On the Road to the Super Bowl

Not since 2005 have the KC Chefs won the first two games of their season.  That is significant considering the 2005 Chefs went 10-6, finished second in the AFC West division, and did not make the playoffs.  A 10-6 record in 2010 would probably have the same result.

Yet, the KC Chefs are now being mentioned as a potential playoff team.  I heard Shannon Sharp during yesterday's pre-game show pick the Chefs to make the playoffs this year.  I think this proves that Shannon took at least one too many shots to the head during his playing days, and that dementia is now setting in.  While a 2-0 start increases the odds a team will make the playoffs to 65%, that is just an average and not a rule that can apply to any team.  Let's look at the performance of this team, the 2010 KC Chefs.

The game one win over the San Diego Chargers was a surprise to all.  A rain storm that hit during the second quarter and persisted through most of the game.  The wet field was the primary reason San Diego couldn't exploit the Chefs defense and run up the score.  A dry field would have led to a very different result.  But the Chefs did play better than anyone expected, and won the game.  That cannot be taken away from them.  But anyone who draws the conclusion from this game the Chefs are better than the Chargers is not in touch with reality.

Game two was a game the Chefs should win.  They played the hapless Cleveland Browns, a team they dueled last year for the worst record, and first draft choice.  I expected the Chefs to win this game and they did - barely.  The offense was horrible only managing 9 points.  If not for a defensive touchdown, this game could have been a dominating Browns win.

Todd Haley, the Chefs head coach, tells Chefs fans should get used to "winning ugly" for a while.  The definition of winning ugly is almost losing. As the Chefs proved Sunday, it is much easier to win ugly when playing a bad team.  They will probably win ugly next week when playing the 49er's at home. 

Wow, they have a great shot at starting the year 3-0!.  Crank up the Super Bowl bandwagon!  But look out.  After a bye week, the next 3 games are against Indianapolis, Houston and Jacksonville.  Our 3-0 Chefs could rapidly become 3-3 before getting back over .500 against the Buffalo Bills.

This team is not going to the playoffs.  To do so means they would need to have an 11-5 record.  I have them going 8-8 and they have already won 1 game I did not expect them to win.  So to go 11-5, they need to beat everyone they are expected to beat, plus find 2 more wins from these remaining games: Indianapolis, Houston, Denver (in Denver), Arizona,  San Diego, Seattle and Tennessee.  It is possible, but not likely.

On a positive note, this year's Chefs are more fun to watch.  The defense is playing much better than last year.  The offensive line is also better, but their play is not yet translating into points.  The only certainty about this team is they are no longer the doormats of pro football. 

Just to ensure the world does not get our of control and spin off its axis, the KC Royals have returned to form by turning last year's Cy Young Award inner into a 9W-12L pitcher, and falling into a tie for last place in the American League Central Division with, you guessed it, the Cleveland Indians.  It must be just as hard for Cleveland fans as it is for KC fans.