It’s hard for me to put into words how angry I was while watching the Tampa game. However, since it wouldn’t be productive to fill my entire article by repeating the R-rated version of FUDGE over and over again, I’ll try to regain my composure long enough to vent eloquently.

I made a pledge to myself seven years ago to never again have too high hopes for the Chiefs after they blew home field advantage throughout the playoffs for the second time in three seasons. My reasoning at the time was that while I would of course be a passionate supporter of the boys in red, I would not live or die with every big game because I mostly would be dying.

I stuck to that pledge for all this time, but it broke Sunday.

Like many Chiefs fans, I was convinced that the defense had improved to at least near-championship quality (by that I mean not bad enough to trump the offense). This game showed all of us that MOST LIKELY, this season will be yet another lost cause.

Outlooks can change in the NFL about as often as Larry Johnson changes his diapers, but realistic Kansas City supporters know that it is time, once again, to say, “Wait ’til next year!”

I hope against hope that I’m wrong, but this franchise has dashed my hopes so many times that I’m forced to recognize the warning signs.

Dick Vermeil has one year left with Kansas City, and it’s time for him to remember what won him the Super Bowl in St. Louis. It wasn’t a long touchdown pass (in all fairness though, one of those definitely helped!), it wasn’t a running back breaking touchdown records (more on Priest in a bit), it wasn’t, “the best offensive line in football” (who couldn’t pass protect on a three-man rush the last play).

No. It was none of these.

NFL fans know that the Rams victory in 2000 was dubbed “The Tackle.”

Tackle. As in a play made by the defense.

My critics would point out that the Marty/Gun Chiefs of the mid-to-late nineties had a championship type defense and still failed to grab the brass ring. This is true, but I submit that they were closer to winning a championship in ’95 and ’97 than they are now.

Coach Vermeil and Carl Peterson have one more year to fix the problems on this defense, and I frankly don’t think they will do it.

Some thoughts on Priest…

There is no doubting his skills, but I am getting very concerned about his disappearing acts in crucial moments of games this season. I am getting tired of seeing him standing on the sideline, with his helmet on, during crunch-time several times this year.

I’m probably not alone.

I’ll bet that Dick gets tired of answering questions as to why Priest wasn’t in a game late (which ultimately proved to be another loss).

Priest. If you’re done for the game, put on a ball cap, sit on the bench, and make sure at least one trainer is attending to you, or go to the locker room!

Knee contusion?! I’ll give you a simpler term… bruise.

I hate to say it, but I am starting to question whether Priest is more interested in winning games, or setting records.

Has anyone noticed how often the media brings up how Priest says how much pain he is in for several days following a game? This is football, Mr. Holmes, I am pretty certain that all of your teammates could say the same thing.

On the contrary, the general rule among athletes is that they never bring up the pain they endure.

Talking about injuries creates excuses for your failings.

Due to my above statements, I am suspending my Priest-O-Meter projection numbers.

If you still care about Priest’s numbers I suggest you visit his website. I’m certain they’re posted there.