Arizona was a Defining Moment

Luzap · 10:31 AM

What’s the truth about the 2006 KC Chiefs? Are they a slightly better than average team that will struggle to go 9-7? Or could they be one of the NFL’s powerhouses on the road to a Super Bowl appearance?

The record would certainly indicate the former. They’re 2-2, losing to good teams (Cincinnati, Denver), and winning on bad teams (San Francisco, Arizona). That might not be the true picture, however.

Super Bowl history is replete with dark horse participants ~ teams that in October no one believed in. So why would we even hope that this years Chiefs could have such potential?

Because of the Arizona game.

Big plays were not just restricted to a few talented individuals. Almost everyone got into the act ~ it was truly a team win. From Hali, Allen, Edwards, and yes, even Bell getting critical sacks, to Knight getting critical third down stops and Wesley hitting hard and stripping the ball on a ‘sure’ deep route completion. Derek Johnson was everywhere and Cruz converted third downs in a manner we’ve not seen from a fullback in some time. Dante Hall converts third downs as a receiver, and when he gets hurt Webb steps in to return a kick 50 yards. Pollard blocks a punt, Gonzales makes a critical (and incredible) 25 yard catch, and Ty Law shows us why he can name his price with a game changing interception. If you consider that Roaf and Welborne were projected starters, then an O Line with a third string L Tackle (Black) and a second string R Tackle (Sampson) played well enough to get their QB AFC Player of the Week honors. Parker makes a great TD catch, and Larry Johnson proves he’s a Pro Bowler when after being frustrated all day, he breaks a screen pass into a 76 yard game winning completion. Tynes is money, and Huard ~ well, he’s literally playing better than most QBs in the NFL.

By my count that’s 19 players making big-time critical plays, and that doesn’t include Colquitt (who boomed a 62 yard punt), or the kick-off coverage unit that held the runner to the 18 yard line late in the game, or Shields, Weigaman, Waters, and others that had to play well for all this to happen. It was truly a well coached, well played, team victory.

So what does this mean? Nothing ~ unless they do it again in Pittsburg. Arizona was a defining moment, Pittsburg will tell the story.

No one (except the team themselves) expects the Chiefs to win at Three Rivers. Are the Chiefs for real? A loss won’t answer that question near as much as how they lose. If they play as a team, scare the heck out of a desperate Pittsburg team, but still end up slightly on the low side of the scoreboard there’s still hope. If the Chiefs get blown out ~ it’s over. The Arizona game was an aberration and means nothing more than fond memories.

If the Chiefs win however ~ watch out for the Chiefs.

Luz

this sunday is the most important game of the year…

10-13-2006, 10:25 AM	Topic Starter
Luzap 9.89 Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Dallas, TX Casino cash: $10004900	Arizona was a Defining Moment What’s the truth about the 2006 KC Chiefs? Are they a slightly better than average team that will struggle to go 9-7? Or could they be one of the NFL’s powerhouses on the road to a Super Bowl appearance? The record would certainly indicate the former. They’re 2-2, losing to good teams (Cincinnati, Denver), and winning on bad teams (San Francisco, Arizona). That might not be the true picture, however. Super Bowl history is replete with dark horse participants ~ teams that in October no one believed in. So why would we even hope that this years Chiefs could have such potential? Because of the Arizona game. Big plays were not just restricted to a few talented individuals. Almost everyone got into the act ~ it was truly a team win. From Hali, Allen, Edwards, and yes, even Bell getting critical sacks, to Knight getting critical third down stops and Wesley hitting hard and stripping the ball on a ‘sure’ deep route completion. Derek Johnson was everywhere and Cruz converted third downs in a manner we’ve not seen from a fullback in some time. Dante Hall converts third downs as a receiver, and when he gets hurt Webb steps in to return a kick 50 yards. Pollard blocks a punt, Gonzales makes a critical (and incredible) 25 yard catch, and Ty Law shows us why he can name his price with a game changing interception. If you consider that Roaf and Welborne were projected starters, then an O Line with a third string L Tackle (Black) and a second string R Tackle (Sampson) played well enough to get their QB AFC Player of the Week honors. Parker makes a great TD catch, and Larry Johnson proves he’s a Pro Bowler when after being frustrated all day, he breaks a screen pass into a 76 yard game winning completion. Tynes is money, and Huard ~ well, he’s literally playing better than most QBs in the NFL. By my count that’s 19 players making big-time critical plays, and that doesn’t include Colquitt (who boomed a 62 yard punt), or the kick-off coverage unit that held the runner to the 18 yard line late in the game, or Shields, Weigaman, Waters, and others that had to play well for all this to happen. It was truly a well coached, well played, team victory. So what does this mean? Nothing ~ unless they do it again in Pittsburg. Arizona was a defining moment, Pittsburg will tell the story. No one (except the team themselves) expects the Chiefs to win at Three Rivers. Are the Chiefs for real? A loss won’t answer that question near as much as how they lose. If they play as a team, scare the heck out of a desperate Pittsburg team, but still end up slightly on the low side of the scoreboard there’s still hope. If the Chiefs get blown out ~ it’s over. The Arizona game was an aberration and means nothing more than fond memories. If the Chiefs win however ~ watch out for the Chiefs. Luz this sunday is the most important game of the year… Last edited by Luzap; 10-13-2006 at 10:31 AM..
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