Comparing this team to the 2003 squad.
 

It's a pretty good piece, and inspires an even better idea.

How does this team compare to the Trent Green 9-0 squad?

http://arrowheadaddict.com/2013/10/0...b_source=pubv1

The Kansas City Chiefs Then and Now: 2003 vs. 2013
By Jason Seibel
Oct 5th, 2013 at 8:00 am

The last time the Kansas City Chiefs were 4-0 was October 5, 2003. The team was made up of players who went by different names, but looking at that roster there were more similarities than one might think.

The team starts with a quarterback, and the guy leading the Chiefs that year was #10, Trent Green. Green is considered by many to be the best quarterback to head the Chiefs since Joe Montana wore #19 in Arrowhead. There are a lot of Chiefs fans in the Kingdom who would say that the Chiefs haven’t fielded a decent quarterback since Green called the signals in the BBQ City.

But, as history has a tendancy to do, the repeat is on. How much does this 2013 team have in common with the last, best team the Chiefs fielded?

Trent Green’s jersey still lives alive and well on Sundays at Arrowhead. But, how were his numbers? Currently Alex Smith is on pace to pass for 3828 yards, 28 TDs and 8 INTs. In the 2003 season, Green threw for 4039 yard, 24 TDs and 12 INTs. The similarities in the two QBs is uncanny. However, I’ve never heard Trent Green saddled with the moniker “game manager.” I didn’t hear the complaining from the Kingdom before or since about not “growing our own QB” when Green was brought to KC.

But, let’s not stop at the QB. Who was Trent throwing the ball to? The Chiefs leading receiver in 2003 (not named Tony Gonzalez) was Eddie Kennison. He caught 56 passes for 853 yards and five touchdowns. Right now, Dwayne Bowe is on target for 52 catches, 592 yards and 8 TDs. Those numbers are pretty close to the same.

Moving through the rest of the team, we see that 2003 Chiefs had a prolific punt/kick returner in the “X-Factor” Dante Hall. After Dexter McCluster’s huge, 89 yard punt return last Sunday against the New York Giants, he threw up the “X” as a show of respect. I got chills. Hall made the Pro Bowl and broke records in 2003. I’m not saying DMC is quite there yet, but the similarities are there.

Probably the biggest comparison that can be made between the two teams, is the guy playing running back. Ten years ago, the man lining up in the position was the future hall of famer, Priest Holmes. Holmes had a breakout year in 2003 rushing for 1420 yards on 320 attempts and scoring a ridiculous 27 TDs, which at the time was the single season record. But, that’s not all he did. He also led all receivers in catches with 74 out of the backfield and added 690 yards to his “from scrimmage” total bringing his total offensive production to 2110. Oddly, Priest had no TD receptions in 2003.

When looking at the Chiefs current running back, Jamaal Charles, I see a lot of Holmes in him. The two are quite different runners, but the way they are utilized in the offense is similar. JC is on target for 280 carries and 1156 yards on the ground as well as 92 receptions and 852 yards through the air. As far as scoring goes, Charles is on target for 16 total TDs, eight on the ground and eight on receptions. The numbers are eerily similar to those posted by Holmes during his epic 2003 season.

The final similarity between the current Chiefs and their counterparts ten years in the past is the coach. Both were successful coaches for the Philadelphia Eagles, and both led their teams to the Superbowl only to lose. As yet another tie between these two teams, current head coach Andy Reid called former coach Dick Vermeil about the Kansas City Chiefs job shortly after it was offered to him. The two coaches had known each other for years and it makes the similarities all too close.

For those of you who remember, the Chiefs went 9-0 that season before being knocked off their pedestal in Week 11 against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Chiefs dropped three of their last seven games before facing the Indianapolis Colts in the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs on January 11, 2004.

In a game dubbed “The No-Punt Bowl” both teams scored or turned the ball over on every single possession. The Peyton Manning led Colts scored last and bested the Chiefs by a final score of 38-31. This was a tough loss to take, but happened because of one reason. Unlike the 2013 version of the team, in 2003 the defense wasn’t that great.

Dick Vermeil prided himself on his high flying offensive attacks. He had to because he had to put up enough points to cover for a suspect defense. That unit was exposed by the “cyborg like” Manning. That won’t happen to the team this year. While the offense is only getting better, the defense is already firing on all cylinders. Reid may not be known for his defense, but he’s brought in somebody who can get the job done.

So what do you think, Addicts? With all the similarities, does this Chiefs team go 9-0 before losing? Is it possible for this team to go 13-3? Most say the team will lose against Denver, but are unsure who else can beat the Chiefs. The end of the season is a long way off, but right now, 4-0 for the first time in a decade feels pretty damn good.

This team is going to get better through the season.


The 2003 team deteriorated.

The 2003 Defense deteriorated, not the offense or ST really.

Didn't we have a ST score in 8 straight games or something?

And a shit-ton of turnovers.

Yep. This year's offense isn't near as good as the 2003 offense, but the defense is WAY better. If the offense can improve as the team gels through the season, we could find ourselves in a really good spot.

Of course, that's a big "if."

It always is.

We have a world class defense.

That team had a world class offense.

This team's offense is stronger than that team's defense.

Coaching: edge Reid's Chiefs.

QB issues are the large difference maker, however.

It's a push.

The turnovers in 2003 stopped happening when Mike Maslowski got hurt. Some of that was coincidence but the defense wasn't as sharp after Kawika Mitchell took over... he was just inexperienced at the time.

Is there really a comparison? No defense whatsoever.

I don't know. Comparing this squad to Vermeil's team is a stretch. That team was the most productive offense that the Chiefs have had ever had. The offensive line was the best in the league. If out offense now compared to that team and had the defense we had now, not even the Donks would stand in our way. I like Alex Smith but I'm not ready to compare him to Green just yet.

2003 was a trap season though.

put this d against that o

that's a tough one, really. green, gonzalez, holmes, t rich that offensive line vs houston, hali, johnson, berry, flowers, poe.

then this offense absolutely torches that defense for big yardage up and down the field.

i say 2013 chiefs win

http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Sports-Illust...KZQ~~60_57.JPG

I have this issue buried in my attic some where.
As many of you have pointed out it is an odd comparison.
That team had a better offense than 2013
That team had a worse defense than 2013
Both teams had good ST's

My brain hurts comparing the two.
If the 2003 Chiefs had our Defense... Print'em!
If the 2013 Chiefs had 2003's Offense.. To the Ship!
This is obvious I know.
The question is can this yrs Chiefs surpass 2003.
I'm thinking we do not rattle off 9 in a row & Yet I give this yrs model a better chance to win a playoff game then 2003.

Average offense that doesn't turn the ball over and a top ten defense.
A coach that eats footballs for breakfast and uses one as a pillow.
Edge to Reid over DV.. why DV why didnt you put a respectable defense around our O..why??

Imagine this D with that O.

Jizz...

awesome offense with no defense, or ok offense with awesome defense?

i really loved the fireworks on the scoreboard in '03 but i gotta go with the '13 Chiefs. it's been a long time since I felt so optimistic about KC, but they will still have to get rid of that horrid playoff curse to seal the deal. i think everyone knew the '03 Chiefs were going to end up doomed by Robinson's (spit) defense.

I'm also not sold on Smith>Green yet, Trent was pretty damn great in '03 if i remember right. That OT game in GB especially, coming from 17 down in the 4th was one of the best games i've ever see the Chiefs play. tougher choice than i thought at first glance.

Arrowhead thrives on defense. I'll go with elite D and average offense, but keep looking for an elite QB until you find one.

I miss Jerome Woods, Greg Wesley and Eric Warfield. :(

I miss Dale Carter and his love of firearms... ;(

LMAO

I think if you put our current linebackers on the field with no DBs or linemen, they would still be better than the 2003 defense.

Ban the 2003 season.

My biggest concern for this team is if the O-Line can manage to gell before the postseason. With a better run blocking scheme, and a little more time in the pocket for Smith, the offense will put more points on the board. Not to mention giving the defense more time off the field to stay fresh for the 4th quarter and put the game away. This team is damn close to being a perennial playoff contender with minimal additions to the team.

This team is more talented than the 2003 team, maybe much moreso. We have legimate pro bowlers on offense (our weak unit...) and young players that should improve with experience. The '03 defense was filled with guys who might not even be backups for other franchises, much less starting elsewhere. I would say this defense is probably more talented than that offense as well.

The 2003 Chiefs were never dumbasses and never gave up a single blocked kick or punt as far as I know.

The 2013 Chiefs have allowed three blocks in four games.

Also, **** any comparison to Dante Hall. Dante Hall is an all-time great kick returner, who will likely only be outshadowed in NFL history by Devin Hester.

McCluster is NOT Dante Hall on offense, and he's not anything close to Dante Hall on returns.

Didn't Greg Wesley go to the Pro Bowl after the 03 season? I feel like he did but Jerome Woods was actually more deserving.

I disagree with the notion that Trent Green was not a game manager.

That offense's, and Green's success, was fueled by the O-Line.

With just an average O-Line, we would not be having this discussion.

Oh my sweet Jesus this.

I remember being PISSED after ochocinco was talking all that shit before the game and then they ended up beating us.

What's crazy about that is that the chances of winning a game when you have a blocked punt and maybe a FG too go way down. In the case of the 2013 Chiefs it's like those blocked kicks never happened. We overcame them with little difficulty.

That D was pretty ****ing reeruned.

AND Priest Holmes. A back like that allows you to run a game manager type system

With out reading a single response, this is a terrible write up. I am not sure I want to dedicate the time to correct everything that needs correcting. Hopefully someone already has.

I believe that Oline would dominate poe jackson and devito, and they'd run priest holmes all day

I'm just going to throw out the comparison of this team to 2003 is moronic.

And both will be knocked out Peton Manng.

and that is the difference in the offense
green may have been better than smith
but with all the running smith HAS to do we won't know
and Kennison isn't as good as Bowe

Priest and Charles=Push

TG beats ever other TE to play the position
so no comparison

I think the line is this offenses big problem

Charles is better than Priest, that's not something I thought I'd ever say...

Imagine Charles behind that offensive line? Yeesh

Devastating.

To say Charles is better than Holmes s crazy. Holmes had it all visualized game in and game out. Charles is way fast with the ball but his knowledge isn't the same. Charles is great but to say he's better is hard.

Priest would struggle behind this line.


He was great, but Charles has produced behind absolute garbage for most of his career.

Priest won't be a Hall of Famer, will he?

the 2003 chiefs had a world class OL, I wouldn't call the rest of the offense world class, but with those blockers, they performed well.

I'd be surprised.

This D with 03's O = :drool:

Ya, PH was a good RB, but imo Jamaal is much better.

2 words.

Greg Robinson.

_efense

Larry Johnson dominated behind Priest's O-Line.

When the line became merely average, LJ started to suck.

LJ also wore diapers.

Just sayin'.

Priest is still probably my favorite Chief to watch of my life. I loved that guy. But he's no Jamal Charles.

I miss Marcus. Guy was a ****ing stud and SOOOOOOOOOOO reliable.

If you needed the conversion on short yardage? See Marcus.

If you were 5 out in the Red Zone and absolutely had to score? Marcus.

You got that right. WILLIE ROAF . Period.

When Roaf retired our team went straight to shit. Green had to try and run for his life and then came Herm ,Haley and Crennel to where we are now.

Kennison, Morton and Gonzalez > Bowe, Avery, the rest of our WRs and McGrath.
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Kennison and Morton were pretty damn good receivers.

What always drove me crazy about Green were turnovers. He had a knack for throwing pick sixes too.
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That's a good question. He did win a ring, but most likely not. Too much time lost due to injury me thinks.

32_efense

Morton?

The dumble worm?

He had a bad drop against Indy.


Mother ****er.

If you are talking about Morton in his Detroit days, then I can agree with this.

And that is the difference between Green and Smith that puts Green outside of the game manager mold, IMO. Green was aggressive. He would attack.

From what I heard, Morton loved to catch.

I had completely forgotten about that.

True, but he was overly aggressive at times too. I truly believe he cost us games at times. but alot of that was Vermeil and Saunders aggressive attitude on offense too.
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No argument from me on any of that.

It's not so much green et al vs 2013 defense, it's Roaf Et al vs the 2013 defense.

It's hard to remember just how ****ing good those guys were. Roaf and Shields in particular were all time greats kind of good.

And Waters, Weigman and Tait, while not on that level, were top guys at their position for at least a few years. Just an incredible line.

The primary reason for the turnovers was that Saunders' offense didn't allow audibles, and it kept them in bad plays.

Then you throw in the fact that priest was a great pass blocker and gonzo could block as could jason dunn..shit green threw some great blocks himself

I'm going to keep reading, but "tendancy"... a typo that soon in?

Siebel needs some polishing...

Kind of forgotten about now, but I remember Priests first season in KC, 2001, he wasn't technically the starting RB when the season began. Tony Richardson was. I don't think they made Priest the starter until week 3 or so..

Agreed on all... that line was born on another planet, insanely good.

Anytime Green and Holmes get plaudits somewhere, they need to stop and profusely thank that line.

Not to mention Derrick Blaylock. Behind that line: 723 yards at 4.6 yards per carry. Rest of his career: 97 yards at 2.3 yards per carry.

If Charles got a chance to run behind that OL he'd have the single season rushing record after 13 games.

Sorry, but this team doesn't stand a chance against the 2003 Chiefs. They are the perfect team to beat this years Chiefs.

I love Poe, but him and the rest of the DL would get their asses kicked by that OL. Houston is a monster, but Roaf is the perfect LT to stop a guy like him.

Richardson is a beast and could block anyone, even Berry. Gonzo, in his prime, would absolutely give this D problems.

That D of the 2003 squad stunk, but I don't think that our offense at this point in time would do too much damage. Probably 21 points or so.

Either way...the 2003 Chiefs drop at least 27 points on our D, and it's all because of that OL giving Trent time to throw and Priest open running lanes.

They could easily make the game a shootout and totally take us out of our game plan in a hurry.

The teams are not similar at all across the O-Line.
One of the biggest pieces, the biggest IMO, of that team and any when the Offense was working was a guy we got for a steal from the Saints because he was injured. That man was Willie Roaf. Yeah I know a big ugly no frills or fun position.
But Roaf not only dominated at his position. He settled the entire O-Line. Which settled Green, who had previously looked uncomfortable in the pocket. After 2 previous knee injuries and a open door at the LT spot any QB would be a little uncomfortable.
When Roaf was our starter at LT is when I noticed a huge difference in that offense. We could throw it all over and run it sideline to sideline.

IIRC, the day Road retired, I posted something to the effect of 'get ready for upwards of a decade of <.500 ball in KC.'

Have you forgotten how awful that D was? JC would ****ing shread it. This current offense would be able to control the clock and keep Green and company off the field.

Best ever at the goal line and definitely what we could use now when we are third down and one. His shoulders wouldnt be squared up and he would slither his way by the defense for yardage. Another great back I also thought was Jerome Bettis. Even for a big guy he would always fall forward and if there'll wasnt a hole to run in, his head was like a torpedo at peoples ankles.