Seven Step Drop: A Chiefs Off-Season Wish List

As a fan, I don’t ask for much. I just wanna see some signs.

And now, I’m starting to get a hold of them.

With the acquisition of RB Thomas Jones (left), the Chiefs settled an old score. Almost nobody remembers that back in the ‘03 off-season (and before they selected Larry Johnson in that year’s Draft), the Kansas City decision-makers were genuinely interested in obtaining the one-time injury-prone Jones — then a member of the Arizona Cardinals — as an insurance policy/occasional reliever for Priest Holmes, after the latter suffered a season-ending injury at the end of the ‘02 campaign (here’s the proof). It took seven years and three more teams in-between, but Jones will be finally dressed in red, white and gold to perform those same supporting duties in Kansas City; this time in favor of one Jamaal Charles.

The signing was indeed welcomed with open arms because it enhances the talent level of the ballclub; it surely makes up for some necessary depth along the running back position.

Much to everybody’s surprise — as destiny is truly an unpredictable force — the Chiefs could go 2-for-2 in gridiron amends by inking the recently-released OG Ryan Lilja to a contract. The local product was lost to Indianapolis prior to the ‘04 season (after he was signed as an undrafted free agent) due to a roster gamble that went terribly sour. Time proved that leaving Lilja up for grabs was the wrong way to go, once we watched him become a fixture in the Colts’ O-Line all the way through his Indy tenure. Needless to say, a potential reunion could help to get rid of one off-season ghost that has now haunted the franchise for almost six years, and said scenario could provide some closure to this topic. But then again, that’s just wishful thinking.

As you could have figured out by now, I love the intangible sides of these tales. Why? Mainly because they help to conform the mythology within the game — and to me, that aspect cannot remain overlooked. However (and speaking in a realistic sense), neither one of such moves would be useful if they weren’t backed up by a pragmatic approach. There must be logic behind any of these proceedings in order to justify their execution. They have to embody a reaction to a specific stimulus; and simply put, they oughta respond to the fulfillment of a need. Exactly what the off-season is all about. Read More..

Defining Moments

In the world of sports, few things have said so much with so little like the title “Miracle Mets“.

At least in my eyes, it always amazed me how that short an expression could contain a boatload of information. Baseball at its finest, Hall of Famers, a great ballclub, a scrappy one, an unexpected result, an extraordinary turnaround, controversy, and even subsequent rule changes (it’s true) are all condensed in two words that describe a unique story that has attained legendary status. That left me thinking a similar event could spawn a comparable result.

Therefore, on Sunday night, I found myself immersed in a self-inflicted quandary. As soon as the New Orleans Saints’ Drew Brees took the last snap of Super Bowl XLIV with the intention of consummating the remarkable upset over Indianapolis Colts, I felt the need of conceiving a resounding headline of my own that could portray the newly-crowned Louisiana representatives. I couldn’t help it. The opportunity demanded so. Before the game clock synchronized its three zeros, I realized that I was witnessing the conclusion of yet another special happening (yes, getting the best of Peyton Manning at his apex was integrated in that idea) and I wanted to beat everybody to the punch. Read More..

Good Riddance

It’s another double-header weekend for the NFL Playoffs this Saturday and Sunday. Remember back to the days when the Chiefs would be active in this round of the playoffs. Like in 1991, 1993, 1995, 1997 and 2003? Seems like a long time ago. Especially when we remember that it was 16 years ago today that the Chiefs won their last game in the playoffs. Think about that for a second … a child born on January 16, 1994 would be of age to have a driver’s license today. Incredible! Anyway, that victory over the Oilers is the subject for our man Enrique and I thought it was a good way to present the weekend.

In order to move forward, one has to confront the past – but that doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to adopt a belligerent stance when doing so. Sometimes, a nice remembrance is all it takes, and I’ll do my best to prove it.

For the last 16 years, I have kept the visual evidence of my biggest football recollection: the Chiefs playoff win over the then-Houston Oilers on Sunday, January 16, 1994. With time, there have been more special moments, places and players that have helped shape the history of the Kansas City franchise. But the memories of that glorious afternoon in Texas keep popping up. In hindsight, it’s only fitting; the magnitude of the stakes will do that to you.

From the nine sacks by the Chiefs’ D; to Willie Davis’ redemption; to Marcus Allen’s determination; crossing all to way to Keith Cash’s money performance, and ending with Joe Cool’s mastering of the seemingly insurmountable Buddy Ryan-led Houston defense, nothing that I’ve seen in the 20 years that I have followed the Chiefs has topped what was accomplished on that day. For the first time in 25 seasons, Kansas City earned a trip to the AFC Championship Game and that was reason enough to celebrate. Read More..

A Parting Gift

As soon as the final whistle was blown in Denver, the Chiefs and the Broncos found each other headed to the same zip code – the off-season. To say their football calendars were filled with disappointing moments would be an understatement and both teams are aware that changes must be necessary if they want to improve. But compared with their Blue and Orange counterparts, the members of the Red and Gold already hold an advantage. In successfully completing the final leg of their schedule at Denver’s expense, the Chiefs pulled off their most important trick of the season:

They finished out their program on the highest possible note.

On Sunday, after going winless in Invesco Field in eight previous tries, the Chiefs not only defeated the Broncos they absolutely trounced them. For all the embarrassments that Kansas City had historically suffered in the Rockies due to its inability to stop the run, the team finally stood up to give the Broncos a taste of their own medicine. By exorcizing their demons, avenging the humiliating loss of a month ago and eliminating their bitter rivals from playoff contention the Arrowhead Ones hit a trifecta that will set them up for success in the near future.

That’s not an overstatement. Read More..

Chiefs Ultimate Power Rankings Of The 2000s

(Editor’s note: Our man Enrique has outdone himself with his post on the most memorable games of the last decade for the Chiefs. Not only does he provide his thoughts on each game, but he’s linked each one to video of the game on YouTube. Just open the hyperlink on each entry and you’ll have video to watch with Enrique’s words. Happy New Year!)

Thanks to Dick Vermeil, on November 23rd, 2003 I was able to visit Arrowhead Stadium for the first time; and whatever things I heard before about the venue, were nothing compared to the actual experience of being there. From the streets to the offices, from the tailgates to the stands, and from the booths to the field, the happening went well beyond my expectations, and that truly constitutes my highlight of the decade.

Of course, it didn’t stop there. All in all, there were 203 games, pre-season, regular season and post-season. There were many wins … and there were too many losses. There were shining stars … and there were colossal busts. There were championship hopes … and there were rebuilding stops. What was the greatest feat? The Chiefs remained relevant. And that will do it … for now.

But the decade has come to an end, and as we get ready to tackle the next 10 years, we took one last look back to gather the compilation that will remind you of what was left behind only to be better prepared for the near future. Enjoy your Chiefs’ Ultimate Power Rankings Of The Decade: Read More..

Pushed Aside

Last year I made my way through Kansas City for the Week No. 2 game between the Chiefs and the Raiders. I watched from the press box (alongside Bob) how the turmoil-filled, Lane Kiffin-led, Oakland squad punished the Chiefs’ D with 300 yards on the ground. I spent the waning seconds of the contest trying to convince myself that I had seen the worst thing of the day. Or so I thought.

Right around the time Bob was headed to the locker room I remained in the empty media area looking to gather one last panoramic glimpse of the Truman Sports Complex’s main jewel before I left, when all of a sudden, I spotted a couple of Raiders – still on the field well over 30 minutes after the final whistle – pulling some sort of Lambeau Leap with a small crowd of Oakland fans that stayed in the stands after the game. That scene alone was unusual enough to catch my attention, but when I turned around and saw Carl Peterson emerging in the luxury box next to my right, standing alone, and gazing at the whole spectacle with a distraught look on his face, I could get a clearer view of the whole picture.

Not against the Raiders … but mainly, not at our house. Read More..

Out of Time

It’s not a matter of freelancing, bravery or absolute lunacy. It’s strictly a matter of feel.

Of course, only if you want it to be successful.

Week-in and week-out, there are countless in-game puzzles that a head coach must figure out in order to provide his team a healthy chance for a victory. From deciding which players will dress, to the mix of the play-calling, the man in charge gets caught up in the always demanding task of trying to install some order in the never-ending chaos that is a football game. For a beginner, the recurring highs and lows makes this assignment a difficult one. But if he’s willing to learn from the shortcomings, he will eventually attain a composure that will lead him to push the right buttons at the right moments.

And clearly, Todd Haley is not there. Yet.

As soon as Jamaal Charles was stopped at the Bills one-yard line during the first quarter of Sunday’s game, I knew the 4th-down gamble was about to be executed. And just as quickly as that first thought entered my mind, I found myself asking –make that, BEGGING– for Coach Haley to take the three points.

Why? Because I could see the outcome coming right before my eyes. Read More..

It’s All Worth It

Since I started writing the Power Rankings column for this site, my routine goes as follows: from the moment the Chiefs wrap up their game, I take a bunker approach. I begin to gather all the information about the other contests around the league. That causes me to subtract myself from the outside world in order to deliver the piece as soon as possible — nothing can possibly distract me from such programming.

Except for days like yesterday.

What took place on Sunday is the kind of thing that happens only once with every successful change of culture, and you have to be alert in order to recognize it: Yes, the Chiefs grew right before our eyes. And it felt so good.

Of course, they didn’t win the Super Bowl, but they took one fundamental step to consider getting one. Pitted against the defending champions, the Chiefs not only won a game; they did a whole lot more than that. They showed that they can punch from the get-go; they demonstrated that they can come up with the timely turnover; they exhibited resilience in coming back from behind; they proved that there can be creativity at the doorway of danger; they displayed intensity while facing pressure; they imposed their will on the opponent; and the most important thing: they did it as a team. Read More..

Role Models

My dad loved playing chess. Without a doubt, it was one of the most fascinating activities he ever enjoyed because he knew that in order to win, he had to try thinking like his opponent; he needed to figure out his rival’s strategy to be one step ahead and eventually come out on top.

As one might imagine, my brother and I relished being his challengers and we engaged in some good battles over the years. With time, my brother finally beat him. He was able to absorb his mindset and decipher his approach. I’ll never forget the expression on my father’s face when he did. He was beaming with pride.

At noon on Sunday, Todd Haley is going to face one more time the mindset of his father, materialized in the squad that constitutes his personal Mount Everest: the Pittsburgh Steelers. It will represent his most important instruction to date as a head coach because he’ll be fighting history.

The Steelers are the premier organization in professional football. They run a stable institution, they have a loyal and adoring fan base, and they will step onto the field of Arrowhead Stadium as the defending World Champions. No other team has hoisted six Lombardi trophies like the Men of Steal have.

Yes, the Men of Steal, you read that right. Why? Because they have unknowingly stolen the Chiefs’ soul. Read More..

Mirror Images: L.J. And His Future

I have no problems with complaints. The ability to gripe is engraved in our nature; it’s basic, it’s necessary and it constitutes one of our most important rights.

Of course, Larry Johnson took it one step too far.

In the aftermath of the Chiefs’ disastrous loss to the Chargers this past Sunday, Johnson could not take it anymore and vented his frustrations in a freewheeling rant that could be traced to Twitter (I’ll spare you the details, ’cause you already know them). Certainly, the timing was odd. Just the week before, Johnson had delivered his best performance of the calendar; and if you take into consideration that he entered the season walking a zero-tolerance tightrope that permitted him to be a part of this team in the very first place, it made absolutely no sense for him to go-off in such an apparent careless way.

After I learned the generals of the matter, I must confess that curiosity rose up and my conspirator side proceeded to suggest that this may have been a plot to get out of Kansas City. And you know what? That could very well be a strong possibility. But not with the purpose that you think.

To me, Larry Johnson has been a very difficult player to follow. Read More..

A Convenient Truth

Shannon Sharpe was not one of my favorite players. It had to do less with the fact that he wore Blue and Orange and more with the coincidence that back in the day, I had set a standard of people that I liked to root for. He definitely didn’t fit the profile and you can imagine the reasons: the trash-talking, the cockiness, and the overall obnoxiousness were too much for me to handle.

But I gotta hand it to him, I respected his game.

Everybody remembers vividly the classic comeback that Joe Montana pulled in October of ‘94 to give the Chiefs their first victory in the Rockies in more than a decade. At the time, Kansas City seemed like a team that was primed for one last Montana-led playoff-run and the Broncos appeared to be on the verge of witnessing the end of their remarkable Elway-led era. That was, until the final minutes of that game.

Aside from Joe Cool’s surgically-executed final drive, the moment that has stuck with me for a long time is what actually preceded that. Seconds after losing the football in K.C. territory, Sharpe magnificently bounced back by alerting Elway that they didn’t have seven men on the line of scrimmage while at the Chiefs’ 4-yard line. That remarkable display of awareness enabled Elway to adjust the call in order to avoid a penalty, and the result was a touchdown that set the table for an apparent Denver win. After that, the only thing needed was one last defensive stand. And again, the main character was Sharpe. Read More..

The Longest Yard

“I know from past history if we can get something positive to happen and start to get a little confidence and go forward that way that’s our only chance of success” – Chiefs’ head coach Todd Haley – 10/05/09.

Amen to that.

On Sunday a beleaguered Kansas City team will host the Dallas Cowboys. The 0-4 start of the regular season –combined with the 0-4 pre-season mark– has made the overall record of first-time head coach Todd Haley a not so appealing 0-8 tally. Needless to say, just about everyone has a solution for the Chiefs’ woes. I can only affirm it’s a good thing that the Giants showed the way.

No, not the same New York Giants that dismantled K.C. this past weekend. I’m talking about the Little Giants; yes, the ones from Urbania…

Right now, Todd Haley’s got his hands full. I cannot provide the true words that are being said inside the facilities because I’m not there, but I can notice that things are getting testy outside Arrowhead Stadium. Fans and media are showing signs of impatience by being unable to perceive any symptoms of rhyme and reason in the performance of the Chiefs. So far, that has been the brand of the ‘09 squad: they have been consistently inconsistent, and that has stalled their progress.

In their defense, I won’t trace the regressions to a lack of effort. I’ll maintain that thought because I’m sure of such. You don’t happen to lose 800-plus pounds of collective weight in the off-season on magic alone; that’s the byproduct of hard work –or running, if you want to look at it that way. Unfortunately, the real problem it’s a matter of nature; residing in the fact that the road that it’s being travelled is a slower one. Read More..

Testing Haley’s Mettle

It’s coming full circle, and I can’t wait.

The most important skill any person in command can display is the reaction to adversity. Without a doubt, greatness is recognized in those little moments when the comfort zone is shattered and one is left scrambling to pick up the pieces in order to give the perfect solution to a specific predicament.

Right after Clark Hunt gave the reins of the franchise to Scott Pioli, the search was on to find the man that could lead a group of men in red back to respectability.

And it didn’t take long to spot him. In fact, less than a week.

As everybody knows, last January, in the final quarter of the NFC Championship game, after Philadelphia shockingly mounted a furious comeback to gain the lead, the Arizona Cardinals found themselves on the ropes as the result of that tremendous blow. Stumbling, they tried to answer right back. But on their way to do so, they had to dodge some friendly fire. Read More..

Major League Hope

The author is one of the most devout fans of the Chiefs that I know. Despite the fact he lives in another country, Enrique generally has a very incisive view of what’s going on around the team. Here are his thoughts about the start of the Pioli-Haley Era.

Despite glaring question marks at key positions, a potentially-damaging injury to the starting quarterback, the removal of the offensive coordinator, and to top it off, an 0-4 pre-season record, there’s one admission that I just can’t deny.

Yes. I do have a dream.

With the appointments of Scott Pioli as general manager and Todd Haley as head coach, a new era of football is about to be written at One Arrowhead Drive. The fresh approach that the pair brings to the table –along with a championship background — has already spawned expectations, both good and bad ones. Come to think about it, that’s the true essence of any change in itself.

But some things remain the same. And for me, once again, is that time of the year.

Ever since 1990 –the season in which I got hooked without remedy to the pigskin– I’ve been rooting for the Kansas City Chiefs to hoist the Lombardi Trophy one more time. By entering the twentieth consecutive year of my quest, it’s safe to say that the drought has officially become a long one. Yet, to this day, I don’t complain; there are die-hard fans that have waited longer than I have. And in several cases, some of them have really suffered throughout the years.

When the Chiefs lost the AFC Championship Game in January of ‘94, something told me to better buckle up. To see the magic of Montana disappear in such anti-climatic fashion (literally and figuratively) in Buffalo after an extraordinary run in the regular season and the playoffs was discouraging to say the least and made me realize that the main destination was a little farther than I first thought. Still, that wasn’t much of a problem. I already knew in my heart that Kansas City was my football home and where I belonged. Plus, there’s nothing like jumping on the bandwagon when there’s plenty of room available. Read More..

Why Football Teams Must Have Lawyers

We don’t spend a lot of time working political angles on this site; too many trap doors there and the rough and tumble, well sometimes it is bloodier than football.

But (you knew there was a but coming, didn’t you!) I can’t walk away from this one.

The website Politico.com reported Wednesday evening that the Federal Election Commission revealed this week that it had dismissed a complaint alleging that the Chiefs had illegally boosted Sen. John McCain’s presidential campaign.

The issue is a video that the Chiefs ran on the big screens at Arrowhead Stadium on November 2nd before a game with Tampa Bay. Featured in one of those videos was McCain, who was two days away from Election Day. In the video, McCain praised U.S. military personnel and honored the “hardships, danger and sacrifices you have born so valiantly for us.” Read More..