Those of you that have been frequent visitors to this site the past few years are no doubt familiar with this series of articles. “The Season to Be” is my attempt at predicting the outcomes of the Chiefs games in 2005. But, instead of giving just a raw record (6-10, 10-6, 11-5), I also like to try and predict what will happen in each game. All comments and feedback are welcome. Have fun and Go Chiefs!
Week 1 VS. New York Jets
Headline: Priest is Back, Better than Ever
Priest Holmes rushed for only 87 yards in the game, but the type of runs he produced were electrifying, showing that he had no lingering effects from the knee injury that shortened his 2004 season. Quarterback Trent Green completed 17 of 25 passes for 254 yards and three touchdowns, and the Chiefs defense showed flashes of dominance not seen in KC in years. Jets quarterback Chad Pennington was sacked five times (twice by DE Eric Hicks) and picked off twice, as the Chiefs defeated the Jets 31-17.
Week 2 @ Oakland Raiders
Headline: KC Survives in OT, Improves to 2-0
Kansas City upped their record to 2-0 with a thrilling 27-24 overtime victory over the Oakland Raiders before a national television audience. Kerry Collins had a big game for Oakland, throwing for 293 yards and three touchdowns, two to wide receiver Jerry Porter. The Chiefs responded with two Priest Holmes’ touchdown runs and a 23 yard touchdown pass from Trent Green to Freddie Mitchell. Oakland received the ball first in overtime, but Collins threw his only pick of the game as Sammy Knight returned the interception 25 yards to set the Chiefs up in Oakland territory. Green then connected with tight end Tony Gonzalez for 16 yards and Holmes’ seven yard run set up Lawrence Tynes’ game winning field goal.
Week 3 @ Denver Broncos
Headline: Mile High Defeat
Jake Plummer threw for 265 yards and two touchdowns, and Tatum Bell ran for 102 yards and another score as Denver handed the Chiefs their first loss of the season, 27-20. Trent Green connected with Tony Gonzalez and Eddie Kennison for touchdown passes, but Denver grounded the Chiefs running game, holding Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson to a combined 68 yards rushing. The loss drops the Chiefs to 2-1 and puts them in a first place tie with Denver in the AFC West.
Week 4 VS. Philadelphia Eagles
Headline: Chiefs Feel Fortunate to Escape with Victory
The Chiefs improved their record to 3-1 by defeating the Philadelphia Eagles 20-17 in one of the ugliest games in recent memory. Quarterback Trent Green struggled all day, throwing two interceptions and getting sacked three times. The only bright spot for the Chiefs was running back Priest Holmes who rushed for 122 yards and two touchdowns. If the Chiefs offense was bad, then the Eagles’ was terrible. Quarterback Donovan McNabb threw three interceptions and fumbled twice, his last turnover coming with 1:02 left in the game, sealing the Chiefs victory.
Be sure and check back next week for Part II of The Season to Be…
