The Chiefs postseason hopes took another shot Sunday as they snatched defeat from the jaws of victory in Jacksonville. Our boys looked like a mediocre team.

It is easy to point the finger of blame at Lawrence Tynes, (missed extra point & field goal in the final minutes) or Eric Warfield, (missed interception chance on the Jags’ game-winning drive) or even CB Dexter McCleon (Jimmy Smith’s personal fountain of youth). These guy’s mistakes hurt Kansas City, but I believe the offensive line should take the majority of the blame.

My chest always swells a bit when I hear NFL analysts call the Chiefs’ offensive line the best in football. They were right about that the past two seasons, but this year they have been disappointing.

The Chiefs have allowed a whopping 14 sacks in their first 5 games. This number could easily by around 20 if not for some amazing escapes by Trent Green.

I was thinking to myself they other day… “Self, why is it that I’ve never noticed how slippery Trent Green is when avoiding the pass rush?” “Son,” I answered, “That’s because Trent has never had to escape the rush as much as he has this year.”

It’s time to consider the possibility that the loss of John Tait at the right tackle position hurt more than any of us anticipated. Coach Vermeil is obviously not all that happy with Tait’s replacement John Welbourn, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Chris Bober takes his spot.

Any unit is only as strong as its weakest link.

Assuming the coaching staff gets this situation fixed, the reality for the Chiefs postseason hopes is that they get a wildcard. I really don’t see Denver stumbling enough times to allow the Chiefs back in the division race.

Look at Denver’s next seven games before they meet the Chiefs again…
At Cincinnati, Atlanta, Houston, at New Orleans, Oakland, at San Diego, Miami.

How many do we realistically think the Donkeys will lose? Two or three maybe? The Chiefs are simply too far behind them to make it up.

Our boys are certainly staggering, but I refuse to count this team out just yet.

Priest-O-Meter 2004 Projections:

1763 rushing yards & 19 TD’s