It's time to wrap up the 2011 Chiefs schedule and look forward to 2012. Being a man of character, I will admit that I was wrong. I had picked the Chiefs for a 4 win season. They won 7. Even the smart-a kid from Memphis who picked 6 wins was more accurate. That hurts. Not as much as his UK Wildcats squeaking by the KU Jayhawks in the college basketball opener, but it hurt nonetheless.
One tendency for the Chiefs every year is they always lose a couple games to teams they should beat, and beat a couple teams they should lose to. 2011 was no surprise in that regard, however the fact they missed the playoffs by one blocked field goal was a gigantic surprise - a fact that shows just how weak the AFC West division is.
During the first half of the season, the KC Chiefs were a dreadful team. During this stretch they had neither an offense nor a defense. I predicted that Matt Cassell and Todd Haley wouldn't see the end of the season and was right on both. I expected Matt to be benched, and he might have been if not for a hand injury that ended his season early. Todd Haley was canned with 3 games left in the season largely due to his Tyler Palko experiment. During the second half of the season, the Chiefs showed no apparent offense, but a defense that might be developing into an exceptional one.
The emergence of Justin Houston was key to getting pressure on the quarterback, something that did not happen during the first 8 games. Derrick Johnson also developed into one of the best linebackers in the game. Add Tamba Hali, and you have a very good linebacking nucleus that should be strong for many years to come. The defensive backfield was also strong despite the loss of Eric Berry. Based on the last 4 games, the Brandons are looking like shut down corners.
Haley's departure couldn't have happened at a better time for Romeo Crennel. Romeo immediately changed starting quarterbacks and pulled off the upset of the season when KC beat the undefeated Green Bay Packers. Not only was this a shock to the entire NFL, it also gave hope to playoff contenders that Green Bay could be beat. Since the game we haven't heard "best team in history" mentioned again. Crennel appears to be the new Chiefs head coach, based on a 2-1 record to end the season. He was very close to 3-0 as the Chiefs should have beaten Oakland in game 15.
So how will a Crennel-led team fare in 2012? I am optimistic. The harshest schedule in franchise history is behind us, and the 2012 schedule looks fair, almost easy in comparison. At home the Chiefs will face 4 playoff teams in their 8 opponents; Denver, Oakland, San Diego, Atlanta, Baltimore, Carolina, Cincinnati, and Indianapolis. They will do no worse than 4 wins and could win 6 at home in 2012. Away they play Denver, Oakland, San Diego, Buffalo, Cleveland, New Orleans, Pittsburgh, and Tampa Bay. I see the Chiefs winning at least 4 and possibly 5 on the road next year. That would put them in the 8-8 to 11-5 range. Remember that 8 wins was good enough in the AFC West this year, so the Chiefs have a legitimate shot at the division title next year.
Emmy's First Birthday!
8 years ago
here it is march 1st, and the front office still looks like a bunch of penny pinchers and not to interested in assembling a fire breathing team. give up next years trades to trade up and big this year. If they do it right they'll be way down on the list with a championship team. we'll have a killer team so don't sweat where you are in next years draft unless you are all ready planning on having a crappy 2012 season. Go get De Castro and Kalil and mike tolbert from S.D. Get Derrick Johnson and Tambahawk the help they need to create terrifying "D" Put Cassel on notice he can be "Fragged" if he doesn't lead the charge right! The Chiefs need to consider more the a second rate QB if they want a first rate run at the Superbowl. What's up with Ricky Stanzi make him step up or step off. There are only a few top notch draft prospects that will supercharge team dynamics, if K.C. really wants to win they'll go get 'em and not settle for sloppy seconds, or you'll be sloppy seconds. Tony G wanted to retire as a chief, they should've brought him back with the quickness! Spend every penny you have available and give the loudest fans in football a reason to send out a war cry that sends fear into the hearts of their adversaries. This isn't a game...it's War! Take no prisoners...Go Chiefs
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