Chiefs Looked Unprepared - Page 2

Hammock Parties · 09-10-2007, 01:46 PM

http://chiefs.scout.com/2/678055.html

Anyone who reads this column knows I’m a big fan of Chiefs head coach Herm Edwards. Today, you might expect me to urge patience (it’s okaaaaay!) or offer excuses as to why his team floundered around the field at Reliant Stadium for the better part of 60 minutes Sunday.

Prepare to be shocked.

The truth is, there are no excuses. Edwards is far from perfect, and his fatal flaw was exposed by Gary Kubiak’s energetic young bunch of Texans.

The Chiefs did not look ready to play. Edwards didn’t have his team prepared for the regular season opener, and more often not, the same has been true every year he’s coached an NFL team.

Let’s take a look at Herm’s history in season-opening games.

2001 – The New York Jets host the Indianapolis Colts, who blow them out 45-24.

2002 – The New York Jets visit the Buffalo Bills, and win, 37-31.

2003 – The New York Jets visit the Washington Redskins, and lose, 16-13.

2004 – The New York Jets host the Cincinatti Bengals, winning 31-24.

2005 – The New York Jets travel to Kansas City, where they get blown out, 27-7.

2006 – The Kansas City Chiefs lose their quarterback and the game, 23-10, to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Counting Sunday’s debacle, that’s seven openers, a record of 2-5, and an average margin of defeat of 15 points. As Herm might say “that’s not good.”

I believe, more often than not, Herm’s teams aren’t as prepared as they could be to open the regular season. It’s the only explanation for his consistent slow starts.

A year ago, the Chiefs tried to run the Dick Vermeil offense against the Bengals and failed miserably. It was soon thereafter scrapped (and wisely, I might add), but Edwards should have realized far sooner – in preseason – that his team had no hope of running a sophisticated passing attack with an emaciated Kyle Turley and future NFL sack king Jordan Black playing offensive tackle.

The gameplan the Chiefs ran most of last year? The one featuring heavy doses of Larry Johnson, bored fans, three yards and clouds of dust? It should have been installed from the beginning.

This year, the Chiefs seemed to want to almost apologize for their 2007 Cro-Magnon football attack in the opener. They came out throwing, dropping quarterback Damon Huard back on 13 of the game’s first 20 snaps.

When Eddie Kennison yanked a hamstring on the first play, the Chiefs should have abandoned their “we’re sorry for giving Larry 400 carries” campaign. I’m not suggesting Johnson should have received 35 carries against the Texans, but with a quarterback who had barely played in preseason, and an inexperienced wide receiver corps, the Chiefs should have split 40 carries between Johnson and Michael Bennett.

The Chiefs weren’t prepared to run “Air Herm.” When they fell behind, the Texans realized it, and the gig was up. “Air Herm” led to a Jeff Webb interception (the NFL should start crediting receivers with picks) that negated a chance for Kansas City to grab a field goal at the end of the first half, and a fumble by Kris Wilson that put the game out of reach. It also tired out KC’s defense.

I was shaking my head over a number of odd things Sunday. I saw the Chiefs call a pass that involved two run fakes on third-and-12. I saw Ty Law release a streaking Andre Johnson to a safety making his first career NFL start. Kansas City's defensive gameplan should have revolved around doubling Johnson most of the game. Houston's other "playmakers" in the passing game are no-names.

Who looked prepared in Houston on Sunday? The Texans. Kubiak’s squad gameplanned extensively in the preseason. That little empty backfield formation they ran against the Chiefs? If you watched Houston’s exhibition games, you saw it quite often.

Because of Herm’s propensity to field unprepared teams early in the regular season, the Chiefs might never win a division championship. They might never gain a bye or home field advantage in the playoffs. It’s difficult to win a Super Bowl as a Cinderella wild-card team every year. A good story, perhaps, but difficult.

Look, the Chiefs are a better team than the one that showed up in the season opener. It’s clear the offensive line is improved (Damion McIntosh looked like a poor man’s Willie Roaf in that #77 jersey), and Dwayne Bowe appears to be ready to contribute immediately. But the better team might not show up until it’s too late.

With Chicago looming this weekend, an 0-2 record looks likely, and a trip to sunny, All-Pro laden San Diego lies further down the road. Can the Chiefs rebound from a 1-3 start? At least Herm has experience on his side in this scenario.

Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez said “nobody knows who the Kansas City Chiefs are” after KC’s fourth preseason loss.

Next year, it might help if the Kansas City Chiefs knew who the Kansas City Chiefs were in Week 1.

**Donger** · 09-10-2007, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GOATSE

The guy won me over. I flew off the handle when he was hired.

Ironically, your first impression may have been correct all along.

htismaqe · 09-10-2007, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taco John

How does a person go from "Germ Warfare" to being Herms biggest fan?

Money talks.

htismaqe · 09-10-2007, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GOATSE

The guy won me over. I flew off the handle when he was hired.

That, and the fact that you got a job with the biggest Chiefs ass-kisser in KC...

Brock · 09-10-2007, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GOATSE

The guy won me over. I flew off the handle when he was hired.

Yeah, well, he sucks. He's beyond lame.

Hammock Parties · 09-10-2007, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by htismaqe

That, and the fact that you got a job with the biggest Chiefs ass-kisser in KC...

It has nothing to do with that. I wouldn't allow myself to be censored. I call 'em like I see 'em.

Molitoth · 09-10-2007, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefsCountry

Last time I checked the Falcons dont have VIKINGS written in their endzone.

The Vikings were at home. Hence I sat my FF bears defence at Sandy Eggo and Started the Vikings D vs the shitty falcons.

Hammock Parties · 09-10-2007, 03:01 PM

Adrian Peterson is making me envious of Viking fans.....yesterday when he scored that long TD, Minnesota's play by play announcer went absolutely nuts. He was screaming the guy's name.

NUMBER7 · 09-10-2007, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefsCountry

Last time I checked the Falcons dont have VIKINGS written in their endzone.

I'm bad...

...I should never try to post on a Monday while trying to work.

King_Chief_Fan · 09-10-2007, 03:14 PM

GoWhatever-
I was fully prepared to read some gobbly gook about how this is only game one and that Herm knows what he is doing.........plus adding the fact that since 2002, the Chiefs are 4-13 in the month of September.

Most pleased to see that you took Herms things off your chin.

When do you restart the movement to exorcise this demon out of KC?

Hammock Parties · 09-10-2007, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by King_Chief_Fan

When do you restart the movement to exorcise this demon out of KC?

I'll leave the heavy lifting up to Whitlock.

**dirk digler** · 09-10-2007, 03:22 PM

The reason why they are unprepared because Herm doesn't do jack shit with his starters in the pre-season.

That has been the knock on Herm since he has been a head coach.

**Skip Towne** · 09-10-2007, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taco John

How does a person go from "Germ Warfare" to being Herms biggest fan?

Herm acknowledged his existence during training camp and immediately became a great coach. Kind of a KCJ-care package deal.

Hammock Parties · 09-10-2007, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirk digler

The reason why they are unprepared because Herm doesn't do jack shit with his starters in the pre-season.

That has been the knock on Herm since he has been a head coach.

I'd be interested to hear what Bill Parcells has to say about this.

'Hamas' Jenkins · 09-10-2007, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirk digler

The reason why they are unprepared because Herm doesn't do jack shit with his starters in the pre-season.

That has been the knock on Herm since he has been a head coach.

Well that and he can't discipline his players, can't maintain their respect, gets too buddy buddy with them, does'nt know x's and o's, has no concept of offense, and only adopts a defensive scheme that his mentor used with great success due to the personnel he had running it.
We can add that to his clock management reerunation, the fact that he throws everyone under the bus but himself, and the fact that he is completely and utterly full of shit.

Those would probably be the knocks.

King_Chief_Fan · 09-10-2007, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GOATSE

I'd be interested to hear what Bill Parcells has to say about this.

Parcells laughs his ass off when he sees the Chiefs play.

Parcells wants a team that is agressive and takes things down the field.
He can live with INT's when the QB is being agressive instead of stupid.

Believe me, Herm is no Parcells.

09-10-2007, 01:46 PM
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $4440478	Chiefs Looked Unprepared http://chiefs.scout.com/2/678055.html Anyone who reads this column knows I’m a big fan of Chiefs head coach Herm Edwards. Today, you might expect me to urge patience (it’s okaaaaay!) or offer excuses as to why his team floundered around the field at Reliant Stadium for the better part of 60 minutes Sunday. Prepare to be shocked. The truth is, there are no excuses. Edwards is far from perfect, and his fatal flaw was exposed by Gary Kubiak’s energetic young bunch of Texans. The Chiefs did not look ready to play. Edwards didn’t have his team prepared for the regular season opener, and more often not, the same has been true every year he’s coached an NFL team. Let’s take a look at Herm’s history in season-opening games. 2001 – The New York Jets host the Indianapolis Colts, who blow them out 45-24. 2002 – The New York Jets visit the Buffalo Bills, and win, 37-31. 2003 – The New York Jets visit the Washington Redskins, and lose, 16-13. 2004 – The New York Jets host the Cincinatti Bengals, winning 31-24. 2005 – The New York Jets travel to Kansas City, where they get blown out, 27-7. 2006 – The Kansas City Chiefs lose their quarterback and the game, 23-10, to the Cincinnati Bengals. Counting Sunday’s debacle, that’s seven openers, a record of 2-5, and an average margin of defeat of 15 points. As Herm might say “that’s not good.” I believe, more often than not, Herm’s teams aren’t as prepared as they could be to open the regular season. It’s the only explanation for his consistent slow starts. A year ago, the Chiefs tried to run the Dick Vermeil offense against the Bengals and failed miserably. It was soon thereafter scrapped (and wisely, I might add), but Edwards should have realized far sooner – in preseason – that his team had no hope of running a sophisticated passing attack with an emaciated Kyle Turley and future NFL sack king Jordan Black playing offensive tackle. The gameplan the Chiefs ran most of last year? The one featuring heavy doses of Larry Johnson, bored fans, three yards and clouds of dust? It should have been installed from the beginning. This year, the Chiefs seemed to want to almost apologize for their 2007 Cro-Magnon football attack in the opener. They came out throwing, dropping quarterback Damon Huard back on 13 of the game’s first 20 snaps. When Eddie Kennison yanked a hamstring on the first play, the Chiefs should have abandoned their “we’re sorry for giving Larry 400 carries” campaign. I’m not suggesting Johnson should have received 35 carries against the Texans, but with a quarterback who had barely played in preseason, and an inexperienced wide receiver corps, the Chiefs should have split 40 carries between Johnson and Michael Bennett. The Chiefs weren’t prepared to run “Air Herm.” When they fell behind, the Texans realized it, and the gig was up. “Air Herm” led to a Jeff Webb interception (the NFL should start crediting receivers with picks) that negated a chance for Kansas City to grab a field goal at the end of the first half, and a fumble by Kris Wilson that put the game out of reach. It also tired out KC’s defense. I was shaking my head over a number of odd things Sunday. I saw the Chiefs call a pass that involved two run fakes on third-and-12. I saw Ty Law release a streaking Andre Johnson to a safety making his first career NFL start. Kansas City's defensive gameplan should have revolved around doubling Johnson most of the game. Houston's other "playmakers" in the passing game are no-names. Who looked prepared in Houston on Sunday? The Texans. Kubiak’s squad gameplanned extensively in the preseason. That little empty backfield formation they ran against the Chiefs? If you watched Houston’s exhibition games, you saw it quite often. Because of Herm’s propensity to field unprepared teams early in the regular season, the Chiefs might never win a division championship. They might never gain a bye or home field advantage in the playoffs. It’s difficult to win a Super Bowl as a Cinderella wild-card team every year. A good story, perhaps, but difficult. Look, the Chiefs are a better team than the one that showed up in the season opener. It’s clear the offensive line is improved (Damion McIntosh looked like a poor man’s Willie Roaf in that #77 jersey), and Dwayne Bowe appears to be ready to contribute immediately. But the better team might not show up until it’s too late. With Chicago looming this weekend, an 0-2 record looks likely, and a trip to sunny, All-Pro laden San Diego lies further down the road. Can the Chiefs rebound from a 1-3 start? At least Herm has experience on his side in this scenario. Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez said “nobody knows who the Kansas City Chiefs are” after KC’s fourth preseason loss. Next year, it might help if the Kansas City Chiefs knew who the Kansas City Chiefs were in Week 1.
Posts: 278,666

09-10-2007, 03:01 PM	#22
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $4440478	Adrian Peterson is making me envious of Viking fans.....yesterday when he scored that long TD, Minnesota's play by play announcer went absolutely nuts. He was screaming the guy's name. __________________ Chiefs game films
Posts: 278,666

09-10-2007, 03:14 PM	#24
King_Chief_Fan Praise Him Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: none ya Casino cash: $5865486	GoWhatever- I was fully prepared to read some gobbly gook about how this is only game one and that Herm knows what he is doing.........plus adding the fact that since 2002, the Chiefs are 4-13 in the month of September. Most pleased to see that you took Herms things off your chin. When do you restart the movement to exorcise this demon out of KC? __________________ No Jesus No Peace Know Jesus Know Peace Ephesians 2:8-10 English Standard Version (ESV) 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Posts: 12,181

09-10-2007, 03:22 PM	#26
dirk digler Please squeeze Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Clinton, MO Casino cash: $3014644	The reason why they are unprepared because Herm doesn't do jack shit with his starters in the pre-season. That has been the knock on Herm since he has been a head coach.
Posts: 66,395