Chiefs fans have become accustom to them finding ways to win. Dante runs one back, the offense walks up and down the field and the defense forces the fumble just when it is needed most. Does this sound familiar? What you have just read describes the 9 and 0, 2003 Chiefs.
What happened since then? The defense faltered, teams made adjustments to keep the ball from Dante Hall, and Al Saunders offensive dreadnought appears to have run aground. Yet the only group responsible for this is the defense. That is what the media would have you believe at least.
The Chiefs defense is learning. They are getting better. They are however having problems with tackling. It is the fundamentals that are killing them, not the new scheme as many in the media have said. It does not matter what the play call is or what the scheme is, if you cannot tackle, you cannot take down your opponent. End of story.
Today’s loss to the Texans was not about the defense though. It came down to two plays by the offense that decided this game.
4th and 1. The head coach shows confidence in his offense and goes for it. After all this is the best line in the NFL. The fans want them to go for it also. I know I did. Then they fail to convert in the red zone and score no points. The defense was on the sidelines. There was nothing they could have done.
2nd and goal. Trent Green throws a pass to Tony Gonzalez. The pass is intercepted. Not what anyone wants. It is a tragedy. Then the crime. The interception is run back for a touchdown! Again the defense is standing on the sidelines helpless.
Is our defense perfect? Are they really even that good? No and maybe, we will just have to see. The bottom line is this. When (if) the team wins the whole team wins, but when the team loses fingers get pointed. Well like we used to say when I was in the Navy, “One crew, one screw.” What does this mean? It is simple. Quit pointing fingers. All aspects of the game need to be improved not just the defense!
