Thoughts/observations on the game
 

1. Maybe the one unit on the team that was the shakiest and most scrutinized throughout preseason didn't really play that badly IMO. The offensive line did open up some holes in the running game and gave Cassel time to pass. They weren't playing the '85 Bears, but they did better than I thought they would.

2. McCluster's fumble set the tone, obviously. Any hope of getting the crowd excited and the team into the game went out the window with the first play of the game.

3. Pretty much after that play, KC looked as if they were in a funk. I can't explain it. No emotion that I could tell. Energy was way down. No physicality. Result of Haley's preseason approach? Maybe. Which leads us to...

4. IF the tact Haley used in getting this team ready is to blame for their showing yesterday, then this team should look much differently against the Lions, right? If the team actually did need the entire preseason to get use to the game speed and physicality of NFL football, then after the last 2 preseason games and yesterday, they ought to have the cobwebs knocked lose.

5. I doubt #4 very much. There is something strange going on with this team. Out scored 102-24 in their last 3 home games and essentially look like the Keystone Cops the last 7 games (preseason included) they've taken the field. I really don't like to overhype a game 1 loss, but when has the last time this team has given any signs of being competent, let alone competitive?

6. I have generally thought most of the Cassel-bashing that takes place on this forum is ridiculous and over the top considering the shape of the O-line and WR and the trend the team was on. I've considered him a very mediocre QB, which here basically means you are a Cassel apologist. But I can't ignore it any longer. When as a fan, you literally hold your breath everytime the QB winds up to throw the ball, that QB has serious issues. Why this franchise is so bad at even making average QBs look competent when seemingly every team in the NFL can do it, I have no idea.

7. I have a feeling this year is going to break a lot of fans. Sure, they'll still hope the Chiefs do well, but it's like monkey that keeps thinking he'll get a treat only to get the piss shocked out of him. Eventually they are going to have to show us something great before this fanbase will truly buy back into them, I'm afraid.

I agree that our Oline did some good things, but in a sea of fail a canoe of "ok" goes unnoticed.

I havent been a big cassel fan, or hater. But in retrospect of last year, I think really all he did was manage the games. He didnt lead his team for the win, he didnt inspire confidence in his offense..that when it counts Cassel will get in there take the hit, but deliver that ball to a reciever who is open. He definitely Croyle'd it up yesterday...locking onto one reciever and the rest of them be damned.

I cant even remember the last time the chiefs actually had a deep threat, even Bowe who is good imo, is never used as a deep threat. All we get is dink and dunk screens and slants.

I dont know what the answers are, however sitting on 40 million and putting that failbomb on the field, while your fans shell out money is unsat.

That was by far, the most horrible game I've ever seen as a chiefs fan in 31 years. And I endured the Herm years, the Marty years, and vermiel.

I yearn for the day when my team gets to impose it's will on others, but have to keep settling for "next week", "next year".

I can't recall the last time I was optimistic about the team as a whole. There were aspects I expected to shine, but there's always been gaping holes that prompted pessimism. I suspect my expectations of greatness from the Chiefs died with Derrick Thomas.

Right now, the only thing I'm actually disappointed about is the prospect of not getting to see Berry develop for a while. The rest is resigned acceptance.

LOL... and who exactly is going to throw deep?? Cassel? Not sure if serious...

According to the wall leading to the field, what you saw yesterday was 'Chiefs Will" as in "Chiefs will fold up like a cheap lawn chair..."

It seemed to me that the middle of the oline was getting dominated by the Bills yesterday.

I thought the linebackers were the only group that played reasonably well. Hali and Johnson (and Demorrio in relief) actually made a few plays.

Flowers may have played well, too. He prevented a long touchdown on one play where Carr had been beaten, at least.

Move the S down in front of the W and change our mascot to a pig.

Chief Swill.

Fixed your post for you, Kev. :)

I just changed your post ever so slightly...The whole franchise appears to be a disaster. In the 3rd season of this new regime, we should NOT look like the 1970s and 1980s New Orlean Saints. :(

LMAO

Cassel cannot find the open guy if he's not the first option. We had one stretch where Cassel came out flinging and after 2 complete passes and 3rd and 8. We had another situation in which he hit a running back who was clearly going to lose yardage when Cassel was flushed out of the pocket. Cassel simply doesn't have the decision making ability or the arm to be a pro QB.

I am just glad I didn't have to sit thru the game. At sitting at Buffalo Wild Wings I at least got to see some real football games yesterday.