Chiefs Command

Clark Hunt Does Not Want To Win The Super Bowl

Joshua Simpson — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:30:58 +0000

Peyton Manning is inevitably going to be open for bidding in the coming days and the Chiefs would be absolutely stupid to not be the front-runner for him. If there is any observer of any kind that doesn’t realize that it’s time for a team to room for a quarterback that can still win a Super Bowl by himself if healthy, no matter what opinion anyone in the organization has about Matt Cassel, that observer should be fired from football. We don’t really know if he is healthy but a team that is at the forefront of vying for Manning is clearly looking to win a Super Bowl. I am tired of trying to argue that the Chiefs are not serious about winning a Super Bowl. I would like the Chiefs to prove me wrong. I would like the Chiefs to show me that they want to win. What we have here are the Cleveland Chiefs. That is the way the owner likes running things. Make it look like you want to win by bringing a smart football guy in without giving him a budget. He will find guys and build a team that will win 6-11 games a year, ebbing back and forth on safe talent and safe bets. Maybe Scott Pioli will find the next Tom Brady, but if he doesn’t, maybe he has found a good quarterback in Matt Cassel. He will bring value to the team but, until a real franchise quarterback suits up for the Chiefs, they will underachieve and I feel that the Chiefs are not concerned about whether or not they do fall short every year. I think Scott Pioli has built a fine defense but he does not have an equivalent for Tom Brady yet and, for all we know, he has been lobbying for Peyton the whole time. I am not really talking about Scott Pioli. He is too busy telling employees to move their cars and tap their phones. This is about Clark Hunt. He has been pocketing tens of millions of dollars the last few years. That is really up to him but he is not able to say that he is doing what it takes to win a Super Bowl. It is his team and, to his credit, he hired the right guy to accomplish his goals. He just really has no defense to an accusation of being a loser. Pioli came in with a system and he knows how to find low-cost talent to play the roles of his system. To get off track for a sentence, though I supported the moves at their times, I think the Chiefs could still use Tony Gonzalez and Brian Waters. I think he is on the right side of the bets of when those two would retire. Their replacements by compensation (for TGon, Javier Arenas and, for Waters, nothing) have not been worth it. Seeing how important the Patriots, THE model, have made the tight end position for their success shows how far behind the Chiefs are, or, more accurately, how far they are behind Belichick. The Chiefs best bet might be to wait until Brady retires so Belichick grows tired of the Northeast and joins his old pal Pioli in KC. What might be a better bet would be to acquire an equivalent to Tom Brady. A healthy Peyton Manning might just be the way to show that the Chiefs are looking to win the Super Bowl. I don’t think the Chiefs will do it. Prove me wrong, Clark. Stop trying to run the Cleveland Chiefs and bring a Super Bowl to Kansas City. Lamar Hunt was partially responsible for merging the AFL and the NFL, acting as a catalyst to the great game we have today. He didn’t do much past the end of the 60’s but what have you done, Clark? The most heinous crime Clark Hunt may be guilty of is being too gutless to sell the team to an owner that wants to win. Think of a price that would be too high for the Chiefs to pay. Peyton Manning is in the organization's reach and they have an attractive team where he can plug into. Get a healthy Peyton Manning in a Chiefs uniform. If he isn’t clear to play, I understand. Tell us so after you’ve conducted an evaluation of Manning. There is no other way to win now. I am losing my faith in this team and much of this feeling has to do with the fact that fans like you and I want to win a Super Bowl more than Clark Hunt and the Chiefs organization. There is nothing more pathetic than basking in a past long gone in the wake of four decades of losing.

Chiefs Post Season Random Ramblings

Michael Parr — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 09:55:47 +0000

The Kansas City Chiefs have officially removed the interim tag from head coach Romeo Crennel. With a head coach firmly in place it is now time to start thinking about this fast approaching off season. Its time for some post season random ramblings...

It's a Bowe Brainer!

Regardless if you think Dwayne Bowe is a true number one receiver or not, the fact is he has been the Chiefs top receiver over the past 3 years. He may not be the speediest receiver out there but his hands and footwork are impeccable. Yes his numbers fell off this year but make no mistake it was due to the Chiefs not having any kind of a running game due to the injury of Jamaal Charles and because Tyler Palko was the quarterback for four games. This signing alone will open many doors.

Need A New Carr? Buy Tag One!

The Chiefs are in great shape when it comes to the salary cap. However, Scott Pioli isn't likely to spend big bucks on another corner back contract after spending 50 million dollars on Brandon Flowers. If the Chiefs ink Bowe to a new deal, they could then use the franchise tag on Brandon Carr. This would workout for both parties in the long run. If Carr has another solid season next year, Pioli after seeing Carr's consistency would have no choice but to sign him to a long term deal in 2013 and Carr would get the deal he then deserves. Carr would be lost to another team for sure if they choose not to tag him and let him test the free agent waters.

Let Free Agency Sculpt Your Draft

It is well known in Chiefs circles that the injury to Eric Berry opened the flood gates to seeing the leagues worst backup safties that have ever played in the league. The need for depth at the safety position is best addressed in free agency. Sean Jones played safety for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this past season. He has some injury issues but has experience at both safety and cornerback. The other upside is the Chiefs wouldn't have to break the bank to get him. Visante Shiancoe played tight end for the Minnesota Vikings last season. He would be a great fit here with his experience in being a good receiving but more importantly great blocking tight end. Tony Moeaki is the future in K.C. but he has been injury prone going back to his college playing days in Iowa. Signing these two free agents would add depth and help shape this Aprils draft.

No Need For A Rough Draft

I believe that Stanford tackle Jonathan Martin would be an ideal fit to the Chiefs offensive Line. At 6'5" and 305 lbs he is very quick on his feet and is a driving anchor upon first contact. Barry Richardson was terrible this year and he hopefully will not be on next years roster. The Chiefs will draft in either the 11th or 12th spot (depending on the coin flip with Seattle). I feel Martin can come in and start from day one. I will get into the rest of the draft as it gets closer.

The Wrap-up

As you can see with signing Bowe you can start the ball rolling in a positive direction that would allow you in the end to draft a starter for the 2012 season in the first round. With 60 days until the start of free agency, Pioli has ample time to come up with a blueprint for this off season. Lets just hope he isn't blinded by ego. What would you like to see the Chiefs do this off season? Do you agree with me or do you think I'm off my rocker!? Let me know in the comments below!

2011-2012 NFL Playoffs

Travis Pflanz — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 16:25:56 +0000

The NFL playoffs are upon us. Our Kansas City Chiefs will be watching from their couches with the rest of us. A disappointment? Maybe. If you were one of the few, like me, who picked the Chiefs to win 10 games and represent the AFC West in the playoffs for the second consecutive season, then yes, 2011 was a disappointment. However, if you were part of the masses who picked the Chiefs to win 4-6 games due to their "tough" schedule, you can be nothing except satisfied and enthusiastic for 2012. Seven wins to close out the season for the Chiefs, one shy of the division title without the best two players on the roster (Eric Berry and Jamaal Charles), missing the starting quarterback for nearly half the season, starting tight end for the entire season and the now-underrated Jon McGraw to fill in for the missing Eric Berry for a chunk of the season, all in all is not too bad. Without our Chiefs, who do you like to win the Super Bowl? Here are my predictions: Remember, the NFL reseeds matchups after every round, so the highest seed always plays the lowest [one_half last="no"]

AFC

Wildcard Weekend

Byes

1 New England 2 Baltimore

6 Cincinnati @ 3 Houston

I really like how Cincinnati has played in 2011, a shock, actually. The very young Bengals have come together quickly after kicking Carson Palmer, Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens out of town. Rookie QB Andy Dalton is my pick for Offensive Rookie of the Year, but it is hard to leave rookie WR AJ Green out of that conversation as well. I'm taking Cincinnati to upset.

5 Pittsburgh @ 4 Denver

Is there really anyone who follows football who believes Denver can win this game? The Broncos don't deserve to be in the playoffs and have no chance to advance. Honestly, I believe Denver is the worst team in the AFC West, right now.

Divisional Playoffs

5 Pittsburgh @ 1 New England

Pittsburgh simply seems to be the team year after year that wins regardless of pitfalls. The o-line is torn to shreds, Ben Roethlisberger is ALWAYS banged up and RB Rashard Mendenhall is lost to a torn ACL. That being said, Pittsburgh still has one of the toughest defenses in the NFL and goes up against New England, with one of the softest defenses in the NFL. I will take Pittsburgh to assist Tom Brady in laying a goose egg... No, not points... Production.

6 Cincinnati @ 2 Baltimore

It has been a nice ride for the Brengals, but the Ravens will be too much for them. Baltimore looks really good to me right now and if Joe Flacco keeps playing at his current level, the Ravens may be Super Bowl bound.

Conference Championship

5 Pittsburgh @ 2 Baltimore

A defensive matchup in the AFC Championship. It's this type of game old-school purists dream of. As mentioned previously, I like the Ravens right now and even less of a running game than the norm in 2011, will mean defeat for the Steelers. [/one_half] [one_half last="yes"]

NFC

Wildcard Weekend

Byes

1 Green Bay 2 San Francisco

6 Detroit @ 3 New Orleans

Most likely the highest scoring Wildcard Weekend game... Of course, now that I've said it, we will be watching a 6-3 showdown. Seriously, though, I hope this game just rolls offensively from beginning to end. Both teams have stellar offenses and can score on anyone at any time. The game may come down to the final possession. In that case, I will take the Saints to make at least one stop in this game and win.

5 Atlanta @ 4 New York

I usually am not a New York Giants fan, and the same holds true now, but the Giants have looked fantastic in weeks of late. Victor Cruz has become a legit NFL stud as an undrafted rookie WR. Oh ya, by breaking nearly every New York Giants receiving record. The Falcons have looked horrible on many occasions in 2011. I like the momentum of the Giants to keep going.

Divisional Playoffs

4 New York @ 1 Green Bay

Nearly perfect on the season. A repeat trip to the Super Bowl is the only thing that wouldn't mean failure for the Green Bay Packers. This team is amazing, even with one loss, may be the best ever in the NFL. The Green Bay defense gives up a ton of yards, but comes away with a lot of turnovers. Green Bay advances.

3 New Orleans @ 2 San Francisco

For the last handful of years, experts, analysts and fans alike have picked the 49ers to break-out and succeed in the NFC West. 2011 was finally that year. A stout defense and ball protecting offense have given the 49ers the #2 seed. This, however, is where it ends. Alex Smith is not even close to good enough to match the offense of Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints. Frank Gore looks as if he has hit a wall, becoming nearly inconsequential toward the end of the regular season. Saints roll.

Conference Championship

3 New Orleans @ 1 Green Bay

Converse to the AFC, in the NFC we have an all-world offensive matchup in the Conference Championship. Another game that could come down to whoever has the ball last. Again, I like the Packers... But this one should be exciting! [/one_half]

Super Bowl

2 Baltimore v. 1 Green Bay Well, football fans, here is you chance to prove you're right when you say defense wins championships, or the other way around if you believe defense is for "old timers." This should be an exciting matchup for any fan. I like the offense of the Packers to play well (duh), but that is not what will win the Packers the game. I believe the game will be relatively low scoring for the Pack, and the game will come down to Joe Flacco making a critical mistake... Remember way back, I said Joe Flacco and Matt Cassel are pretty much the same QB... You wouldn't pick Matt Cassel to win the Super Bowl, would you?

Your Thoughts?

Let me know who you are picking in the comments below!

Chiefs Needs and Wants

Joshua Simpson — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:00:57 +0000

You want to see this image because, if this is duplicated in real life, Scott Pioli wins the Super Bowl as the Chiefs' GM and Bill Belichick lost a bet with Pioli somewhere along the way and had to ride on the float. Now that the season is over for the Chiefs, they can look forward to the draft while hiring a coach, re-signing some players and maybe doing something in free agency. At this point, it is way too early to say much about players who will be draft eligible except for some of the marquee players such as Andrew Luck, Trent Richardson and Jonathan Blackmon. As you might guess, I will only talk about Luck and maybe Robert Griffin III. I want to look at needs without really finding players in the field to draft. You have to see what is broke before you know what needs to be fixed.

It's About The Quarterback

The number one need for the Chiefs is at quarterback. Matt Cassel is most likely coming back but I think that the grand prize in this offseason is whoever goes mobile in Indy; either Peyton Manning or the pick that represents Andrew Luck. Either one (other than an unreachable Drew Brees) may command the house but both will be worth it. The Chiefs must take every opportunity to get a quarterback that can take the team to a Super Bowl and win it. The chances may not get better than around three years of a healthy Manning (do your own discounting if he is not quite healthy) or years of another generational prospect in Luck. I did not see Luck light the world on fire in Fiesta Bowl but I like what he does and he definitely can play in the NFL. His ceiling given by the experts is much higher and I have to believe they may be right. If the Chiefs are on the clock and they can draft a quarterback that they believe is a franchise quarterback, they should draft him and that is a no-brainer. I don't think that Scott Pioli thinks the same way but I hope that he eventually starts to think about life after Cassel sooner rather than later. Sounds like I am a defeated fan but you can hire Romeo Crennel and he may be fine but the more important decision involves the present and future of the quarterback position and I hope Scott Pioli finds the next Tom Brady rather than staying the guy who filled in for Brady one year and got paid $60 million for doing so.

The Offensive Line Needs Help

The next need requires multiple players and this need is offensive line help. I am in favor for moving Brandon Albert, either to right tackle or left guard. I think he would be better suited for either one. Rodney Hudson in at center or left guard, Jon Asamoah stays put at RG and the Chiefs draft two lineman or they draft one and search for a free agent. I don't see them sticking with Ryan Lilja and I definitely don't think they have anything to do with Barry Richardson anymore.

Stack The Tight End Position and Keep Stacking Safeties

Now I want to talk about two positions where the Chiefs are good when healthy but would do well to stack these positions often: tight end and safety. Are the Patriots "good" with just having Rob Gronkowski? No, they have Aaron Hernandez too. The Chiefs have a tight end of similar talent with less payoff on the field. No need to replace what Tony Moeaki can be. Getting a tight end or two in the draft can be about adding to what Moeaki can be while insuring against him. Maybe a third tight end who can block in max protect packages and play special teams. I have had enough of Leonard Pope, Jake O'Connell and Anthony Becht and the Chiefs need to upgrade at this position. As far as the safety position goes, a healthy Eric Berry make the Chiefs defense a Top-10 NFL defense. Kendrick Lewis made some strides this year and really started to be a real safety at the end. Why draft a safety then? Insuring against an injury is not a bad idea but I really can't think of a team that has too much safety depth and the way the Chiefs run some of their six DB sets, why can't three of them be real safeties? You can't get enough depth at this position.

The Chiefs Need More Horses

The Chiefs could focus on running backs, especially late. I would like them to get a workhorse running back with low mileage but more speed may not be a bad thing. I think the Chiefs could find a guy who was like Thomas Jones but when he was young and good. If Jamaal Charles comes back healthy and stays that way, why not have a running back that complements his style? The Chiefs have to stockpile running backs because, as painful as it is to think about, JC won't be around forever and they need to follow the model where running backs are found in later rounds and they are brought up and succeed because the offensive line can run block and the team is a threat to move the ball in the air. This could start with improvements on the line and a replenishment at running back. If a player doesn't already have this ability, I think it is time to move on to finding another kick returner. Javier Arenas has proven to be a decent nickel back and Dexter McCluster is what he is, a small but electric player who is good for a big play once in a while but is not really that dangerous and he is less inspiring at KR than Arenas is. Both players do well to get some decent returns but it just doesn't seem like either player has that home run threat and the Chiefs could try to find that in the draft.

General Nonsense

All in all, a general manager is judged by his drafts and I think a lot of people want to say that Scott Pioli has been bad. I think his drafts to this point will be judged as average in time (except for the 2009 draft; that's real bad). He does have to get better and that goes hand in hand with coming to grips the fact that the answer at quarterback for the future is not on the Chiefs roster and he needs to go get one. Whether or not it is true, Pioli is too bought into Cassel but, if the Chiefs would like to get a quarterback who would do well to sit for a couple of years, that can put the heat on Cassel without effectively replacing him. Kevin Kolb turned into a lot despite being a second round quarterback and the Chiefs should be doing all they can to grow talent at the most important position in the game. Ricki Stanzi may fit that mold but he should not be more than a third-string QB at this point. Stanzi definitely needs more time and I would expect nothing less out of a 2011 fifth round pick. They all need time and Stanzi is no exception. I would hope that the Chiefs have a plan while picking what they believe are the best football players available. At the same time, if it means moving a lot of these picks for a franchise quarterback, you move them. It seems so easy to address the Chiefs needs but they need more than one draft to get to contender status (unless they get Manning or Brees) and they need talent at all points in the draft. They can improve in every position in football and must take that approach when evaluating talent in these next few months. One last thing, I think the Chiefs will have the ability and the wherewithal to retain both Dwayne Bowe and Brandon Carr. If I had to choose, I would pick Bowe because this is a league about offense and Dwayne Bowe is more valuable than Brandon Carr would be if he were in the lower Top-10 at his position like Bowe is. That said, Brandon Carr is a great cornerback whom the Chiefs would be stupid to part with.

This Game Is Not About Revenge or Learning, It’s About Tebow Hate

Joshua Simpson — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 14:30:40 +0000

I don't know how I find myself on the other side of this subject but I actually want the Chiefs to win this game today. I hear a lot of opinions calling for Ricki Stanzi to get a start and how people are now concerned about getting the better pick rather than beating the Denver Broncos on Sunday. I will tell anyone who's prime concern is not winning the game the same thing that I heard when I was calling for the Chiefs to tank it for Andrew Luck: the players have to play the game to the best of their abilities and keep the Broncos out of the playoffs because that is why you play the game. Does that sound right? Keep in mind that, if the Chiefs were playing the Oakland Raiders and the Broncos were playing the San Diego Chargers, I would be calling for Ricki Stanzi to play because the season is over and I do not dislike the Raiders as much right now. I just want the Chiefs to beat the Broncos and keep Tim Tebow out of my playoffs. Not that the Raiders belong there or anything but it will be more tolerable with them in there.

Playoffs?

This has to be one of the weirdest Chiefs seasons I have watched, if not the weirdest. It is really difficult to believe that, had the Chiefs won the game last Sunday against Oakland, they would still be in position to make the playoffs. After how dreadful the Chiefs were against Buffalo, Detroit, Miami, New England and Denver, they find a way to beat the Packers and stay alive in the AFC West. Even with all the injuries and the Todd Haley/Scott Pioli drama, the Chiefs still found a way to stay alive in this awful division. This season was a lot of things but it definitely was a missed opportunity and nearly everyone is to blame for not taking it. I still look at the Denver and Miami games at home. If the Chiefs win those, the Chiefs are resting their guys against the Broncos and preparing to host another playoff game. Would they be rolling out a better team than last year? Not really but the Chiefs would have claimed their division. That would mean that Todd Haley would probably still be head coach but the Chiefs would have persevered through all of their struggles and would have been respectable given what they had been through. I think the lesson here is that a team may play poorly in some games but if there are opportunities to make the playoffs such as a bad division or no strong Wild Card candidates, the season is a roller coaster and a team can have a chance if it just wins the next game. I don't know what kind of lesson that is but it's right there for all of us.

Now, the Bronc-hos

First of all, do the Chiefs have a chance to win this game? I think they do if Kyle Orton starts today. The Chiefs are going to have to convert on third and fourth downs more regularly. Maybe converting in the red zone might help as well. I really find it difficult to watch the Chiefs fail to convert on a fourth & 1 and somehow LeRon McClain doesn't get the ball. If the Chiefs can get a damn yard, they win. I am alright with some experimentation on the line because, chances are, some of those guys will play in those positions next year. The same cannot be said about Stanzi. Rodney Hudson should be in the picture either at left guard or center. Tell Casey Weigmann to go dangle and put Hudson in. That might be about it for experimentation on the offense. On defense, there are a lot of options to get some young guys playing time, yet the Chiefs have an above-average defense so they do not necessarily need to fit some young players in there. I think the people who want the team to play the youngsters basically want to see Stanzi and Hudson play. I don't know what that does. The real match-up will be the second round of the Broncos offense vs. the Chiefs defense. You have to think that Tebow will throw more than he did last time unless there is some kind of windstorm. There is some tape out there now about how to stop Tim Tebow in addition to the tape on how to fail to stop Tebow as well (first Chiefs game, Bears-Broncos game). I want to see Tebow throwing the ball because he likes to throw it to the other team when he has to throw the ball. I think the Broncos will have a similar game plan as last time with more throwing than last time. I suppose I could play up the Kyle Orton revenge factor but we all know it is there and getting a new contract is more of an incentive for Orton than beating the Broncos and getting revenge. I believe he does have the desire to stomp the Broncos and show them they were wrong but it is bundled in his desire to be a starting quarterback for a bad team next year. That bad team probably will not be the Chiefs. One more thing about the Orton return is that despite the fact that Orton played for the Broncos this year, playing in Invesco Field will still be a disadvantage for Kyle Orton and the Chiefs. The Chiefs will have to stop Von Miller. He scares me more than Tebow or whoever is running the ball. Points will not be easy to come by but the Chiefs need to get on the board early. The earlier the Chiefs are playing with a lead, the more Tebow has to force the ball into areas he cannot throw into. I think that as difficult a time that Tebow will have, the Chiefs will beat Tebow by taking advantage of Tebow's poor ball protection. Tamba Hali and Co. will get some chances to swat the ball to the ground. I really think a win against this team would help the Chiefs finish this weird season on a good note. I didn't really think that was the case two years ago when the Chiefs beat the Broncos for their fourth win yet all we heard about that was the Chiefs carried that momentum into the next season. What a convenient cliche to use that fans are just giving up just to see Ricki Stanzi. I don't think a win will matter much as far as next year. However, if Romeo Crennel ends up coaching this team, he has an "identity" already built in if they win this game. They can be killers who will take this division back when they get healthy and have a decent coach at the helm. Happy New Year!

Prediction: 2012 will bring apocalypse and death when the Mayan predictions......oh right, the game

Kansas City Chiefs 20, Denver Broncos 17

Chiefs VS. Broncos II: Random Ramblings

Michael Parr — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 17:30:40 +0000

It has been almost a week since the Kansas City Chiefs cut out our hearts and ruined Christmas by losing to the Oakland Raiders in overtime. Is it just me or do the Raiders always go deep on the first play in overtime whenever they face the Chiefs? Anyway the consolation prize is facing the Antichrist led Denver Broncos and getting the opportunity to derail their playoff dreams. Now for some random ramblings... 56 + 91 = Hawaii! The Chiefs have two very deserving players representing the team in this years Pro Bowl. Tamba Hali and Derrick Johnson have both had outstanding years playing on the Chiefs defense. Johnson, in my opinion has had his best all around season since entering the NFL. He has 126 combined tackles, 11 pass deflections, 2 interceptions, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery. Aside from the stats, his read and recoginition skills are as sharp as ever especially in the red zone. Hali has 12 sacks, numerous holding calls due to his pursuit, and even more "missed" holding calls which at times resemble all out WWE style choke holds. His motor is always running and he gives 110% on every play. Congratulations are definitely in order for these two. Hit It Or Colquitt It I think the Chiefs should offer punter Dustin Colquitt a life contract that says as long as you can stand you will forever be a Chief. He has been solid since day one and I have never yelled or cursed and used Colquitts name in conjunction. It would go a long way in showing some player loyalty in an NFL world in which that doesn't seem to exist too often. Show a punter some love. Terminating Tebow The Chiefs can stop Tebow mania and send the Broncos directly into the off season by beating them on Sunday. Watching the fascination that Bronco fans have with this sub-par quarterback has been both interesting and annoying thus far. Is he a good quarterback?, no. This is a Broncos team that has a defense that has done a great job this year. They deserve most of the credit. Tebow has shown exactly why he will not succeed at this level the past two weeks. When he has to throw the ball to play catch up he turns into a turnover machine. I'm not a "hater" but a realist. I would however take Tebow over Tyler Palko any day of the week. Kyle Orton will show you his week why letting him go was a mistake. He isn't great but he is better than the Antichrist superstar. The Wrap-up Romeo Crennel will try to leave a lasting impression on the Chiefs higher ups this week. The talk around KC is that the players and coaching staff love Crennel and that they will be playing this one for him. Its definitely a great time (2) stop a (1) trick pony. (See what I did there?)

Tebow Can Be A Real NFL Quarterback If He Wants To

Joshua Simpson — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:00:30 +0000

The dumb fans of Denver got their wish in Week 5 of this NFL season and Tim Tebow took over as starting quarterback for a sluggish Broncos team. After beating the then winless Miami Dolphins and then falling to the Lions, they went on to win their next six games with a great defense and an offense that had a modicum of success running a triple option offense with Tebow running more than passing. He will now ride a white horse into Mile High Stadium and talk with Jesus whilst attempting to win the AFC West. It appears that, at present, Tebow does not look as invincible as he did weeks ago but he still can put his team into a home playoff game. He is getting more credit than he deserves as he isn't even the best player on the team, let alone an MVP candidate. The guy has a cult following and he isn't even that good. What if he were actually winning games and throwing touchdowns? How about playing all four quarters? Chiefs fans should be enjoying all of this success the Broncos are having because it only further supplants Tebow as the Broncos starting quarterback and, unless you believe in weird things like Tim Tebow winning playoff games, this is a good thing to have happen to the Broncos. Who doesn't like seeing a pissed-off John Elway as well? One thing that I find a bit odd about Tebow (everything about Tebow is odd) is something that he said. He said that he wanted to be a pro quarterback since he was seven. Did he really? IF so, why would he go to Florida and not learn how to throw the ball? Didn't any one get to him and tell him that, in order to play in the NFL, you have to be able to throw the ball? One of the reasons that I do not like college football is that I am watching games with teams running offenses that an NFL team cannot run. Florida is a great example of a college team that does not produce many great position players on offense and this is especially true with the quarterback position. On the Mount Rushmore of Florida QB's with any success in the NFL has Steve Spurrier, Rex Grossman, Tim Tebow and Danny Wuerffel...wait, I said successful. Tim Tebow goes to Florida and has a great collegiate career while gaining notoriety as he openly proselytized his fundamentalist Christian beliefs. He was not seen as being a great pro prospect but his attributed "intangibles" raised his value (in Josh McDaniel's opinion) through the roof. Now, he is accredited with winning seven games and is a part of a team that has a chance to make the playoffs and host either Baltimore or Pittsburgh. I do not like Tebow but I think he is not as annoying as his hype is. He seems like a genuinely decent guy but he has nothing to say but good things about God and everything while not having any football content to offer. He is interesting to watch as well because he does run the option well. I enjoyed the Bears shutting it down for 58 minutes more than the end of that Bears game but he does run well. It is just not a good idea to try to make a football career out of doing that. He seems like he should be easily tackled or that a defender will hit him solidly but he is evasive and avoids a lot of hits while refusing to slide more often than not. He does put it together at the end of the game despite not being able to do much in the quarters that led up to the end of the game. I don't think he is a good teammate because he could silence a lot of this excess nonsense but, like old Brett Favre, he likes the attention too much to do so. What I think about Tebow going forward is that, if he is really the guy who wills his way to wins and tries the hardest as well as someone who really wanted to be an NFL quarterback, he can go into the off-season and learn how to be one. Maybe keep working on the mechanics and cut down on the horrible release time. Put the Bible as it isn't going to change and will still suck and be just as wrong when Tebow is done willing his way to being a quarterback who can complete 60% of his short and safe passes. He may make it three or four years doing what he is doing and he may be a Bronco for all of those seasons but he will not have a long career in the NFL unless he can learn to throw NFL passes. Work with a once real NFL quarterback in John Elway and forget about the intangibles because they have been a crutch too long. Learn to win games in the air because that is where the league is right now. I always thought he may be dangerous if he did spend three seasons on the bench learning to throw the right way and the proper mechanics. He does have a lot to offer his team and he is athletic enough to be a real NFL quarterback. What will Tebow become now that he is seemingly being figured out or exposed? I think he wants to play the game his way and it might work. It's more likely that, for once, someone will have to tell him that he isn't as good as his fans want him to be.

Week Seventeen: Let Down

Brandon Prewitt — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 14:55:37 +0000

All the Kansas City Chiefs had to do was win and this last week of the NFL season would have meant something, instead the fan base is talking about the 2012 draft ad not potential playoffs. The Chiefs season has ended in a letdown. My fantasy season ended the same way. I lost the consolation game and came in fourth after dominating the entire season. This week is the end of the NFL regular season and the end of the fantasy football year. Nearly every league ended last week, but some still play in week 17. If you are playing in a week 17 championship game I can’t suggest starting any Chiefs players this week. Keeping this short this week, good luck and thanks for reading this season.

Week seventeen Kansas City Chiefs Fantasy Projections:

Kyle Orton: 250 yards passing, 1 TD, 1 INT Thomas Jones: 40 yards rushing Dexter McCluster: 20 yards rushing 3 receptions for 40 yards Jackie Battle: 50 yards rushing Dwayne Bowe: 5 receptions for 70 yards, 1 TD Jonathan Baldwin: 2 receptions for 25 yards Steve Breaston: 4 receptions for 50 yards Leonard Pope: 3 receptions for 25 yards Ryan Succop: 2/2 FG, 1/1 XP Team Defense: 3 sacks, 1 INTs 17 points allowed [one_half last="no"]

Start’em:

QB: Philip Rivers, Eli Manning, Matt Ryan RB: Ryan Mathews, CJ Spiller, Rashard Mendenhall WR: Hakeem Nicks, Steve Johnson, Dez Bryant TE: Brent Celek, Aaron Hernandez, Brandon Pettigrew K: John Kasay, Robbie Gould, Alex Henery DEF: Falcons, Dolphins, Jaguars [/one_half] [one_half last="yes"]

Sit’em:

QB: Ben Roethlisberger, Joe Flacco, Matt Moore RB: Peyton Hillis, Shonn Green, Cedric Benson WR: Dwayne Bowe, DeSean Jackson, Antonio Brown TE: Kellen Winslow, Vernon Davis, Jermaine Gresham K: Adam Vinatieri, Graham Gano, Jason Hanson DEF: Bills, Bengals, Cowboys [/one_half]

NFL Parlay Week 16: Chiefs, Packers, Steelers

Travis Pflanz — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 17:59:29 +0000

Another week, another loss. Thanks for beating the Packers, Chiefs! No, really! I will take a win from my team over winning a $20 parlay, especially when they still have a playoffs shot... Just Barely! My one rule - I MUST use the Chiefs in the NFL parlay. As always, I am using the current line from BetUS.com

Season NFL Parlay Recap

Down 180 bucks on the season... I must win these last two weeks to make a profit in the regular season. [one_third last="no"]

Raiders (-3) @ Chiefs

I said it earlier, and I'm sticking to it. Chiefs win.

Pick: Kansas City Chiefs +3

[/one_third] [one_third last="no"]

Bears @ Packers (-11)

This is more hopeful for my fantasy team. I need Aaron Rodgers to have a big day. I am facing Drew Brees.

Pick: Green Bay Packers -11

[/one_third] [one_third last="yes"]

Rams @ Steelers (-10)

The Rams are official contenders for the #1 pick in the NFL Draft yet again, sad to say only two seasons after drafting a Sam Bradford #1 overall. This team is bad. Brandon Lloyd is the only bright spot, who will likely be gone following the season.

Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers -10

[/one_third]

Week 15 NFL Parlay Recap

$20 bet wins $126.67 Kansas City Chiefs +3, Green Bay Packers -11, Pittsburgh Steelers -10

What are your thoughts or your bets?

5 Reasons the Oakland Raiders could beat the Kansas City Chiefs

Travis Pflanz — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 17:41:41 +0000

The Kansas City Chiefs are still alive in the hunt for the playoffs! By now, you know the scenario: The Chiefs must win their last two games, the Denver Broncos must must lose against the Buffalo Bills in week 16, while the San Diego Chargers must lose one of their last tow games. Sounds simple enough, right? The Chiefs' playoff scenario actually began in week 15 against the Green Bay Packers. I think it is safe to say, nobody saw that upset win coming. If you tell me you did... I don;t believe you!

On to the reasons the Raiders will beat the Chiefs...

♦◊♦◊♦◊♦◊♦

Playoffs?

Entering week 16, every AFC West team is alive in the playoff hunt. The Raiders have a better shot than the Chiefs, but it all starts with this game.

Pressure

Time after time, Chiefs fans have watched this team crumble under pressure. Many Chiefs fans truly believe the Chiefs can make the playoffs. The pressure has never been higher, and the Chiefs have been blown out as often as they have won. Good luck.

Michael Bush

I get crap all the time when I say Michael Bush may actually be better than Darren McFadden. Yes, I believe it could be true. The problem, they are both injury prone. Well, Darren McFadden is out today, so the Chiefs will be facing Bush, who has rushed for 86 yards rushing per game and another 37 yards per game receiving for a total of 123 yards per game since McFadden's injury.

Carson Palmer

It is well-documented how much I think Palmer is a turd, that being said, he is still the best option on the team at QB. This time around Palmer will be starting the game, not entering in the third quarter while trailing badly.

Chiefs Rushing Game

In week 15 against the Packers, the Chiefs seemed to try to re-establish a running game under Romeo Crennel... It needs to happen again, but will it!?

♦◊♦◊♦◊♦◊♦

My Raiders @ Chiefs Prediction

I like the Chiefs in this game, regardless of the win over the Packers by the Chiefs in week 15. Carson Palmer is horrible... Ready for another six-pack of picks?!

Kansas City Chiefs 26 - Oakland Raiders - 17

Your Thoughts?

What are your thoughts on the game? Let us know in the comments section below!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Brian Cenci — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 02:06:40 +0000

Happy holidays as Christmas is almost here and there could be some HUGE presents for some teams this year. There are so many different scenarios just don't know what ones to talk about. So lets focus on our Chiefs. Chiefs only need Broncos to lose, Chargers to Lose and beat the Raiders. That is what we need this week and week 17 would be another case of multiple things to go right for the Chiefs. BUT....There is some kind of chance which is always good. Eagles are in about the same situation, the difference is Eagles have been playing great and Playing the Cowboys this week, Eagles crushed the Boys last game. Happy Holidays to the Green Bay Packers and New England Patriots both teams have clinched first round bye. Happy Holidays to Drew Brees he will break Dan Marino's all time passing yards in a single season. Happy Holidays to the San Diego Chargers as they always roll in December 20-2, Lions with no running game wont be able to control the clock enough to beat the Chargers. Don't be betting your Christmas money, well unless you think its a smart bet. LOL Life is about gambling in all aspects, fortunately we get to pick our gambles on the NFL. Week 16 is always a tough week not just to bet, but for many teams playing for the playoffs. This week I am looking at some big road wins to keep playoff dreams alive. First game is the Chargers visiting the Detroit Lions, the line is Detroit -1, the Accu-score on ESPN over a simulation of 10.000 games has Chargers winning 29-27. I am going to agree with the numbers not sure about the score but I do see San Diego finding a way to win this game. I like the Chargers winning 35-21 Philip Rivers is back on track, and is going to give Norv Turner a huge Christmas gift by winning out this season. The next upset of the holiday weekend is going to be the Dallas Cowboys losing yet another heart breaker to the red hot Eagles. Eagles coming off a huge win over the Jets, Eagles showed us what the dream team looks like. I think Andy Reid has his team playing for his job. Cowboys rebounded last week beating a terrible Tampa Bay team. Romo is the game changer, with Felix Jones being beat up puts the Boys VERY VERY thin at the running back position. Eagles match-up really good against them and I think they can put up the points and win in a close game. Eagles +1 which means odds makers has them slight favorites after factoring in home field a -3 for the home team. The Accu-score has this game Favored Cowboys 29-25. Happy Holidays to Andy Reid as his Eagles get Jason Garrett and Rob Ryan fired if this rocky season ends with out the playoffs. Kansas City Chiefs are looking for yet another Christmas Gift this week as they face the Oakland Raiders. Chiefs upset the undefeated Packers last week in another great defensive outing. Kyle Orton seemed to play pretty well and hate to admit it but I think he will excel this week having a great game tearing apart the secondary of the Raiders. Raiders on the other hand got handed a devastating loss last week as Detroit went on a game winning drive in the final minutes. The division is in the hands of the Broncos who are on the road against a horrible Bills team who has lost 7 straight games. So all Chiefs players asking for Christmas is there division back. Playing in Arrowhead is a HUGE advantage and I think the fans should be back on board after the win last week. I don't bet on the Chiefs but if there was a week I felt good about this would be it. Happy Holidays to the Chiefs Command fans, please follow me on twitter @MOBSTERSGEAR My Picks this week Chargers- +1 Bengals- ML Eagles- +1 Under Broncos- 41.5

Chiefs VS. Raiders II: Random Ramblings

Michael Parr — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 17:30:07 +0000

After the way this season has played out, many Chiefs fans tossed the possibility of a playoff appearance out of the window weeks ago. Yet last week the boys in red came out and outplayed the undefeated, reigning Superbowl Champion Green Bay Packers. The Chiefs now head into week 16 with a shot at winning the AFC West for the second consecutive year. Enter the Oakland Raiders, they too along with the Chiefs, Chargers, and Broncos can win the division. The Raiders have high aspirations and revenge on their minds from the shutout loss the Chiefs dealt to them earlier in the season going into Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday. Now for some random ramblings... Muir, Muir On The Wall In a press conference earlier this week Chiefs interim head coach Romeo Crennel revealed that he left the offensive play calling entirely up to offensive coordinator Bill Muir, stating that everyone on the coaching staff has a job and that he expects them to do it. Speculation prior to the firing of former head coach Todd Haley was that Haley was calling the plays and that Muir was picked as a decoy just to fill the position. Muir himself also made a remark earlier this week stating that he felt more hands on than ever before against Green Bay. The only question that remains unanswered for me is, what did Haley ever see in Tyler Palko? Ortons Best Friend Kyle Orton was impressive in his debut as Chiefs starting signal caller despite having a bum finger. He looked very confident in the pocket and made the proper check downs all game long. What worked for Orton was his running of the play action pass. It was textbook,flawless execution each and every time that they dialed it up. Pressure Luck The defense looked outstanding once again last week. Tamba Hali had 3 sacks and was held at least 7 times in which the Stevie Wonders, I mean referees didn't see or they were just too lazy to throw a penalty flag. The front four was able to pressure Aaron Rodgers on several occasions one in which Chiefs rookie Allen Bailey recorded his first sack of the season and if they do the same to Carson Palmer this week, I have no doubt that the Chiefs will be victorious. Storybook Ending? If the Chiefs beat the Raiders and the Buffalo Bills led by former Chiefs offensive coordinator Chan Gailey beat the Antichrist led Denver Broncos, the week 17 match up between the Chiefs and Broncos could be for the AFC West title. The Chargers also must lose one of their final two games for this to happen but what a story this would be. Kyle Orton will be out for revenge against the team who released him after benching him in favor of a tight end who runs a game long wild cat offense. The Wrap-up This could go down as one of the greatest 2 weeks to be a fan of any of the AFC West teams. The NFL scheduling Gods appear to have thought this season out pretty well. Hopefully the Chiefs do not overlook the Raiders this week and they can continue to just win baby! Happy Holidays Everyone!

Week Sixteen: Dominance Ceased

Brandon Prewitt — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:55:28 +0000

The Kansas City Chiefs shocked the football world last Sunday by upsetting the then 13-0 Green Bay Packers. The Packer’s win streak and dominance is over. Well, not really, the Pack is still Super Bowl favorites, but it was nice that the Chiefs were the first team to beat them this season. The dominance that really ceased this weekend was mine. My beloved Beantown Banana Slugs were the best team, had the #1 seed, a bye and were the highest scoring team for the season. However, they decided to drop a massive goose egg when it mattered most and lost their playoff game. I have missed out on my bid to be the first ever back to back champion in my league. I’m not the only one here at Chiefs Command disappointed; Travis Pflanz also lost his playoff game. We will be playing each other this weekend in the third place consolation game. I was in Cincinnati all weekend watching my Bengals beat the Rams while sporting my new AJ Green jersey so I missed watching the Chiefs game. I kept constant watch on the bottom line ticker and the gamecast on my phone. I was shocked by how well the Chiefs played and how well Kyle Orton moved the ball. It was nice to see a REAL QB in red move the ball. I predict Orton will have a blast this weekend against the Oakland Raiders; they have been giving up huge numbers to opposing QBs. I wouldn’t recommend starting him as those of you alive still are in your championship or semi-finals and should just go with who got you there. However, if you are concerned about Aaron Rodgers limited play this weekend then pick up Orton. Even if you don’t play him, you eliminate the chance your opponent will. Dwayne Bowe looks like a good option this week as well. I have suggested you avoid him the last few weeks, but now that he has a competent QB passing him the ball his status is greatly improved. I would avoid any other Kansas City Chiefs player this week in fantasy football. I’m looking forward to this Saturday’s matchup. As a Chiefs fan I hate the Raiders and as a Bengals fan I hate Carson Palmer. I want to see both fail miserably. Both my favorite teams have a chance, albeit a small one, to make the playoffs so it’ll make these last two weeks of the NFL season one to watch and remember.

Week sixteen Kansas City Chiefs Fantasy Projections:

Kyle Orton: 210 yards passing, 2 TD, 1 INT Thomas Jones: 40 yards rushing Dexter McCluster: 20 yards rushing 2 receptions for 15 yards Jackie Battle: 30 yards rushing Dwayne Bowe: 6 receptions for 85 yards, 1 TD Jonathan Baldwin: 2 receptions for 25 yards Steve Breaston: 4 receptions for 55 yards, 1 TD Jerheme Urban: 2 receptions for 20 yards Leonard Pope: 3 receptions for 25 yards Ryan Succop: 2/2 FG, 2/2 XP Team Defense: 2 sacks, 2 INTs 17 points allowed [one_half last="no"]

Start’em:

QB: Matt Ryan, Tim Tebow, Matt Stafford RB: Michael Bush, Willis McGahee, Rashard Mendenhall WR: Brandon Marshall, AJ Green, Julio Jones TE: Brent Celek, Jermichael Finley, Jared Cook K: Mason Crosby, Nick Novak, Mike Nugent DEF: Steelers, Ravens, Texans [/one_half] [one_half last="yes"]

Sit’em:

QB: Eli Manning, Carson Palmer, Joe Flacco RB: Peyton Hillis, Ryan Grant, Marshawn Lynch WR: DeSean Jackson, Anquan Boldin, Percy Harvin TE: Kellen Winslow, Greg Olsen, Jermaine Gresham K: Sebastian Janikowski, Rob Bironas, Dan Carpenter DEF: Cowboys, Lions, Falcons [/one_half]

Sometimes NFL teams can clinch a playoff berth early and rest their best players. This can really hurt a fantasy team. Has this ever happened to you?

Predator Of The Prairie Podcast: Episode 14

Sterling L. Brown — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 23:28:27 +0000

Predator of the Prairie Podcast: Episode 14

Predator of the Prairie Podcast notes

Segment 1 Intro, Gut reaction, Pregame Keys/Postgame Locks, show over view (:48)

Gut Reaction Pre Game Keys Post Game Locks Show overview Break (10:40)

Segment 2 Offensive Breakdown with Numbers analysis (11:40)

Offensive Overview & Breakdown QB Play and numbers RB play and numbers WR/TE play and Numbers OL play Break (23:18)

Segment 3 Defensive Breakdown with Numbers analysis (25:15)

Defensive Overview & Breakdown DL play and numbers LB play and numbers DB play and numbers ST/K play and numbers Field position analysis Break (38:38)

Segment 4 Interview w/ Carrington Harrison KCSP 610AM on phone (40:08)

Chiefs win, from, what you saw, how did they do it? Talk About Kyle Orton’s Play. Does he Have a chance to be on the roster next year if he leads this team to two more wins? Does Romeo have some leverage to get the head Coaching job with this win, or rather, how much? Assess the AFC West race right now. You get two game balls to give out for this game. Who get’s ‘em? (Break 54:50)

Segment 5 Guest (by Phone) C.D. Angeli Host of Cheesehead radio on www.cheeseheadtv.com Green Bay, WI (56:28)

What does this loss do for CheeseHead nation? 31^st ranked team on defense, are you all soft? Did the Chiefs expose GB at the wrong time (close to the playoffs)? O line injuries heat on QB Any fear GB can’t get up for your next divisional game at home next week? When I was on your show, I heard some high score predictions. And you said some folks have been hard critics in early returns. You hit some fans hard on twitter for bashing the Packers’ play today? Are the fans feeling entitled? (Break 01:13:58)

Segment 6 Coaching Corner, Player of the Game, and outro

(01:15:18)

Offensive play calling Defensive play calling Head Coach /general manager Final Take Player of the Game Derrick Johnson -!!!! Hon. Mention-Kyle Orton upcoming Schedule, playoff prospects (OMG) Next Week Corie Henry “in studio” plus other guests End of Broadcast (01:32:32)

Romeo Presents His Case to be Head Coach

Bryce Merckling — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 23:25:49 +0000

Yesterday the Kansas City Chiefs dominated the undefeated Green Bay Packers. I’m not going to sit here and pretend I thought the Chiefs had a chance. I assumed they would lose by at least three touchdowns. Romeo Crennel did something right this week and he is now presenting his case as to why he should be the next head coach of the Chiefs. The players seem to really like Romeo and this was very evident as they showered him with Gatorade and danced around him after the victory. It is nice to see a coach loved by his players again in Kansas City. No matter what success the Chiefs had it always seemed that Todd Haley was on his own. There is nothing wrong with that approach (Bill Belichick) if it is in the right situation. The Chiefs are a young team that has promise and despite all the speculation of fans and analysts who want to see a big name coach come in, maybe just maybe Romeo is the man for the job. Let’s not forget Belichick failed in his first stint as a head coach for the Cleveland Browns. Both Crennel and Belichick are defensive coaches. The similarities are nice but nothing more than that. However, maybe the safest bet for Pioli and the Chiefs is to stay in house and try to keep this young core happy and motivated with Romeo Crennel.

Chiefs Upset Packers 19-14, Still in Playoff Race

Lukas Wigington — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:00:58 +0000

The Kansas City Chiefs did the unthinkable Sunday by upsetting the undefeated Green Bay Packers. The Arrowhead crowd was boisterous and acted as it is best known for: the 12th man. (Occasionally the 13th man, but who's counting?) The Packers came in to Kansas City riding a 19 game winning streak, not losing a game in 364 days. December 19, 2010 was the Packers' last loss against the New England Patriots. This game proved to be a day of firsts. The Chiefs handed the Packers their first loss, Romeo Crennel got his first win as the Chiefs head coach, and Kyle Orton got his first win in his first start as the Chiefs quarterback. (In other news, the Colts won their first game of the year against the Titans.) The Chiefs scored first on back to back drives, with Ryan Succop hitting two field goals to put the Chiefs up 6-0. Orton tallied up some decent yardage on the first two drives. The Packers went scoreless until the 8-minute mark in the 3rd quarter, Scoring on an Aaron Rodgers pass to Donald Driver to make the score 7-6. Rodgers set the franchise record for most touchdown passes in a season, passing Brett Favre's mark of 39. The Chiefs answered on a 7 play, 43 yard drive, which ended on Succop's third field goal of the day to put the Chiefs up 9-7. Green Bay put a decent drive together, but could not convert on a 4th down attempt at the Chiefs 39 yard line. Orton hit Steve Breaston on a 16 yard pass to start the drive, and then hit Leonard Pope on a huge 33 yard pass to put the Chiefs at the Packers 3 yard line. The Chiefs couldn't punch it into the endzone, but managed to score a field goal, giving Ryan Succop his fourth on the day. Succop is on a 21 consecutive field goal streak, which is one field goal shy of Pete Stoyanovich's current franchise record of 22. The Chiefs got the ball back after a five play drive by the Packers. Breaston kicked off the drive on an end around that went for 25 yards. Two passes, one to Dwayne Bowe and one to Anthony Becht, put the Chiefs at the Packers' 5 yard line. Three plays later, Jackie Battle muscled his way through the Packers defense for a touchdown which put the Chiefs up 19-7. Rodgers then drove the Packers 80 yards for a touchdown, running it in himself for 8 yards, cutting the lead to 5 points. The Packers attempted an onside kick, although they had three timeouts and the two minute warning on their side. It did not bode well, as the kick went out of bounds, and the Chiefs converted two first downs in four plays, the final first down gained by Battle on a 15 yard run around the left side of the line. Orton downed the ball a couple times to close out the game as Crennel got a Gatorade bath on the sidelines. “This about the most fun as I’ve had on the football field," Orton said after his first win as the Chiefs starting quarterback. "You go through practice and all that stuff but your teammates don’t really know you until you get in that huddle. That’s a special time for me, inside the huddle. I kind of turn into [another] person. I think everybody took it well. We had a lot of fun and battled together.” The Chiefs dominated on both sides of the ball. Although they didn't put up as many points as they could have, they prevented the Packers from running up the score like they did against the Raiders in Week 14. The Chiefs defense recorded four sacks on Rodgers, three of which came from Tamba Hali, the other coming from rookie Allen Bailey. Orton went 23 for 31 with 299 yards passing. Orton also completed passes to ten receivers, two for big gains to Pope. The Chiefs offense retained possession for 36:11, allowing Rodgers and the Packers outstanding offense on the field for only 23:49. The Chiefs also managed 23 first downs, which was three shy of the combined total for the Jets and Bears game. “They know that I care about them as people and as football players and I ask them to do the best that they can do," Crennel said in his post game press conference about his newly inherited football team. "That’s all I can ask of them. If they do that and we end up winning games, that’s a plus and a positive. They are the ones that play the game and should get all the credit. I was just standing on the sideline, that’s all I did today. They got it done.” The Chiefs are still in the playoff hunt. How, you ask? If the Chiefs can manage to defeat both the Raiders and Broncos to close out the season, their record will be 8-8. The Buffalo Bills will have to defeat the Denver Broncos next Sunday. The San Diego Chargers will also have to lose at least one time in the next two games, either to Detroit or Oakland. The Chargers stomped the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday Night Football. That will put the Chiefs at 8-8, Broncos at 8-8, Raiders at 8-8 or 7-9, depending on if they beat the Chargers in week 17, and the Chargers at 8-8 or 7-9 if they lose the next two games. The Chiefs would get in by comparison of the head to head matchups against the division, which they would lead at 4-2. The ONLY way the Chiefs will get into the playoffs is if they win the division. Do you folks think it is a possibility? Could the Chiefs pull a major turnaround and make the playoffs? Personally, I think they can. As long as the Bills can pull things together and beat the Broncos in Buffalo. From what we saw Sunday, home field advantage does exist. The Chargers have been set up to fail by Norv Turner, and will most likely drop the game next week to a Detroit Lions team who came back and beat the Raiders in the last minute of the game, 28-27. Sure, the Chargers destroyed the Ravens 34-14. I'm making a bold prediction that the Lions and Bills win next week, and the Chiefs win out. From what I saw today, I believe Romeo Crennel will find a way to win with this football team. Kansas City could be in for a second straight Division championship.

Week 15 NFL: Against the Spread

Travis Pflanz — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 17:11:09 +0000

The Rest of the NFL Against the Spread... Check out my week 15 parlay. [checklist]

New York Giants -5 1/2: 88% of BetUS.com bettors like the Giants over the Redskins. I see no reason to go against them
Green Bay Packers -11: Only 11 point favorites, wish this was the number when I picked them to cover -13 1/2. Sorry, Chiefs fans
New Orleans Saints -7: Sticking with this pick from earlier in the week, as well. Vikings are horrible
Seattle Seahawks + 3 1/2: Seattle isn't good, but I'm really liking Marshawn Lynch right now and the Bears are finding ways to lose.
Buffalo Bills -1 1/2: Gotta bounce back here against the Dolphins
Carolina Panthers +6: This game is going to be much closer against the Texans
Tennessee Titans -7: Jake Locker was anointed "the best QB since Peyton Manning," then he stayed in college and everyone forgot once Andrew Luck was mentioned. The Colts lose badly again
Cincinnati Bengals -7: Getting back on track against the Rams
Detroit Lions -3: Hoping, for fantasy's sake, that Calvin Johnson gets back on track against the Raiders
New England Patriots -7: The matchup against the Broncos is the only time a 6 straight winning home team has been 7 point dogs.
New York Jets +3: I don't like the Eagles either, picking the Jets to win
Arizona Cardinals -6: Larry Fitzgerald is starting to get into a groove. That could be dangerous... Sorry, Browns
Baltimore Ravens -2 1/2: Not sure how this line is so small against the Chargers
Pittsburgh Steelers +3: Had to go to BetOnline.com, since BetUS.com has this game off right now. Ben Roethlisberger is one tough SOB. He plays and the the Steelers beat the 49ers.

[/checklist]

Chiefs Host The Best Team In The NFL

Joshua Simpson — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 14:10:53 +0000

Now the Chiefs play the best team in football, the Green Bay Packers. It will be interesting to see how Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay offense attacks the Chiefs defense. We would be so lucky to see him play the Chiefs as the Packers seem to have everything locked up. The question may be how long will Rodgers be in the game before a safe lead is built up and he can be protected from Tamba Hali and Derrick Johnson.

The Case Against Todd Haley

I find it a bit odd that Todd Haley had as much support as he did on his way out. He seems to have a penchant for making enemies with too many people who he shouldn't be building up walls against. He has pushed away a lot of assistants and waged a whole campaign against the way Scott Pioli wanted Todd Haley to coach and carry himself as coach. Don't get me wrong - I thought the dingy hats and the weird sweaters Todd Haley wore was a good look but that only takes a guy so far when acting as Haley did was basically defying his boss. We all know that football jobs are different from normal jobs in many ways but defying your boss will not work out well, especially when no success is being had on the football field. With all that has come out in the past week about how defiant Todd Haley was, defending him at this point seems to be a dead-end argument. He is the coaching version of Plaxico Burress because he basically shot himself in the leg but in a figurative sense of course. The preseason plan of his basically fucked the Chiefs from the beginning and the injuries only made things less recoverable. He ended his tenure clinging to a quarterback, Tyler Palko, who is obviously bad He somehow rallied support from his team but was not able to keep it for very long. The whole Dwayne Bowe confrontation was a big deal. The whole act that Todd Haley put on as the "bad cop" or some better analogy just wears thin after three seasons. There is a time and a place for it but the wrong time and place is when a player like Bowe is working on a long-term contract with the Chiefs. Whether or not giving Bowe more paper is a good idea is another story. Todd Haley saw himself out the door because players stay longer and so do general managers. The coach had better find a way to fit in and make things work or he finds himself fired as he did on Monday.

The Case For Todd Haley

Space intentionally left blank

Any Chance For A Win Against The Winless Packers?

The Chiefs could win against the Packers but I doubt it. It helps that Kyle Orton should be playing today. I know that many Chiefs fans want to see Ricki Stanzi get some time in and I agree. Not because I want to see Stanxi but because a) I still think Scott Pioli will draft a quarterback and the Chiefs need the best pick available and b) I want people to see Stanzi so they shut up about it after he finds himself over-matched. It has been rumored that Pioli wants to remain with Cassel and ergo he will not draft a quarterback. I don't think one of the most tight-lipped organizations gives up its drafting plan when they give up no other information besides dirt about Haley. Matt Cassel probably should be the starter because he is still on the payroll and, even if the Chiefs draft say Robert Griffin III, he will need some time on the bench to learn and Matt Cassel will have some heat on his seat while he tries to repeat his success he had in 2010. The money the Chiefs paid Kyle Orton is sunk cost so the Chiefs could very well play who they want. It makes sense to play Orton if he is available because the with the Packers playing the best football in the league, the Chiefs need to be respectable on offense. The Chiefs will not have the same experience they had against the Bears where it was a close game because no team could score. If anyone wants Stanzi to play against the Raiders and at the Broncos, bad quarterback play would not be bad form in those games. On to the Packers! Aaron Rodgers has just been amazing this year. I have not seen enough of him but every time he is on my television, he is threading footballs through tiny windows and scoring touchdowns left and right. The Chiefs D should hold its own but if you wonder about where the Chiefs are weak, the Packers will show you today. It will also be interesting to see how Bill Muir calls plays. Not because he is some offensive mastermind but we have all wondered who has been calling plays this whole time (though we probably already know). Both Orton and Muir give the Chiefs something different and, though there are no promises it will be better, it will be a change. I think Jermichael Finley will give the Chiefs some problems as will the Packers offense in general. I don't think the Packers defense is all that great so I think there will be some points for the taking. The Chiefs are going to have to have their A game going. As for me, I have finished finals and, for the first time this season, I will be able to dedicate this whole day to football watching. I will watch the Chiefs game and the Bears-Seahawks game as well. In the late game the Patriots will try to stop God. If the Broncos win that game, I will see you in church next Sunday. But seriously, to end this rap, I think what is going on in Denver is great because, the better the Broncos do right now, the harder it will be to supplant Tim Tebow with a real quarterback. For a QB that didn't complete a pass in the second and third quarter, who got a whole minute after Marion Barber failed to get out of bounds and who has a kicker who can make field goals from 60 yards away, Tebow gets a lot of credit. I actually enjoy watching him play but if I were a fan of his, I would be worried about hi m long-term because a player just doesn't last too long playing how Tebow plays. I think he would be a great gimmick quarterback and a decent H-back tight end. Enjoy it while it lasts, Tebow fans, because he has yet to beat a decent team and his option is starting to get figured out.

Prediction: Green Bay Packers 35, Kansas City Chiefs 17

5 Reasons the Green Bay Packers will beat the Kansas City Chiefs

Travis Pflanz — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 17:33:07 +0000

Week 14 saw turmoil once again for Kansas City Chiefs fans. A devastating blow out 37-10 loss at the hands of the New York Jets turned into the firing of head coach Todd Haley, leaving defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel in charge of the team. In a refreshing change from the norm coming out of Arrowhead Stadium, Romeo Crennel announced early in the week that, if healthy, Kyle Orton would start at running back for the Chiefs, otherwise rookie Ricky Stanzi would get the start. Another bright spot, Romeo didn't play games with fans, media or the Green Bay Packers. Crennel was straight-up, stating that the Packers wouldn't be afraid of any of the options at quarterback for the Chiefs. It's nice to hear a realistic comment come from the Chiefs for once... The last time... Probably Marty Schottenheimer. I want to thank all the Packers writers and sports personalities who game input for this article. That being said, I got stared very early asking for quotes.... Needless to say, all of the quotes are old and involve Todd Haley and Tyler Palko, neither of which will be part of this game.

On to the reasons the Packers will beat the Chiefs...

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Aaron Rodgers

If you are a Chiefs fan, and not a NFL fan, and will be getting your first glimpse of Aaron Rodgers in 2011, be prepared to be amazed. The lowest point total put up by the Packers on the season is 24, and the team has scored more than 40 points on five occasions.

Perfect Season

The Packers currently sit at 13-0 and have made it known they intend to shoot for 16-0 in the regular season, on the way to a perfect 19-0 with a Super Bowl win. This means full effort throughout the game. There is no "trap game" for the Packers. Sure, with a lead in the second half, the Packers will likely rest their studs, but victory is the goal.

Romeo Crennel... The Unknown

I am very interested to see the changes in week 15. Crennel has stated that Bill Muir will call the plays, and relay them through QB coach Jim Zorn. Crennel will maintain duties as defensive coordinator. With Todd Haley as head coach, fans and media wondered who was really behind the play-calling. Many, including myself, believe Haley was actually calling plays. I am most interested to see down-field passes, how/if the running game is reestablished with dedication and the use of Dexter McCluster. If the Chiefs pound the run game with Jackie Battle and Thomas Jones and limit Dexter McCluster's time on the field, fans will finally know that Todd Haley was, in fact, calling the offensive plays in 2011.

Packers Running Game

No, that is not an oxymoron. Yes, I know the Packers have not had a 100-yard rusher in 2011. All of that realized, as mentioned previously, the Pakcers are likely to rest their stars in the second half if they have a sizable lead. This means a turning to the running game. Running back James Starks is expected to miss Sunday's game, but Ryan Grant seemed to find a resurgence on week 13 against the Raiders, rushing 10 times for 85 yards. An early establishment of the running game could open up the deep ball even more for the passing game.

New Ownership

The Green Bay Packers recently held a stock offering to raise funds for stadium improvements. The Packers want to impress their new owners!

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My Packers @ Chiefs Prediction

With the spread currently at Packers -13 1/2, I do not think the Chiefs have a shot to cover the spread.

Kansas City Chiefs 27 - Green Bay Packers 49

Your Thoughts?

What are your thoughts on the game? Let us know in the comments section below!

NFL Week 15

Brian Cenci — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 06:53:11 +0000

NFL week 15 and almost the end of the regular season and it is going to come down to the wire. This week has a few good game, my personal favorite of the week its the Denver Tebows vs New England Patriots. Tom Brady one of the best QB to play the game will face off against the 7-1 Tim Tebow. Can this Broncos defense hold off the hot Patriot offense. Tebow has played rather well so far and has improved every game. I think Tebow may have to actually throw the ball this game. The line was Patriots -6.5 which seems kinda low but with the horrible defense of the Pats you never know. I like the Patriots winning this one and welcoming Tebow to the AFC big boys. Charger time, San Diego is 19-2 in december and can easily win sunday night against the Ravens. Phillip Rivers is coming off a almost a perfect game as the Chargers smashed the jaguars. The odds makers have Ravens favorites by 1.5 on the road. Ray Lewis is expected to return after missing the last two games. I like the Chargers winning this game, its at home coming off a big win, knowing that Denver will probably lose. A playoff hopes still alive this game is their season. This should be one of the best games of the week. I like the Chargers winning 28-17 just don't think Ravens can travel across the county and win a big road game. Seattle Seahawks have been playing some great football the last few weeks with Marshawn Lynch harder then ever and their defense making plays. I think the Seahawks beat the Bears. A great coach, Pete Carroll is building a great team up north just a he did in New England, something he gets no credit for.