“Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing.”

- Vince Lombardi -

Friday Morning Cup O’Chiefs

You’ve got to hand it to Mike Shanahan.

Since John Elway retired after the 1998 Super Bowl season, Shanahan has remade the Denver Broncos about three different times over the last 10 seasons.

This year’s version, just might be Shanny’s best yet.  The Broncos are 3-0 and they are the NFL’s highest scoring offense.  They are doing it with a third-year quarterback, a third-year wide receiver, a rookie receiver who has been sensational and the usual assortment of running backs, one of whom will probably end up gaining over 1,000 yards.

Jay Cutler, Brandon Marshall, Eddie  Royal, Selvin Young and Andre Hall have Denver averaging 38 points and 432 yards per game. 

The Denver defense is struggling right now and that ultimately may be the side of the ball that sinks the Broncos championship chances.

Shanahan has what for him is a very young team.  His opening day roster doesn’t look that way on the surface.  The Broncos had an average age of 26.83 years, putting them in a tie for the 10th oldest team in the league.  They averaged 4.6 years of experience, making them the 16th most experienced team in the league.

As a comparison, the Chiefs were tied for the youngest team in the league at 25.57 years and were the least experienced at 3.45 years in the league.

But dig more into the Denver numbers and you can see Shanny going younger.  He’s got 23 players who are 25 years or younger, and that group includes seven who are 22 or younger.  The Chiefs have 31 players who are 25 or younger and they also have seven players who are 22 or young.

The Broncos have 11 players this week who are 30 or older; the Chiefs have eight.  The Broncos have 18 players who have two years or less in the NFL; the Chiefs have 25.

The big difference between the teams is at quarterback.  The Chiefs have a different starter every week, while Denver has Jay Cutler,  who this year has thrown eight TD passes against two interceptions.  He’s completing 67.6 percent of his passes for an average of 8.46 yards per attempt.  He’s been sacked once.  That’s a passer rating of 110.6.

The Chiefs trio of Croyle-Huard-Thigpen has thrown three TD passes against six interceptions.  They’ve copleted 47.6 percent of his passes for an average of 4.83 yards per attempt.  He’s been sacked 11 times.  That’s an overall passer rating of 47.6.

Those quarterback numbers are the difference between 3-0 and 0-3.

OPPONENT NEXT/DENVER BRONCOS

The Broncos are hoping to get their pass rush going this week.  So far, they’ve got just five sacks in 112 passing plays, or one every 22.4 pass plays.

Notes and quotes from BroncoLand, including young WR Brandon Marshall learning a few tricks of the trade.

FROM THE PAGES OF CHIEFS HISTORY

On September 26, 1971, the Chiefs beat the Oilers 20-16 at the Astrodome in Houston. The Chiefs started quickly with 10 points in the first quarter with a 1-yard TD run by RB Wendell Hayes and a 43-yard FG by Jan Stenerud.  Houston got a defensive TD and a 12-yard scoring pass from QB Dan Pastorini to WR Charlie Joiner.  The Chiefs were able to get the winning points on a 4-yard TD run by RB Warren McVea in the middle of the fourth quarter. The Chiefs defense allowed just 26 yards rushing on 20 carries and picked off Houston quarterbacks three times, by Emmitt Thomas, James Marsalis and Jim Kearney.

On September 26, 1999, the Chiefs beat the Detroit Lions 31-21 at Arrowhead Stadium.  In front of 78,384 fans, the Chiefs grabbed an early lead against the Lions and never trailed.  QB Elvis Grbac threw a pair of TD passes, 15 yards to TE Tony Gonzalez and 25 yards to WR Joe Horn.  The Chiefs also got rushing TDs from Rashan Shehee of six yards and Donnell Bennett from seven yards.  The Kansas City defense picked off Detroit QB Charlie Batch twice and sacked him four times, two of those by Dan Williams.

FROM AROUND THE LEAGUE

Jared Allen got good news this week.  Let’s hope for his sake he can handle it and the past is behind him.

Up in New England, veteran wide receiver Troy Brown officially retired on Thursday, ending his long and varied career with the Patriots.

FROM AROUND THE AFC WEST/OTHER THAN DENVER

RB Michael Bush survived a rookie season of inactivity to become a factor this year in the Raiders offense.  Just ask the Chiefs.

Chargers C Nick Hardwick is feeling better and getting ready to get back into the action with the Chargers.


32 Responses to “Friday Morning Cup O’Chiefs”

  • September 26, 2008  - Rich says:

    Shanahan was smart enough to also identify, then move up to draft a franchise QB. This is an ability the Chiefs have yet to master, obviously.


  • September 26, 2008  - findthedr says:

    The broncos look like the chiefs of Old (during the Vermiel years): prolific offense and no defense.

    its sad reading a positive comment about shanarat on a chiefs site, and we are unabe to say the same things about our coach.


  • September 26, 2008  - Colby says:

    Yeah it’s hard to find a way to complement Shanny. I totally agree with Rich though. Shanny thought so much of Cutler that he moved up in order to get him. Then he had the bravery to play him as a rookie even though he had an established (but erratic) veteran in Jake Plummer. I really hope that when Croyle gets healthy he plays really well and can be the guy to lead the franchise. That will make our road back to success so much shorter!


  • September 26, 2008  - eyepod says:

    I really hope that Brodie can stay healthy. He’s looked solid while he’s in the game, but I cringe every time he gets hit. Plus, that line about the Broncos opening up their pass rush… GREAT. All they need to do is stuff the right side of the line. I wonder how McIntosh sleeps at night knowing that his blocking skills are more suspect than Clay Aiken saying he wasn’t gay all these years…..(He just outed himself… and wow, has he put on weight!)


  • September 26, 2008  - aPauled says:

    Solidifies the FACT that a Good Coach doesn’t lose 12 games in a row while remaking the team. During Shanny’s make-over years, the team was still .500, not 4-12 or worse.


  • September 26, 2008  - Stiv says:

    I’m afraid I have little faith in the notion of Croyle being able to stay on the field. He’s been hurt 3 times in 7 starts, that’s not encouraging. Hopefully he can get back in there soon and we can see if he can make it through the rest of the season. Personally I think the Chiefs need to seriously consider this coming off season other options.


  • September 26, 2008  - JohnNdallas says:

    With our line, even if we put Croyle (or any other QB for that matter) in an up armored humvee they couldn’t stay healthy.


  • September 26, 2008  - Patrick says:

    John, you maybe right but if the Chiefs don’t begin the development of a high potential qb with the next draft than we put ourselves back even further. I say round 1 qb, round 2 o-lineman and pick up a middle linebacker from somewhere please! I am afraid of what the Broncos will do to us this Sunday. The Chiefs will fight hard and grow up during the game but I think it might be to little to late.


  • September 26, 2008  - Josh says:

    Wow, Seriously?!

    Come on guys, lets have a little faith. I think Tony is going to have a great day against a weak defense and if we can get Larry going early we got a real good shot at pulling off an upset. The Donkeys aren’t as good as there record. Don’t throw in your hand when the betting hasn’t even begun.

    JB


  • September 26, 2008  - Tim says:

    Let’s not forget that Shanny is an offensive coach. His philosophy is to BURY the other team if he can. He’s really always been that way. Herm won’t EVER be that way. He plays to merely keep it close. Give me Shanny’s & Vermeil’s philosophy any day! If I’m going to lose, I want the other guy to have to outscore me. In that case we always have a chance to win because we believe we can score. The other way, Herm & Marty, you’re seemingly playing not to lose.


  • September 26, 2008  - JohnNdallas says:

    Don’t get me wrong, if Croyle gets to play the remainder of the season (after he gets back) and he ain’t cuttin it, then I say yes we have to get another guy who can.

    But I would strongly suggest that we work really hard on our O-line in the off season and during the draft.


  • September 26, 2008  - JohnNdallas says:

    I dunno about that Tim, I would rather have a dominating defense than a high powered Offense, A dominating D can score too. (If I had to choose between the two)


  • September 26, 2008  - BlakeB says:

    I’m not much of a college football fan, so I don’t really know what I’m talking about (I can admit that) With that said, I’ve heard that the potential incoming QB draft class is “weak.” Maybe it’s too early to actually know that. But, I’d be interested to hear all of your opinions on that…and who we might go after at the QB position through the draft or other avenues (trades/free agency)

    BEAT THE DONKEYS!


  • September 26, 2008  - JohnNdallas says:

    BlakeB, your right that’s the word, that there aren’t many if any “prototypical” NFL QB’s (to use the pundits word)

    But the name I hear most often is Tim Tebow (spelling?)

    The problem with qb’s coming out of college now is that most teams are running the “spread offense” and that doesn’t translate well to becoming an NFL qb.


  • September 26, 2008  - Merwin says:

    Hey JohnNdallas, I agree I would rather win the super bowl with a team like the Ravens had and like last year’s Giants. I would rather see the other team trying to beat our defense and making mistakes to put us in a position to win with a short field. Either way you like it, it seems most of the time you will win or lose by a field goal. Hmm!, sounds familiar? Oh well, either way a win is a win, lets hope for one Sunday. Go Chiefs!


  • September 26, 2008  - JohnNdallas says:

    Yeah Merwin, and like the Steelers of the 70’s and what? was it the 95 Bears.
    And the 49er’s in the the early 80’s had it all, a great D and an explosive offense. And God did I hate them for it! LOL


  • September 26, 2008  - JohnNdallas says:

    GOD Bob I wish you would take that picture of of this thread… I hate looking at that gooch eyed devil.

    One eye squirrel hunting and the other eye cat fishing :)


  • September 26, 2008  - JohnNdallas says:

    BlakeB here check this out maybe it will help with your college qb question.

    http://www.bobgretz.com/chiefs-football/top-40-college-seniors-nfl-view.html#more-1537


  • September 26, 2008  - tmessina says:

    I like Brodie just fine but, guys, I do not believe he has been healthy since HS. He can do everything a NFL qb needs to do except stay on the field. As for a college qb remember Jim Plunkett, a major flop until he got to the raiders then lookout, Super Bowl. The qb must fit with the team and how they play their version of the game. Since I cannot figure out how herm is running things, who is the best qb for KC. Probably Steve DeBerg would be the best for herm, except he is a coach now. Who else, got me?

    Still think Denver will put 21 on the chiefs but hope for something positive of KC.


  • September 26, 2008  - JohnNdallas says:

    Tmessina If Herm builds the type of team every one says that he wants to build (meaning Bob and all the other press) DeBerg would be good, Dave Craig, Hell even ohno it’s Bono could run a ball control offense, you know, good at play action passing and handing the ball off to a great back and a dominating O-line.

    But I’m not sure what he’ is striving to build.


  • September 26, 2008  - TCharlton says:

    It’s hard to get up for a game like this, but you know what? I’m going to. I’m a Chiefs fan dad gummit and last time I checked I still bleed red. The Broncos haven’t won the game yet right? They still have to play the game right? Just look what happened to USC last night. I hope the Donkeys come in thinking they already have it won……… let’s go Chiefs!!


  • September 26, 2008  - tmessina says:

    Wasn’t that Gabby Hayes’ saying? The NFL says on any sunday, maybe. It would be a good time for herm to start showing some sort of dividend for what he has done to the team and fans. I still say I do not need a win, just visible improvement on some phase of team growth.


  • September 26, 2008  - JohnNdallas says:

    Me too, I just want to see some progression in all these young guys.

    Yes we see flashes of guys, and that makes it even harder but to me it just seems like there flat. Like there not playing all out on every play.

    Hell I dunno how to describe what I’ve seen.


  • September 26, 2008  - TimmyHerb says:

    tmessina, only 21? come on. I’m thinking more like 56.


  • September 26, 2008  - JohnNdallas says:

    I found the word I wanted to use COHEISION, There is none of that on offense or defense, offense is understandable with the QB of the week club we’ve employed so far this season. But the Defense???


  • September 26, 2008  - Merwin says:

    As long as it doesn’t end up like the 11/16/98 game on MNF. The Broncos put a real thrashing on us and got D.Thomas and some others doing personal fouls at the end cause they were so PO about the game. That one really hurt when S.Sharp said “we own this stadium now”. Go Chiefs!


  • September 26, 2008  - Colby says:

    Interesting debate about what’s better, a dominating D (85 Bears, 00 Ravens) or a high scoring offense (99 Rams, 94 49ers, 07 Pats). For my money, I’d rather see a great offense. Dick Vermeil’s teams were lots of fun to watch even WITH their awful defenses. Lots of points keeps butts in the seats even if the team is just mediocre. A mediocre team that can’t score can’t sell tickets as easily. Defense is great, but if you’re relying on them to score your points as well then you won’t win over the fans or get media attention.

    I think we’d have gotten a Super Bowl during the Vermeil era if his staff had any idea whatsover about how to run a damn draft. Throw in a few good drafts with Vermeil’s veteran teams and I think we’d have seen a Super Bowl.


  • September 26, 2008  - JohnNdallas says:

    I remember that Merwin, Marty was pissed and said he was embarrassed by his defense, If I remember right he fined DT or something. I just remember it caused a bit of a rift between Marty and DT.


  • September 26, 2008  - Mark says:

    In the recent era of NFL Football, you need at least a pretty good offense to go far. The only team that violated that was the 2000 Ravens. Even the 1985 Bears had a good Offense, but their D was just so dominating, that’s what they were known for. Offense sells tickets and gets you national attenion and national TV games. It’s easier to be a lousy team with a good offense, because at least there’s some excitement, and the potential to outscore the opposition. You do need at least a passable D to g far though. A team with no offense whatsoever will not be competetive, unless they have an all time great D like those Ravens, and even they could run the ball very well.


  • September 26, 2008  - JohnNdallas says:

    Thanks Colby for the typo check.
    But imho I think our best chance was in 93-94 season when we had an outstanding D and a very efficient offense. AFC Championship game…. couldn’t beat old Marv Levy.


  • September 26, 2008  - JohnNdallas says:

    Your right Mark the 85 Bears had the 7th ranked offense.


  • September 26, 2008  - Kevin B. says:

    We don’t have Offense or defense. So who cares. If we get anything at all going it will make me happy. When your offense averages 1 first down every 5 possessions and your Defense gives up 300 rushing yards a game anything would be better than our present Chiefs


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