Chiefs How pessimistic has this place become? - Page 5

Direckshun · 09-04-2012, 07:07 PM

I've gotta be the guy who posts WF's prediction that the Chiefs win.

http://www.walterfootball.com/nflpicks2012_01early.php

Atlanta Falcons (0-0) at Kansas City Chiefs (0-0)
Line: Falcons by 2.5. Total: 42.
Walt's Projected Line (Before Preseason): Chiefs -1.

ATLANTA OFFENSE: This was supposed to be a great matchup. An improved Matt Ryan and a dominant Julio Jones versus a Kansas City defense that shut down Aaron Rodgers last December? Sign me up. Several weeks ago, this seemed like THE battle to watch on opening Sunday.

That's not the case anymore, unfortunately. Elite pass-rusher Tamba Hali has been suspended because of a marijuana arrest. Top cornerback Brandon Flowers will be a game-time decision because of an ankle injury. Stud inside linebacker Derrick Johnson should be able to play, but won't be 100 percent because of his own ankle malady.

With all of that in mind, it's difficult to envision the Chiefs having much luck against Atlanta's dynamic passing attack. Matt Ryan figures to have tons of time to throw without having to worry about Hali, and he'll easily connect with Jones on multiple occasions, thanks to the presumed absence of Flowers. Running the ball won't be much of an option because Michael Turner is completely finished, but the Falcons won't need to do that because their offense is now primarily aerially based.

KANSAS CITY OFFENSE: The Chiefs will have some issues defensively this week, but they should be able to move the chains pretty efficiently. They're going to run the ball as good as anyone this season, thanks to the dynamic tandem of the currently healthy Jamaal Charles and Peyton Hillis, as well as a bolstered offensive line with Eric Winston as a massive upgrade over the inept Barry Richardson at right tackle.

The Falcons were 12th in the NFL against the run last year, but that ranking will likely drop, thanks to Curtis Lofton's departure. Replacement Akeem Dent struggled a bit in the preseason, so I'm expecting the Chiefs to rip off big gains on the ground.

This will open up play-action opportunities for Matt Cassel, who will need them because he's not a good quarterback. He should at least be protected well, making the daunting task of battling cornerbacks Brent Grimes and Asante Samuel a bit easier. It also helps that starting receivers Dwayne Bowe and Jonathan Baldwin have a very healthy size advantage over Atlanta's two corners. And not to be forgotten, Dexter McCluster is finally being utilized correctly out of the slot. I think he could be a PPR monster this year.

RECAP: This is a tough spot for the Falcons, who aren't nearly as good in outdoor games. Following this matchup against the "crappy" Chiefs, they have to deal with Peyton Manning's Broncos, Philip Rivers' Chargers and Cam Newton's Panthers. They won't be completely focused, especially now that Hali is out. And yes, teams do look past Week 1 games.

Despite missing Hali and possibly Flowers, I feel like the Chiefs are underrated. They run the ball extremely well, while Romeo Crennel is still a defensive mastermind who will have something up his sleeve for Ryan. I'd like Kansas City as my September NFL Pick of the Month if they were completely healthy, but this is still a multi-unit play for me.

The Psychology. Edge: Chiefs.
The Falcons have the Broncos, Chargers and Panthers after this battle against the Chiefs, who weren't any good last year. They may not be 100-percent focused.

Opening Line: Falcons -1.
Opening Total: 41.

Week 1 NFL Pick: Chiefs 20, Falcons 17

Black Bob · 09-05-2012, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luke Warm

This game will be won by our two headed running monster.

I agree. It is going to be an eye opener for the rest of the league.

beach tribe · 09-05-2012, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Setsuna

Cassel can't even form the head, he'll just miss. What good is Voltron without head? No head, you dead. Simple.

WTF are you here with a chiefs sig? Are you a Chiefs Fan or no?

I'm on the Bray Wagon though.

TEX · 09-05-2012, 11:46 AM

Don't confuse being realistic with being pessimistic...

beach tribe · 09-05-2012, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackBob

I agree. It is going to be an eye opener for the rest of the league.

Can't wait. #1 Ground game in the league. Hillis is going to be a fan favorite, and hopefully extended this season. Everybody loves a wrecking ball running back. I've been praying for one ever since Okoye, who is one of the reasons I bacame a Chiefs fan.

keg in kc · 09-05-2012, 11:52 AM

Become? Are you new here?

TEX · 09-05-2012, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beach tribe

Can't wait. #1 Ground game in the league. Hillis is going to be a fan favorite, and hopefully extended this season. Everybody loves a wrecking ball running back. I've been praying for one ever since Okoye, who is one of the reasons I bacame a Chiefs fan.

Can't wait??? How does "Marty Ball" end? We've been down this path before with a better QB and defense. I've seen teams totally run all over other teams and still manage to lose. Why? Because the type of football the Chiefs will play will keep them close even when they could be way out in front. It lets teams beat you with one play because you can't put them away. Shitty teams will stay close waiting for thier chance and the good teams can burry you in the first half. Believe me - I can wait.

Also, I would not be surprised if the Chiefs ground game is not as good as expected. The defenses will know what's copming and will stop it. Cassel can't beat them and they know it.

Hammock Parties · 09-05-2012, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beach tribe

Can't wait. #1 Ground game in the league. Hillis is going to be a fan favorite, and hopefully extended this season. Everybody loves a wrecking ball running back. I've been praying for one ever since Okoye, who is one of the reasons I bacame a Chiefs fan.

Based on preseason, our ground game is nowhere near the #1 ground game in the league.

Run blocking has been hit and miss.

This idea that we will be the #1 running attack is mostly based on what we did in 2010 against bottom feeders...newsflash, this year we play the top dogs.

Graystoke · 09-05-2012, 12:36 PM

I have been a fan of the Chiefs since 1972.
And you want me to be what???

I hope your right, but this horse has been kicked, dead and through the glue factory.

SHOW ME SOMETHING...then I will start to be optimistic.

Black Bob · 09-05-2012, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beach tribe

Can't wait. #1 Ground game in the league. Hillis is going to be a fan favorite, and hopefully extended this season. Everybody loves a wrecking ball running back. I've been praying for one ever since Okoye, who is one of the reasons I bacame a Chiefs fan.

Me to man. I have wanted one for a long long time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassel's Reckoning

Based on preseason, our ground game is nowhere near the #1 ground game in the league.

Run blocking has been hit and miss.

This idea that we will be the #1 running attack is mostly based on what we did in 2010 against bottom feeders...newsflash, this year we play the top dogs.

That's because you don't know what you are looking for. You will be eating these words soon. Romeo used the preseasonas one long practice.

beach tribe · 09-05-2012, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassel's Reckoning

Based on preseason, our ground game is nowhere near the #1 ground game in the league.

Run blocking has been hit and miss.

This idea that we will be the #1 running attack is mostly based on what we did in 2010 against bottom feeders...newsflash, this year we play the top dogs.

I have zero doubt we will be top 5 at least. Our ground game is gonna go beast mode. Our starters have looked damn good on the ground in PS.

Hammock Parties · 09-05-2012, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beach tribe

Our starters have looked damn good on the ground in PS.

Our running game looked shitty against St. Louis and Seattle.

The starters, for sure.

Dayze · 09-05-2012, 12:47 PM

regarding the OP: I don't know. But we're all probably contract AIDs and have the transmissions go out in our cars in the same week. Then get laid off. Then lose our houses and be homeless withinn the year. We'll be Homeless AIDS people.

beach tribe · 09-05-2012, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TEX

Can't wait??? How does "Marty Ball" end? We've been down this path before with a better QB and defense. I've seen teams totally run all over other teams and still manage to lose. Why? Because the type of football the Chiefs will play will keep them close even when they could be way out in front. It lets teams beat you with one play because you can't put them away. Shitty teams will stay close waiting for thier chance and the good teams can burry you in the first half. Believe me - I can wait.

Also, I would not be surprised if the Chiefs ground game is not as good as expected. The defenses will know what's copming and will stop it. Cassel can't beat them and they know it.

I'm not surprised at all that you don't think that our ground game will be that good. You have never made a comment that I can remember, that wasn't completely negative. Cassel was our QB in 2010 as well and we had the #1 ground game with Thomas Fn Jones. Now we have Hillis, who is an undeniable upgrade. If teams load up for the run, and expect it, PA will kick ass.

beach tribe · 09-05-2012, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dayze

regarding the OP: I don't know. But we're all probably contract AIDs and have the transmissions go out in our cars in the same week. Then get laid off. Then lose our houses and be homeless withinn the year. We'll be Homeless AIDS people.

This. Nothing good can possibly happen, and you're an idiot if you think it will.

beach tribe · 09-05-2012, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassel's Reckoning

Our running game looked shitty against St. Louis and Seattle.

The starters, for sure.

So Charles looks shitty so far huh? Got it.

09-04-2012, 07:07 PM
Direckshun __ Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Springpatch Casino cash: $2033447	How pessimistic has this place become? I've gotta be the guy who posts WF's prediction that the Chiefs win. http://www.walterfootball.com/nflpicks2012_01early.php Atlanta Falcons (0-0) at Kansas City Chiefs (0-0) Line: Falcons by 2.5. Total: 42. Walt's Projected Line (Before Preseason): Chiefs -1. ATLANTA OFFENSE: This was supposed to be a great matchup. An improved Matt Ryan and a dominant Julio Jones versus a Kansas City defense that shut down Aaron Rodgers last December? Sign me up. Several weeks ago, this seemed like THE battle to watch on opening Sunday. That's not the case anymore, unfortunately. Elite pass-rusher Tamba Hali has been suspended because of a marijuana arrest. Top cornerback Brandon Flowers will be a game-time decision because of an ankle injury. Stud inside linebacker Derrick Johnson should be able to play, but won't be 100 percent because of his own ankle malady. With all of that in mind, it's difficult to envision the Chiefs having much luck against Atlanta's dynamic passing attack. Matt Ryan figures to have tons of time to throw without having to worry about Hali, and he'll easily connect with Jones on multiple occasions, thanks to the presumed absence of Flowers. Running the ball won't be much of an option because Michael Turner is completely finished, but the Falcons won't need to do that because their offense is now primarily aerially based. KANSAS CITY OFFENSE: The Chiefs will have some issues defensively this week, but they should be able to move the chains pretty efficiently. They're going to run the ball as good as anyone this season, thanks to the dynamic tandem of the currently healthy Jamaal Charles and Peyton Hillis, as well as a bolstered offensive line with Eric Winston as a massive upgrade over the inept Barry Richardson at right tackle. The Falcons were 12th in the NFL against the run last year, but that ranking will likely drop, thanks to Curtis Lofton's departure. Replacement Akeem Dent struggled a bit in the preseason, so I'm expecting the Chiefs to rip off big gains on the ground. This will open up play-action opportunities for Matt Cassel, who will need them because he's not a good quarterback. He should at least be protected well, making the daunting task of battling cornerbacks Brent Grimes and Asante Samuel a bit easier. It also helps that starting receivers Dwayne Bowe and Jonathan Baldwin have a very healthy size advantage over Atlanta's two corners. And not to be forgotten, Dexter McCluster is finally being utilized correctly out of the slot. I think he could be a PPR monster this year. RECAP: This is a tough spot for the Falcons, who aren't nearly as good in outdoor games. Following this matchup against the "crappy" Chiefs, they have to deal with Peyton Manning's Broncos, Philip Rivers' Chargers and Cam Newton's Panthers. They won't be completely focused, especially now that Hali is out. And yes, teams do look past Week 1 games. Despite missing Hali and possibly Flowers, I feel like the Chiefs are underrated. They run the ball extremely well, while Romeo Crennel is still a defensive mastermind who will have something up his sleeve for Ryan. I'd like Kansas City as my September NFL Pick of the Month if they were completely healthy, but this is still a multi-unit play for me. The Psychology. Edge: Chiefs. The Falcons have the Broncos, Chargers and Panthers after this battle against the Chiefs, who weren't any good last year. They may not be 100-percent focused. Opening Line: Falcons -1. Opening Total: 41. Week 1 NFL Pick: Chiefs 20, Falcons 17
Posts: 59,693

09-05-2012, 11:46 AM	#63
TEX Out Gunning CP's Fandom Police Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Galveston, TX Casino cash: $-1376873	Don't confuse being realistic with being pessimistic...
Posts: 37,085

09-05-2012, 11:52 AM	#65
keg in kc oxymoron Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: OP/KC/Whatever Casino cash: $9556299	Become? Are you new here?
Posts: 58,682

09-05-2012, 12:36 PM	#68
Graystoke MVP Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Driftless Region Casino cash: $-2500000	I have been a fan of the Chiefs since 1972. And you want me to be what??? I hope your right, but this horse has been kicked, dead and through the glue factory. SHOW ME SOMETHING...then I will start to be optimistic.
Posts: 9,609

09-05-2012, 12:47 PM	#72
Dayze Resident Glue Sniffer Join Date: Nov 2003 Casino cash: $1809358	regarding the OP: I don't know. But we're all probably contract AIDs and have the transmissions go out in our cars in the same week. Then get laid off. Then lose our houses and be homeless withinn the year. We'll be Homeless AIDS people.
Posts: 37,460