The Oakland Raiders exposed the Kansas City Chiefs. They shut down the #1 running offense in the NFL. They pressured the Chiefs in the second half to surrender big plays on defense. They forced turnovers. They ran the ball successfully, and they passed the ball successfully. Their offense scored whenever they needed to, and eventually won the game. And they did it in front of a sold-out home crowd.
I am sad to admit, and I may speak with some disgust, that the Kansas City Chiefs revealed many of the tendencies of the Chiefs of ole’. The same old non-tackling Chiefs, the same old impotent offense, the same old defense that gives up big plays in the second half, and the same old stupid mistakes, penalties, and dropped balls. Furthermore, the coaching was even a bit off, specifically Mr. Romeo Crennell, and Mr. Steve Hoffman. Defense and special teams had a tough afternoon, but it was ultimately a total team loss.
Chief fans, you may not want to admit it, but this loss was so bad that it covered every color in the spectrum, as it relates to the 2010 Chiefs. Against the Raiders on Sunday, the Kansas City Chiefs displayed the violet color of losing a hefty division lead that may also relinquish any playoff hopes. They advertised the blue color of having the #1 running offense stuffed to a mere 85 yards total for Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones. They exposed the cyan color of a some-timey quarterback, with receivers that continually drop balls. They presented the green color of a run stopping defense that couldn’t stop the run. They revealed the yellow color of a young defensive backfield that played in its first big division game, on the road, and that had all the ingredients of a playoff contest. They showcased the orange color of a special teams unit with a severe lack of discipline. And finally, they exhibited the red color of a coaching staff that has become frazzled in the second half of every big game this season.
Dwayne Bowe was pathetic, and continues to drop passes. His career is being defined as a player that consistently drops career influencing passes. Verran Tucker filled in as the “go-to” receiver for the Chiefs. Matt Cassel gives a great effort every game, however he persistently unveils his lack of ability to win a game in the 4th quarter. And although Tamba Hali, Brandon Flowers and Derrick Johnson all played great, the defense was yet again unable to make basic tackles. Brandon Carr reverted back to his old tendencies of getting burnt by no-named wide receivers. It was despicable to watch our defensive lineman run around like the keystone cops chasing a quarterback, only to have the quarterback get a pass off down field for a completion. I am sick of watching the Kansas City Chiefs give up enough points in the second half of a big game, and go on to lose that game in foolish fashion.
Let this be my tirade, let me vent, let me share my feelings with other Chiefs fans. Please, forgive me for my impatience, but I want a good Chiefs team and I want it now!
Can it be explained how the Chiefs explosive offense can get the ball first in overtime, and then go three and out? It can only be explained as a total team failure; coaches and players. Also, how do you explain a defense giving up the biggest play of the game on the very first play that the opponent touches the ball in overtime? It too can only be explained as a total team failure; coaches and players. There appears to be a consistent trend of being incapable of winning OR finishing the big game during its second half. I wrote an article about it when we were 2-0 called, “Focus, Finish.” I instructed that Chiefs fans not get too excited, and that we must stay focused on the task of winning the division, and finish each game with mounds of effort.
The Chiefs had 12 penalties for 100 yards, an interception thrown inside the redzone during the closing seconds of the first half, lost a fumble, went 3-15 on third down, gave up a kick return for a touchdown by Jacoby Ford, as well as 148 receiving yards to someone named Jacoby Ford. Jacoby Ford? A wide receiver that has caught more passes, and had more receiving yards against the Chiefs than he has had total in eight previous games this season. The Chiefs also gave up more rushing yards to Darren McFadden (89) than they have any other rusher thus far this season.
The 2010 Chiefs are beginning to “moon walk” themselves out of playoff contention. Notwithstanding, the remaining games on the Chiefs schedule are getting bigger and bigger. Albeit, we must pull ourselves together, fans, coaches and players, and fight like hell until January 2, 2011, the last game of the 2010-2011 NFL Season. And the rematch at home against the Oakland Raiders.
I’m obviously frustrated too. If Bowe could have made that catch that went right through his arms it would have been a 1st down and most likely the end of the game. I’m tired of Bowe being the game saver and then the cause of a loss. It was a team loss, but Bowe is usually the main problem. That being said, I still think we can win the division. oakland is going to get absolutely poned by Pittsburgh next week. I’m sure that will knock there confidence down significantly.
Comment by chief tom — November 12, 2010 @ 11:02 am
I too hate losing to the Raiders. The Raiders have won 4 out of last 5 and they are a better team than most expected. I think we lost a close game, to a pretty good team, on the road and we should have won it. All of our games are going to be close and we need to learn how to protect a lead, or better yet, how to continue to play when we have a lead and cut our mistakes. We seem to be playing to the level of our opponent. Which is okay if you know how to finish.
That being said, the Raiders have some tough teams left to play and our schedule is a little easier. We should end up ahead of them. I am more worried about the Chargers who play better in Nov and Dec.
Man, Bowe is beginning to piss me off. The Ref’s are having a bad year. They didn’t know what down it was at one point in the game.
Before this season started, I just wanted an improved team. I didn’t think we had a team capable of making the playoffs. My expectations were not too high, maybe 7 or 8 wins would make me happy. I have been very pleased with the effort this year and I am hoping now that we can make the playoffs. With a good draft and a few more better players, we’ll be a force next year for sure. But I am excited to see if we can pull it together the second half of this season.
Comment by Jeff in VA — November 12, 2010 @ 8:49 pm
@Jeff and @Chief Tom…….I kinda agree with you both!!! Thanks for the comments!! Go Chiefs !!!
Comment by Argin — November 13, 2010 @ 8:48 am