Completely agree. Eternal optimist.

STFU Clay.

Oh, no. Mr Tough Guy is here.

Just watch it, you two.

http://i28.tinypic.com/143f4fn.jpg

Bro, thanks for the kind words. Right back at you, BTW. But what comes across as negative to you is realism for me.

I've been a Chiefs fan since I was born in 1965. My dad played in the Chiefs band during the Super Bowl run. I've know Tony DiPardo since day one. My parents dressed me in Chiefs gear since I was born (and my mom routinely sends us Chiefs blankets, mugs, shot glasses, jerseys - you name it).

I sat in an empty stadium in the 70's and 80's. I sat in a full stadium in the 90's and watched Barry run for 200 yards and Christian run for more than 100 yards in a single game. I've partied with the Chiefs, from Word to Ross to Lewis to Smith to Mass to Hackett to Thomas.

I went to sports bars each and every weekend in Hollywood for nearly a decade, often relegated to a single 20" television while the Jets, Giants, Philly and Raiders fans watched their games on the big screen. I've taken time out of vacations in Cancun and Cabo San Lucas to watch the Chiefs (lose, unfortunately, each and every time) instead of spending time with my wife in the pool or on the beach.

I've had the Direct TV package since 2003. I've never missed a game. I will never miss a game.

But the bottom line is that the team has been run into the ground. I won't extrapolate in this post but you know the deal.

But, I'll still never miss a game. I'll still hold out hope. But my heart tells me one thing and my head tells me another.

This is a fresh start though, isn't it?

New Owner, new GM, new HC, new QB...

How can you blame them for the franchise being run into the ground? And sure, you may disagree with some personel decisions, but what's not to like about the "get in shape or GTFO" mantra?

I guess what I'm asking is, If you've been a chiefs fan your whole life... and hated seeing those "other guys" run the team into the ground....

How could you possibly not be hopeful now? They might not work out, but at least we're trying something different, right? This aint the same old Chiefs. (And I don't mean this season... long term)

It's not that simple.

Yes, I'm extremely happy that Carl's reign of terror is over.

But, like any rebuilding nation, it takes time to become a world power again. It's not going to happen overnight. It's not going to happen in a year. It's going to take a few years, if every move that is made is the right move.

I'm done criticizing personnel. I'll admit, I'm not happy with the 2009 draft overall and I'm not happy with the lack of free agent signings. But that doesn't matter now, as the team is gearing up for the upcoming season. My opinion doesn't matter (if it ever did). It's all about the guys on the field and to a much lessor extent, the man in the front office.

Only time will tell if their moves (or lack thereof) payoff.

But I can't unilaterally get excited about the death of one regime when the new regime, IMO, has missed more than a few opportunities to impress and improve upon its predecessors.

The long and short of it is...

We don't know how it will go. And when it comes to the Chiefs, I'm an optimist, and you're a pessimist.

Alright Bro, enjoy the season!

Will do. You too, man.

LMAO

You made it out of Pop Warner?

Long time lurker, first time poster.

I live in Baltimore, and have been a Chief's fan for many years. I will be going to the game Sunday wearing my red and gold, but i figured i would throw my few cents into our chances Sunday after reading some comments in this thread.

Homerism aside, we have a slim chance.

Ravens D versus Chiefs O - Advantage Ravens. The Ravens have a new DC but the scheme remains largely the game. They will blitz early and often. Their only real weak spot is their CB's. They are vulnerable to the double moves (if we even have time to run them) and always go for the big play (Pick-6) instead of making the tackle. If we are smart we will try to take advantage of this. We should pass to run, quick screens, bubbles and slants are how Pittsburgh beats Baltimore. When we run, have to hit the A gap. Counters won't work as their LBs are too quick.

Ravens O verus Chiefs O - Push. The Ravens are exploring passing the ball much more this pre-season and season. Its everywhere in the local papers. They can run with McGahee, Rice and McClain (in short yard situations). However, they want to make Flacco the next Roethlisburger. Flacco does not read zone coverage well. If we are smart we will throw a lot of different looks at him.

In the end, we cannot beat them, but I just hope we make it competitive. The Ravens are a good team, but they struggle with passing teams and IF we don't make any mistakes with the ball on offense, we will stay in the game. Here's hoping!