Rand's Take: With Today's Defense, The Chiefs...

AirForceChief · 04-15-2005, 12:32 PM

...would go 10-6 and grab a Wild Card. This is after his review of the schedule (and at least a six pack):

RAND: Chiefs will need a fast finish
Apr 15, 2005, 1:18:52 PM by Jonathan Rand

For the Chiefs, winning big this December should be a lot more meaningful than it was in 2004.

The Chiefs went 4-0 last December a year ago but that success came too late because they entered that month at 3-8. This year, they should be able to enter December with a winning record and their last five games, including the finale on New Year’s Day, should make or break their playoff chances.

The Chiefs’ schedule, released Wednesday, suggests a struggle early and a playoff run late. The schedule appears tough at the start but manageable at the end. Which is fine for the Chiefs, providing they can head into their bye week no worse than 2-2.

Of the Chiefs’ seven games against 2004 playoff teams, three are among their first four games, including the opener September 11 at home against the New York Jets. After a Sunday night game at Oakland and Monday night game at Denver, the Chiefs come home October 2 to face the Philadelphia Eagles, defending NFC champions. The Chiefs will certainly need a bye week after that, the first of three key stretches on their schedule.

The second key stretch begins October 23, a week after a home game against Washington. This stretch includes four road games in five weeks, with a home game against the Raiders in the middle.

The Chiefs will probably need to win at least three of these five games. They’ll likely be underdogs at San Diego on October 30 and face a tough time at Buffalo on November 13. But games at Miami on October 23 and Houston on November 20 are obviously winnable and probably will prove crucial to the Chiefs’ playoff chances.

When a team travels so much in a short stretch, it’s prone to stubbing its toe when least expected. The Chiefs can’t afford to stub their toes and, to make the playoffs, need to stand no worse than 6-4 when they meet New England, defending Super Bowl champion, on November 27 at Arrowhead.

If the Chiefs lose to the Patriots, as they did at home a year ago, you can see why the final stretch becomes so important. It includes home games against the Broncos and Chargers, back-to-back games at Dallas and the New York Giants and a home game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Here’s guessing that the Chiefs will have to win four of those last five games to make the playoffs.

Any way you look at it, the Chiefs’ won’t have a cakewalk. The Chiefs’ 16 opponents in 2004 finished 137-119, counting the records of AFC rivals San Diego, Denver and Oakland each twice.

The Chiefs play seven games against 2004 playoff teams and nine games against teams that finished 8-8 or better.

Any team prefers to play its strongest opponents at home and weakest opponents on the road. So the Chiefs should be pleased to see the Jets, Eagles and Patriots coming to Arrowhead. Of their seven games against teams that had losing records last year, the Chiefs play five of them on the road.

Though the Chiefs came limping into December last year, it wasn’t the tough spots that wrecked their season. They faced a couple of two-game stretches that offered terrific opportunities to keep the Chiefs in contention.

But instead of rebounding from an opening-loss at Denver, they lost consecutive home games to underdogs Carolina and Houston. After scoring impressive home wins over Atlanta and Indianapolis, the Chiefs faced two so-so opponents on the road. But losses at Tampa Bay and New Orleans dropped the Chiefs to 3-6 and their season was toast.

The Chiefs, who finished 7-9, could have enjoyed a successful season had they just taken care of business against ordinary opponents. But as long as their defense couldn’t stop anybody, there was no such thing as an ordinary opponent for the Chiefs.

Given a much-improved defense, the Chiefs will be less likely to lay an egg against the teams they should beat. We’ll have a better handle on the Chiefs’ prospects after they complete their draft and cornerback search, but if they had to start the season Sunday, they’d finish 10-6 and grab a wild-card playoff spot.

The opinions offered in this column do not necessarily reflect those of the Kansas City Chiefs.

ChiefsCountry · 04-15-2005, 12:33 PM

Actually I say he is about right. Guys we went 7-9 last season with a crappier defense, and we could have easily won some of those games. This place should be the glass half empty planet.

Mr. Laz · 04-15-2005, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefsCountry

This place should be the glass half empty planet.

whatever

give us some actual football reason to think that this team is going to be significantly better and maybe it will change.

"faith" doesn't win football games

**HemiEd** · 04-15-2005, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laz

whatever

give us some actual football reason to think that this team is going to be significantly better and maybe it will change.

Sammy Knight, Kendrell Bell, Carlos Hall and a year of more maturity under Gunther for the rest of the defense.

Mr. Laz · 04-15-2005, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HemiEd

Sammy Knight, Kendrell Bell, Carlos Hall and a year of more maturity under Gunther for the rest of the defense.

i never said that the team hadn't tried to make improvements and they very well may have.

but the list of possible issues is twice as long as the reasons you just gave.

i'm not going to list them because i don't wanna be a "complainer"

bricks · 04-15-2005, 01:03 PM

whatever...I'm tired of these GODDAMN chiefs columnist expressing all the possible optimism, any possible way to make this franchise look good. Yes, I'm referring to Gretz, Rufus, and Rand. This defense is still a piece of sh*t, and, in my eyes they are still going to lose games because of this defense. this fuck'n franchise has not made the playoffs 7 of the last 8 seasons, hasn't won a playoff game in 13 years, we don't need to hear this crap...pardon my language, I rarely use the lord's name in vain

this article pissed me off, cause it's the same sh*t we hear over and over again with these columnists and with the Chiefs, and, it's tiring and non-believable.

*this is the statement that is absolute bullsh*t:

"The opinions offered in this column do not necessarily reflect those of the Kansas City Chiefs"

B.S...everything these guys write comes out of Peterson's arse.

**HemiEd** · 04-15-2005, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laz

i never said that the team hadn't tried to make improvements and they very well may have.

but the list of possible issues is twice as long as the reasons you just gave.

i'm not going to list them because i don't wanna be a "complainer"

Come on Laz, please! Actually I look forward to your viewpoints because they have helped me move my homer perspective more towards the middle, really! It has opened my eyes somewhat I think. I have thrown a few jabs your way, but only in good fun, don't soften now!

TEX · 04-15-2005, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HemiEd

Sammy Knight, Kendrell Bell, Carlos Hall and a year of more maturity under Gunther for the rest of the defense.

Carlos Hall should not be expected to make the same impact as Bell and Knight. He's a rotational -type-player that's not much better than what we currently have.

**HemiEd** · 04-15-2005, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TEX

Carlos Hall should not be expected to make the same impact as Bell and Knight. He's a rotational -type-player that's not much better than what we currently have.

I agree with that.

**Saulbadguy** · 04-15-2005, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laz

whatever

give us some actual football reason to think that this team is going to be significantly better and maybe it will change.

"faith" doesn't win football games

I'm fairly convinced if the Chiefs won the next Super Bowl, you'd be the first one to say "Whatever, talk to me when they win 3 out of the next 4."

crossbow · 04-15-2005, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefsCountry

Actually I say he is about right. Guys we went 7-9 last season with a crappier defense, and we could have easily won some of those games. This place should be the glass half empty planet.

I could see us improving by 3 games from last year if they get a cornerback. If they don't then well, same ol same ol. The defensive line still isn't anything to brag about.

AirForceChief · 04-15-2005, 12:40 PM

My post wasn't negative...like I always say, I'm a see the Kool-Aid as half-full kind of guy, I'm just not gonna drink it till I see someone else try it first.

KCTitus · 04-15-2005, 12:47 PM

After a 2002 season where KC went 7-9, they added 3 of the biggest FA busts in NFL history and went 13-3.

After the 2004 season and prior to the Draft, KC has added 2 more FA's to their defense, level of bustage has yet to be determined, but I'd say that could be good for 3 wins assuming the offense stops fumbling the ball inside the 10 yard line.

tyton75 · 04-15-2005, 12:42 PM

yeah.. I'd say thats about right on in my estimation.. although he didn't stress enough how much we NEED to start off the season with a win over the JETS!!!!!!!

beer bacon · 04-15-2005, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tyton75

yeah.. I'd say thats about right on in my estimation.. although he didn't stress enough how much we NEED to start off the season with a win over the JETS!!!!!!!

I don't see the Jets being as good this year as they were last year. The main reason being I don't think Martin will be able to to duplicate last year's monster season and will go back to his good, but not not amazing, 1100-1400 yards or so. I also don't think their passing game is good enough to pick up the slack.

04-15-2005, 12:32 PM	Topic Starter
AirForceChief Thread Killer Extraordinaire Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Monument, Co Casino cash: $10004930	Rand's Take: With Today's Defense, The Chiefs... ...would go 10-6 and grab a Wild Card. This is after his review of the schedule (and at least a six pack): RAND: Chiefs will need a fast finish Apr 15, 2005, 1:18:52 PM by Jonathan Rand For the Chiefs, winning big this December should be a lot more meaningful than it was in 2004. The Chiefs went 4-0 last December a year ago but that success came too late because they entered that month at 3-8. This year, they should be able to enter December with a winning record and their last five games, including the finale on New Year’s Day, should make or break their playoff chances. The Chiefs’ schedule, released Wednesday, suggests a struggle early and a playoff run late. The schedule appears tough at the start but manageable at the end. Which is fine for the Chiefs, providing they can head into their bye week no worse than 2-2. Of the Chiefs’ seven games against 2004 playoff teams, three are among their first four games, including the opener September 11 at home against the New York Jets. After a Sunday night game at Oakland and Monday night game at Denver, the Chiefs come home October 2 to face the Philadelphia Eagles, defending NFC champions. The Chiefs will certainly need a bye week after that, the first of three key stretches on their schedule. The second key stretch begins October 23, a week after a home game against Washington. This stretch includes four road games in five weeks, with a home game against the Raiders in the middle. The Chiefs will probably need to win at least three of these five games. They’ll likely be underdogs at San Diego on October 30 and face a tough time at Buffalo on November 13. But games at Miami on October 23 and Houston on November 20 are obviously winnable and probably will prove crucial to the Chiefs’ playoff chances. When a team travels so much in a short stretch, it’s prone to stubbing its toe when least expected. The Chiefs can’t afford to stub their toes and, to make the playoffs, need to stand no worse than 6-4 when they meet New England, defending Super Bowl champion, on November 27 at Arrowhead. If the Chiefs lose to the Patriots, as they did at home a year ago, you can see why the final stretch becomes so important. It includes home games against the Broncos and Chargers, back-to-back games at Dallas and the New York Giants and a home game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Here’s guessing that the Chiefs will have to win four of those last five games to make the playoffs. Any way you look at it, the Chiefs’ won’t have a cakewalk. The Chiefs’ 16 opponents in 2004 finished 137-119, counting the records of AFC rivals San Diego, Denver and Oakland each twice. The Chiefs play seven games against 2004 playoff teams and nine games against teams that finished 8-8 or better. Any team prefers to play its strongest opponents at home and weakest opponents on the road. So the Chiefs should be pleased to see the Jets, Eagles and Patriots coming to Arrowhead. Of their seven games against teams that had losing records last year, the Chiefs play five of them on the road. Though the Chiefs came limping into December last year, it wasn’t the tough spots that wrecked their season. They faced a couple of two-game stretches that offered terrific opportunities to keep the Chiefs in contention. But instead of rebounding from an opening-loss at Denver, they lost consecutive home games to underdogs Carolina and Houston. After scoring impressive home wins over Atlanta and Indianapolis, the Chiefs faced two so-so opponents on the road. But losses at Tampa Bay and New Orleans dropped the Chiefs to 3-6 and their season was toast. The Chiefs, who finished 7-9, could have enjoyed a successful season had they just taken care of business against ordinary opponents. But as long as their defense couldn’t stop anybody, there was no such thing as an ordinary opponent for the Chiefs. Given a much-improved defense, the Chiefs will be less likely to lay an egg against the teams they should beat. We’ll have a better handle on the Chiefs’ prospects after they complete their draft and cornerback search, but if they had to start the season Sunday, they’d finish 10-6 and grab a wild-card playoff spot. The opinions offered in this column do not necessarily reflect those of the Kansas City Chiefs.
Posts: 1,855

04-15-2005, 12:33 PM	#2
ChiefsCountry The Insider Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Lake of the Ozarks Casino cash: $2198752	Actually I say he is about right. Guys we went 7-9 last season with a crappier defense, and we could have easily won some of those games. This place should be the glass half empty planet.
Posts: 49,690

04-15-2005, 01:03 PM	#6
bricks Hey Teacher! Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: land of maple syrup Casino cash: $9902559	whatever...I'm tired of these GODDAMN chiefs columnist expressing all the possible optimism, any possible way to make this franchise look good. Yes, I'm referring to Gretz, Rufus, and Rand. This defense is still a piece of sht, and, in my eyes they are still going to lose games because of this defense. this fuck'n franchise has not made the playoffs 7 of the last 8 seasons, hasn't won a playoff game in 13 years, we don't need to hear this crap...pardon my language, I rarely use the lord's name in vain this article pissed me off, cause it's the same sht we hear over and over again with these columnists and with the Chiefs, and, it's tiring and non-believable. this is the statement that is absolute bullsht: "The opinions offered in this column do not necessarily reflect those of the Kansas City Chiefs" B.S...everything these guys write comes out of Peterson's arse. __________________ Adopt a chief: Pat Mahomes baby!
Posts: 5,513

04-15-2005, 12:40 PM	#12
AirForceChief Thread Killer Extraordinaire Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Monument, Co Casino cash: $10004930	My post wasn't negative...like I always say, I'm a see the Kool-Aid as half-full kind of guy, I'm just not gonna drink it till I see someone else try it first. __________________ John Stuart Mill: "War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself."
Posts: 1,855

04-15-2005, 12:47 PM	#13
KCTitus Archivist Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: The Ethernet Casino cash: $9892732	After a 2002 season where KC went 7-9, they added 3 of the biggest FA busts in NFL history and went 13-3. After the 2004 season and prior to the Draft, KC has added 2 more FA's to their defense, level of bustage has yet to be determined, but I'd say that could be good for 3 wins assuming the offense stops fumbling the ball inside the 10 yard line. __________________ Anything you post on this BB can and will be used against you...
Posts: 26,193

04-15-2005, 12:42 PM	#14
tyton75 Veteran Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: KC North Casino cash: $5878386	yeah.. I'd say thats about right on in my estimation.. although he didn't stress enough how much we NEED to start off the season with a win over the JETS!!!!!!!
Posts: 3,276