tk13
10-11-2004, 01:35 AM
http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/sports/9887470.htm
No-good bye?
Chiefs would rather be off another day
By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star
It's typical of the way things are going for the Chiefs that just as they were getting some momentum, they were forced to sit on the sidelines over the weekend and watch other teams play.
The Chiefs would have taken the extra time afforded by the bye week elsewhere. They could have used it earlier, when they were in disarray during their three-game losing streak. They might have wanted it later, when the rigors of a season really begin to extract a price. They maybe even would have opted to go without.
But they certainly wouldn't have selected this last weekend, after they busted their losing streak with last Monday night's 27-24 victory over the Ravens.
“I don't know if it's a blessing if we have the bye now,” coach Dick Vermeil said.
If it wasn't the best of times for a bye, certainly a win headed into it was essential. The Chiefs would be staring at 0-4 and three more months of a lost season if they hadn't held on in Baltimore.
Now, they're 1-3 and have reason for hope heading into Sunday's game at Jacksonville.
“I think it was important for us because we didn't experience winning,” Vermeil said. “I don't know what the numbers are in studying the overall history of byes coming in and out. For us, it was very important. It rewards the efforts that you make to play your way out of it.”
The Chiefs tried to make the most of their time off. After some brief meetings Tuesday, the Chiefs went on holiday. Players were given five days off, and even most of the workaholic coaches took at least a couple of days away from the office.
The Chiefs return to practice today theoretically refreshed physically, mentally and emotionally. They had better be considering the grind ahead. Home games against Atlanta and Indianapolis follow the trip to Jacksonville.
“I don't know what our record with teams has been (following the bye),” Vermeil said. “I know last year we came out of the bye and won. I know this: You go to Jacksonville you're going to play one of the best defenses in football. You don't need any excuses. You'd better use the bye as an advantage to get healthy, to gain quickness and explosion back.”
Against Jacksonville, the Chiefs should get back the services of three injured players who weren't available against Baltimore. The Chiefs expect starting wide receiver Eddie Kennison and two key defensive reserves, nickel back William Bartee and end Jared Allen, to play. They also could get back two defensive starters, tackle Ryan Sims and linebacker Scott Fujita, who probably couldn't have played this week had the Chiefs had a game.
-------------------------------------
After a break
Under coach Dick Vermeil, the Chiefs are 2-1 after a bye week.
Year Rec.* Next game Result
2001 2-7 vs. Seattle W 19-7
2002 4-4 at San Fran. L 17-13
2003 8-0 vs. Cleveland W 41-20
No-good bye?
Chiefs would rather be off another day
By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star
It's typical of the way things are going for the Chiefs that just as they were getting some momentum, they were forced to sit on the sidelines over the weekend and watch other teams play.
The Chiefs would have taken the extra time afforded by the bye week elsewhere. They could have used it earlier, when they were in disarray during their three-game losing streak. They might have wanted it later, when the rigors of a season really begin to extract a price. They maybe even would have opted to go without.
But they certainly wouldn't have selected this last weekend, after they busted their losing streak with last Monday night's 27-24 victory over the Ravens.
“I don't know if it's a blessing if we have the bye now,” coach Dick Vermeil said.
If it wasn't the best of times for a bye, certainly a win headed into it was essential. The Chiefs would be staring at 0-4 and three more months of a lost season if they hadn't held on in Baltimore.
Now, they're 1-3 and have reason for hope heading into Sunday's game at Jacksonville.
“I think it was important for us because we didn't experience winning,” Vermeil said. “I don't know what the numbers are in studying the overall history of byes coming in and out. For us, it was very important. It rewards the efforts that you make to play your way out of it.”
The Chiefs tried to make the most of their time off. After some brief meetings Tuesday, the Chiefs went on holiday. Players were given five days off, and even most of the workaholic coaches took at least a couple of days away from the office.
The Chiefs return to practice today theoretically refreshed physically, mentally and emotionally. They had better be considering the grind ahead. Home games against Atlanta and Indianapolis follow the trip to Jacksonville.
“I don't know what our record with teams has been (following the bye),” Vermeil said. “I know last year we came out of the bye and won. I know this: You go to Jacksonville you're going to play one of the best defenses in football. You don't need any excuses. You'd better use the bye as an advantage to get healthy, to gain quickness and explosion back.”
Against Jacksonville, the Chiefs should get back the services of three injured players who weren't available against Baltimore. The Chiefs expect starting wide receiver Eddie Kennison and two key defensive reserves, nickel back William Bartee and end Jared Allen, to play. They also could get back two defensive starters, tackle Ryan Sims and linebacker Scott Fujita, who probably couldn't have played this week had the Chiefs had a game.
-------------------------------------
After a break
Under coach Dick Vermeil, the Chiefs are 2-1 after a bye week.
Year Rec.* Next game Result
2001 2-7 vs. Seattle W 19-7
2002 4-4 at San Fran. L 17-13
2003 8-0 vs. Cleveland W 41-20