking to the future, Chiefs fans see some familiar faces in larger roles.

In Week Nine, head coach and offense coordinator Todd Haley split 12 carries among Jamaal Charles, Kolby Smith, and Dantrell Savage.  The Chiefs will utilize this three-man running back-by-committee of players 24 years of age or younger.

 

Who are these players?

Smith started six games as a rookie in 2007 and three games in 2008 before suffering an injury midseason.  He returned to the field last week and will enter the rotation at running back for the rest of 2009.  Smith’s numbers are suitable, but unflattering.

Savage beat out running back Jackie Battle in a preseason position battle to stay on the Kansas City roster.  The young, undrafted free agent out of Oklahoma State runs a little wild with a smaller frame, but has shown sparks with very limited touches this season and last.

Most promising in this rotation is Charles, a third round draft pick out of Texas a year ago.  An explosive speedster, Charles is the only back to find even moderate success behind Kansas City’s 2009 offensive line.  Entering Week Nine he was averaging over five yards per carry and he sported a six yard per carry average against the Jacksonville Jaguars this past Sunday.

 

Will the running backs be the neglected step children of the 53-man roster?

Haley openly chose to found this team’s offensive identity upon a bruising ground game.  With LJ gone this leaves only one running back over 200 pounds (Smith). 

Additionally, with newly acquired talent at wide receiver bursting onto the scene in the form of Chris Chambers in Week Nine (two touchdowns in his Kansas City debut) and Bobby Wade in Week Two (six catches, 72 yards in his red and gold debut), it’s hard for the Chiefs to ignore the potential for a potent passing attack.

Free agency has not provided the only boost to the receiving corps.  Lance Long was brought up from the practice squad and has made an impact quickly as a shifty underneath receiver.

Throw in the bullishly strong and highly talented Dwayne Bowe and there’s a formula for a respectable passing attack.

When LJ was on the team, he received an average of 18 carries per game.  Logic would say that the majority of those go to Charles, but in Week Nine, Haley handed the ball off only 12 times. 

Just because LJ is gone doesn’t mean the Chiefs can’t run the ball.  Quite frankly they couldn’t really run the ball with LJ on the team. 

It appears Haley is confused about how he would like to capitalize on the potential of the running backs currently on the roster. 

 

How do we play with these new toys?

Ever received a toy for Christmas as a child and been unable to decipher the instructions?  It wasn’t until the instructions were tossed aside and the toy rediscovered after some neglect that everything suddenly made sense. 

It appears Haley is undergoing the same kind of learning curve. 

Conventional wisdom says the goal is to get Charles into space and let him utilize his speed.  Stretch plays, screens, sweeps, and even motioning him out to receiver are all possibilities. 

However, critics continue to assert that Charles is not built to run between the tackles.  Although he looked pretty good doing so with limited opportunities in Week Nine, injury concerns are a bigger issue still than lack of performance.

In short yardage situations, including at the goal line, fans can expect to see Smith come in and fill a more familiar role.

Finally, Savage will likely provide breathers to both when needed.

For the time being it appears the trio of backs is undergoing the period of neglect mentioned in the Christmas scenario above.  A balanced attack being vital in the NFL, Haley will have no choice but to give these three the ball more often. 

 

Just an idea…

Commentators often spoke of how LJ was most effective with a fullback in the formation.  This is true of most featured backs.  However, with LJ gone, the team is not burdened to give itself away by showing a fullback every time the offense wants to run.

That said, some double running back formations can yield results.  Smith and Charles both having starting experience, and are reasonably proficient at pass protection.

The two have complimentary running styles and Charles in particular has strong receiving skills.  The two-back set puts defenses on their heels as they don’t know what type of play to expect (run or pass), what style of run they may face (power or speed), or even how the backs might be utilized as an offensive tool (pass protection or run a route). 

This potential for both confusing the defense and capitalizing on the skill sets of the players who now need to step up in Kansas City provides a strong argument that the Chiefs do not have to abandon the run game. 

In fact, there’s reason to hope it will be better than before.       

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Kansas City Chiefs vs. Jacksonville Jaguars: Three Key Matchups

 

The Kansas City Chiefs hope to leave the bitter taste of a 1-6 record in the rear view mirror as they come off their bye to face the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

The game provides a winnable matchup for Kansas City as the Jaguars have struggled to a record of 3-4.  The Jacksonville defense is not the force it has been throughout the franchise history.

Quarterback David Garrard needs to replicate his impressive numbers from 2007 where in 12 starts he only threw three interceptions.

 

Key Matchups:

Jamaal Charles vs. The Pressure of a Starting Role:

Kansas City’s third round pick in 2008 was a hurdler turned football running back: Jamaal Charles of the Texas Longhorns. 

An extraordinary talent who has been criticized as not having the physical build to handle the duties of a featured back, Charles will have a chance to show off with a larger role given to him as a result of the twitter fiasco surrounding Larry Johnson. 

He has a 5.3 career yards per carry average (this was the average ypc of his worst college season) and has maintained a 5.0 ypc average this season. 

Expect the Chiefs to adapt their running game to get Charles into space with more sweeps and stretch plays, as well as running back screens and motioning Charles out wide. 

There are lingering questions about Charles’ ability to run between the tackles, but he does bring less predictability to the lineup than the North-South-Smash-Football style of LJ.

 

Chris Chambers vs. Derek Cox:

Head coach and offensive coordinator Todd Haley starting making comments Wednesday that insinuated newly acquired wide receiver Chris Chambers would play against the Jags. 

To put some perspective on this, the same week wide receiver Bobby Wade was acquired he went on to post six catches for 72 yards against the Oakland Raiders. 

Kansas City’s No. 1 receiver, Dwayne Bowe, is sure to be covered by the Pro Bowl caliber Rashean Mathis, leaving whoever starts opposite Bowe matched up with rookie Derek Cox. 

The Jaguars rank 26th in the league in pass defense, allowing over 240 yards per game and have tallied only five sacks on the year.  The Chiefs need to take advantage. 

Chambers fits the physical mold of a true No. 2 receiver more than Wade, and if ready, Chambers allows Wade to play his more natural position of slot receiver (the role he played in the big game against Oakland).

 

Kansas City Defense vs. Maurice Jones-Drew:

It’s no secret that Jacksonville’s offense has been largely a one-man band.  MJD has met every expectation of him as he stepped into a starting role with Jacksonville’s release of Fred Taylor.  He boasts a 5.5 yards per carry average while running his way to 640 yards and 10 touchdowns. 

The 5’7” beast with the strong thighs of a powerful, yet nimble back will be given the rock repeatedly. 

Can the 3-4 defense of the Chiefs hold up? 

Thin at nearly every position, the Chiefs are particularly suspect at nose tackle where only Ron Edwards and Kenny Smith are in rotation. 

Smith saw his first football action since 2003 as he has struggled with injuries from then to present.  However, the ability of the nose tackle to clog the middle, freeing up the line backers to make tackles and shoot gaps in key in the 3-4 and will be vital to keeping MJD in check.

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Marcus Allen Declares Comeback in Light Of Larry Johnson Struggles

 

Many athletes have found it impossible to stay away from the sport they love.  Brett Favre is the most recent in a number of great athletes who have returned to the professional stage.  Floyd Mayweather came back to boxing, Michael Jordan returned to basketball and now Marcus Allen will dawn the football pads once again.

“Given the situation in Kansas City I just want to show that there are still classy athletes playing the game,” Allen said of returning to the Chiefs in obvious reference to the turmoil surrounding the Larry Johnson Twitter situation.

In fact, at age 49, not only is Allen pressing the boundaries of what an athlete can do, but is likely too old to be Internet savvy.  This is an asset, considering how many athletes stir controversy with the Twitter frenzy.

It is clear most consider Allen too old to be a factor, but he isn’t swayed.  Considered a short yardage and goal line specialist even into the twilight of his career, he is hoping to emulate the vampires of the “Twilight” movie series as he will try to showcase some eternal youth.

“I believe I can be a factor in more than just short yardage situations,” said the running back who has accumulated 123 touchdowns in his career, currently good for second all-time.

Allen has already won NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 1993 and could push to win the honor again.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2003, despite being nearly 50 years old, his skills and attitude will be a welcome addition to the Chiefs locker room.

Still, it may prove a struggle for Allen to even earn a spot on Todd Haley’s team.  

During Allen’s previous tenure with Kansas City the Chiefs won more games than any other NFL franchise.  The team won the AFC West three of Allen’s five seasons in KC, in ’93, ’95, and ’97. 

Can Marcus Allen bring back winning ways to Kansas City?  Time may—or may—not tell.  Considering we are near the end of October, it only seemed fair to play a trick by enticing fans with a possible treat.

Happy Halloween 

 

 

 

*all quotes in this article are purely fictional and do not express the views or opinions of Marcus Allen

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Kansas City Chiefs’ Week Seven Loss Is on Matt Cassel’s Shoulders

2+2=5? That is inaccurate.

Unfortunately, so is quarterback Matt Cassel.

It has been hard to criticize Cassel, who came into the season under scrutiny for being the beneficiary of a strong team and facing unrealistic expectations.  

He has played behind arguably the worst pass protection in the NFL. Prior to Week Seven, he had shown great improvisational ability when the pocket collapsed and thrown a fair number of touchdowns while keeping the interceptions down.

Week Seven showed a very different story. In fact, a weakness of Cassel’s game was put on spotlight. A problem overshadowed by other difficulties of the team has gathered glaring attention.

Cassel is not a very accurate thrower. 

While anyone looking at the box score of the Chief’s matchup with the San Diego Chargers can point to Cassel’s three interceptions and understand the lopsided score in the losing effort there are several other specific examples of lacking accuracy.

On one play running back Jamaal Charles motioned out of the backfield and acting as a wide receiver took off on a streak pattern. He outran the entire Charger defense for what should have been a significant gain, if not a touchdown, but Cassel threw the ball over the outside shoulder.

Charles had to turn his head blind to the ball to make try and make on a play on the ball that sailed out of bounds. One touchdown lost.

Another example is when wide receiver Bobby Wade came wide open on a wheel route. Coming behind the outside receiver from the slot, Wade found an open field in front of him. Cassel located the receiver but again pushed the bar too far outside. 

Wade made the catch but took himself out of bounds in doing so. An accurate pass would have hit Wade in stride, allowing him the opportunity to run wild down the right sideline. Two touchdowns lost. 

These examples perfectly illustrate the frustrations of head coach and offensive coordinator Todd Haley, who demands a great deal out of his quarterbacks. It’s clear Cassel is talented enough to make the correct reads with time, but he simply isn’t getting the ball there.

Crossing patterns have receivers stopping short to lunge at a ball thrown behind them. Overthrown seam routes mean tight ends and receivers not only have a difficult catch but leave themselves exposed to a monster hit. 

Unarguably, Cassel is the quarterback of this team and, given his monster contract, is likely the quarterback of the future. One can argue these misfires are the result of anticipating an oncoming hit from the pass rush as being knocked down is something Cassel has come to accept as normal. 

However, if, during the offseason, the offensive line is revamped, and Cassel is provided the help he needs to thrive, the young quarterback has to hold up his end of the bargain to keep his job.

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Kansas City Chiefs’ Week Seven Loss Is on Matt Cassel’s Shoulders

2+2=5? That is inaccurate.

Unfortunately, so is quarterback Matt Cassel.

It has been hard to criticize Cassel, who came into the season under scrutiny for being the beneficiary of a strong team and facing unrealistic expectations.  

He has played behind arguably the worst pass protection in the NFL. Prior to Week Seven, he had shown great improvisational ability when the pocket collapsed and thrown a fair number of touchdowns while keeping the interceptions down.

Week Seven showed a very different story. In fact, a weakness of Cassel’s game was put on spotlight. A problem overshadowed by other difficulties of the team has gathered glaring attention.

Cassel is not a very accurate thrower. 

While anyone looking at the box score of the Chief’s matchup with the San Diego Chargers can point to Cassel’s three interceptions and understand the lopsided score in the losing effort there are several other specific examples of lacking accuracy.

On one play running back Jamaal Charles motioned out of the backfield and acting as a wide receiver took off on a streak pattern. He outran the entire Charger defense for what should have been a significant gain, if not a touchdown, but Cassel threw the ball over the outside shoulder.

Charles had to turn his head blind to the ball to make try and make on a play on the ball that sailed out of bounds. One touchdown lost.

Another example is when wide receiver Bobby Wade came wide open on a wheel route. Coming behind the outside receiver from the slot, Wade found an open field in front of him. Cassel located the receiver but again pushed the bar too far outside. 

Wade made the catch but took himself out of bounds in doing so. An accurate pass would have hit Wade in stride, allowing him the opportunity to run wild down the right sideline. Two touchdowns lost. 

These examples perfectly illustrate the frustrations of head coach and offensive coordinator Todd Haley, who demands a great deal out of his quarterbacks. It’s clear Cassel is talented enough to make the correct reads with time, but he simply isn’t getting the ball there.

Crossing patterns have receivers stopping short to lunge at a ball thrown behind them. Overthrown seam routes mean tight ends and receivers not only have a difficult catch but leave themselves exposed to a monster hit. 

Unarguably, Cassel is the quarterback of this team and, given his monster contract, is likely the quarterback of the future. One can argue these misfires are the result of anticipating an oncoming hit from the pass rush as being knocked down is something Cassel has come to accept as normal. 

However, if, during the offseason, the offensive line is revamped, and Cassel is provided the help he needs to thrive, the young quarterback has to hold up his end of the bargain to keep his job.

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Kansas City Chiefs Get No Respect

“I tell ya I get no respect from anyone. I bought a cemetery plot. The guy said, ‘There goes the neighborhood!'” 

Now deceased, comedian Rodney Dangerfield gives Kansas City Chiefs fans a perspective to identify with. 

Following up on my gamecap coverage of our team’s first win, I found the KC Chief community flooded by articles not about the red and gold…well, a different red and gold, anyway.

The influx of new articles are solely about the Redskins.  Articles that mention the Chiefs in passing steal the headlines of our beloved community.

Those at Arrowhead care little about the future of Jim Zorn.  They wish not to point fingers at the Redskins organization.  Redskins owner Dan Snyder is not to “blame” for a Chiefs victory that other writers seem to deny could ever happen.

A Chiefs victory is not a sign of the apocalypse.

Let’s face facts.  The Chiefs won.  Fair and square, we beat another team just as we’ve been beaten so many times before this week.

However, one loss to Kansas City and it’s the downfall of an entire organization.  It’s not as if Washington is going to be washed into the ocean like the lost city of Atlantis. 

It’s tiring to see the accomplishment of breaking a nine-game losing streak dismissed as the embarrassing miscue of another struggling franchise. 

The focus of the media and our fellow bleacher creatures seems to be on the negative, the downfall of Washington. It’s time to embrace some positive, a Chiefs victory.  In a season where there may not be much positive to celebrate, the fans owe it to themselves to cherish Week 6.   

Good or bad, there are too many fans that will remain loyal to the Kansas City Chiefs. 

“My father had his own way of showing love. He always carried around the picture of the kid who came with his wallet.”

I will continue to wear my Chiefs jersey no matter how pretty or ugly things get.

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Kansas City Chiefs: So What If She Ain’t Pretty? (A Week 6 Love Story)

The Chiefs are kings of Missouri. 

No touchdown, no problem. Head coach/offensive coordinator Todd Haley, quarterback Matt Cassel, and general manager Scott Pioli, the new triumvirate in Kansas City, earned their first victory by beating the Washington Redskins 14-6. 

Game notes included, “one team earned a victory only because both teams can’t lose,” and, “KC blew key opportunities with great field position and a chance to take the lead late.”  However, since this is a joyous event for the deprived fans of the red and gold, this article will maintain a primarily positive tilt. 

A few facets of the game emerged as key to the win.

Where did this rushing attack come from?

Washington has struggled this year, but its run defense ranked fourth in the NFL coming into today’s game. The pricey acquisition of pro-bowl defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth has paid dividends. 

Haynesworth gave the Kansas City offense fits all day as viewers winced when running back Larry Johnson ran into the teeth of the Redskin’s defense. 

However, it was Johnson and the Chiefs’ offensive line that asserted themselves this week as LJ posted his best game of the season with 83 yards on 3.6 yards per carry average.  Not exceptional numbers, but the run game was potent in the first half and stayed steady through the second.

Where is the love?

Mr. Irrelevant, kicker Ryan Succop, was 4-for-4 on field goal attempts as he scored all but two of KC’s 14 points. Just for kicks (pun intended) let’s pose a question. Who has been a better draft pick, number three overall pick defensive end Tyson Jackson, or seventh rounder, number 256 overall, Succop?

Not to mention which player has a better cost to benefit ratio.

For anyone who argues that kickers are “supposed” to do their job, one needs only point to the end of the Ravens and Vikings game. Kickers are supposed to do their job the way Dwayne Bowe isn’t supposed to drop passes, but all is temporarily forgiven in the wake of a victory. 

If Tamba Hali didn’t already have a cool name, he has become nickname worthy.

In a brand new role, transitioning to an outside 3-4 linebacker from a 4-3 defensive end, Hali continues to be the pride of Liberia and a monster for the Chiefs.

Hali has matched his sack total of last season by earning his third of the year when he swung down Redskin quarterback Todd Collins for a safety to seal the victory.

Play of the game: Already up by three and looking to extend the lead with 1:47 left, Cassel hit playmaker wide receiver Dwayne Bowe on a quick slant on 2nd-and-14.  Bowe broke tackles and ran hard for a 32-yard gain. This type of “quick-hitter” is something the Chiefs need to do to fend off aggressive pass rushes and convert short yardage situations when the run game is getting stuffed. 

This play type has been seen before, but Bowe has had some drops running before he has the ball. The difficulty of bringing Bowe down and his ability to break tackles for additional yards is what makes these drops particularly devastating to witness.

The losing streak extending into last season will not reach double digits. Kansas City said nine consecutive losses is enough.  It’s time to start a winning streak next week against San Diego.  

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