TJB Scout: Kansas City Chefs (Great Googly Moogly!)
From the Kansas City Star‘s venerable Jason Whitlock, who sees the Chiefs week in and week out, this past Monday morning after the Chiefs 34-10 loss to Tennessee:
Now what?
The Chiefs lost their fragile and fraudulent quarterback of the future, exposing the irresponsibility of opening the season with a quarterback depth chart Rockhurst High’s Tony Severino would find objectionable.
Now what?
Today, the Chiefs will likely deal with the ramifications of their unrepentant malcontent/running back’s latest brush with the law and a woman. I’m sure Larry Johnson spent part of Sunday palling around with friends, laughing at KC’s pathetic Johnson-less offense and contemplating what action NFL commissioner Roger Goodell will take against him.
Now what? Where do the Chiefs go from here? How do they define themselves and move forward after Tennessee blanked them for three quarters, embarrassed them for four and routed them 34-10 at Arrowhead Stadium?
There were no answers inside Kansas City’s locker room. There were plenty of stunned, silent looks and quick exits. You can’t blame them. There were few relevant, probing questions to be asked.
All the answers had been provided during three hours on the field.
Just play to win the game, right? Right?
Cheerleader check: You cheer to win the game!
The scene: The game is at The Meadowlands in New Jersey. Currently, the forecast is currently calling for morning showers clearing in the afternoon with temperatures in the lower 60s.
Record: The Chiefs currently are 1-5, last in the AFC West.
Streaks: Under our good friend Herm Edwards, Kansas City has lost 14 of their last 15 games, including last season’s not-so-memorable finale in the Meadowlands. They have, however, beaten the Jets two of the last three meetings.
Barometer: It seems as though after playing so miserably as of late, it should be falling, but as the Raiders proved last week, when you seem to be at the bottom, there’s nowhere to go but up.
Old Friends: Not surprisingly, a few Jets castoffs have found their way to join Coach Edwards and Father Time Dick Curl, such as guard Adrian Jones, safety Jon McGraw and center Wade Smith,
Questions: Why did the Chiefs choose to tear down and completely rebuild in a league where it’s been repeatedly proven you don’t have to stop being competitive while rebuilding? How can a team be so remiss in addressing its quarterback depth? Has the NFL passed general manager Carl Peterson by? How did one of the most loyal fan bases in the NFL get stuck with such a terrible team? Do the Chiefs still play to win the game? Who the heck is Tyler Thigpen, and is he any relation to that dirt-covered kid from “Peanuts”?
Key injuries: Punter Dustin Colquitt is nursing a groin injury and may not play, while linebacker Donnie Edwards is dealing with an ankle injury but is expected to play to win the game.
Five things to know about the Chiefs offense:
- Next? – Maybe mercifully, Brodie Croyle’s unfruitful 2008 season came to an abrupt end last week with a knee injury — which was sustained in his first game back after missing time with a separated shoulder. Sometimes starter Damon Huard immediately injured his throwing hand last week and is also now on IR. (Wow, two quarterbacks sustaining season-ending injuries in the same game — what’s the chances of that happening twice, let alone to the same head coach twice?) So the job now falls to second-year player Tyler Thigpen, who has played some but struggled mightily, going 38 of 90 for 392 yards, 2 TDs and 5 interceptions in his limited playing time. The immortal Ingle Martin will back him up, although no matter who is behind center, the Chiefs are 31st in passing with 149.5 yards/game under offensive coordinator Chad Gailey, and last in scoring with 12.5 points/game. For what it’s worth — and it ain’t much at this point — the Chiefs signed former Jaguar Quinn Gray on Wednesday.
- Larry Johnson, D##chebag – Starting running back Larry Johnson was benched last week for allegedly violating team rules, but now that word is out that he is being investigated by police for a report of non-aggravated assault. Edwards has said Johnson will be benched again, but on Wednesday, Johnson publicly apologized; if he plays, Johnson has been hit or miss: Week 4 vs. Denver, he had 198 rushing yards and 2 TDs; the next week, he had 2 yards rushing on 7 carries. If he doesn’t play, look for rookie back Jamaal Charles (24 carries, 115 yards), who has been a target out of the backfield with 16 receptions for only 94 yards.
- Go Go Gonzo – Despite not being traded as he requested, tight end Tony Gonzalez turned in very good game last week in the Chiefs’ loss, catching 6 balls for 97 yards. The All-Pro tight end continues to chug along, post 290 yards and a pair of TDs so far this season, which is impressive considering how poor the Chiefs’ passing game has been.
- Go Go Bowe – Equally amazing has been the play of second-year receiver Dwayne Bowe, who has amassed 34 catches, 410 yards and a pair of TDs. Of course, much of that has come during garbage time as the Chiefs have been behind early and often, but the next closest Chiefs wide receiver is Devard Darling, who has exactly 5 catches for 109 yards — much of which came on a 68-yard reception in Week 1 against New England.
- Down the Line – Remember when the Chiefs had the best offense line in the NFL, year in and year out? Solid players like Will Shields, John Tait and future Hall-of-Famer Willie Roaf? Left guard Brian Waters is the lone holdover, except now he lines up with the likes of center Rudy Niswager, left tackle Herb Taylor and right guard Adrian Jones — yes, that Adrian Jones.
Jersey watch (offense): The #88 of Gonzalez still marks one of the best tight ends in NFL history.
Five things to know about the Chiefs defense:
- Youth Movement – During the off-season, the Chiefs traded their best defensive player — defensive end Jared Allen — to the Vikings for a slew of draft picks, with the plan of upgrading the overall defense. Draftnics were quick to declare the Chiefs the “Winners” of the draft, but unfortunately that has yet to translate to being “Winners” on the field. Of the team’s 12 picks, three have made it into the starting lineup, all on the defensive side of the ball: tackle Glenn Dorsey and the Brandon cornerbacks — Carr and Flowers. Overall, Gunther Cunningham’s defense has 8 starters with less than 3 years experience each.
- Tackling Dummies – Last week, the Chiefs got destroyed on the ground by the Titans (the Tennessee ones), who racked up 332 rushing yards, including an untouched 80-yard run by Lendale White (not exactly known for his “breakaway” speed) and 66-yard run by Chris Johnson (which was nice, but couldn’t put my fantasy team over the top — damn LaDainian Tomlinson!). The Chiefs have given up over 200 rushing yards in half of their games, and are ranked 32nd in the NFL (by 40 yards!), allowing a whopping average of 207.2 yards/game.
- Talent Up Front? – With the amount of recent picks the Chiefs have put into their defensive front, it seems as though they should be more stout. They’ve seen some good things from second-year tackle Tank Tyler (25 tackles) and third-year end Tamba Hali, who tallied 8 and 7.5 sacks in his first two years, but yet has to record one this season. Highly touted first-rounder Dorsey has struggled thus far, although it’s hard to say if it’s him or the coaching.
- Pressure Is Overrated – Clearly, the Chiefs’ defense haven’t missed Allen, as they are now dead last in the NFL with only 3 sacks TOTAL this year. Then again, with the horrid run defense, teams have very rarely had to pass against the Chiefs — last week, Kerry Collins only dropped back 18 times, completing 11.
- Silver Lining? – One positive category that the Chiefs’ defense is near the top of the NFL in is forced fumbles, logging 11. They also have 3 interceptions and are a respectable +1 in turnover differential. And seeing that is one of the only good things you can say about the Kansas City defense, pretty much lets you know how abysmal it’s been.
Jersey watch (defense): The #91 of Hali can still apply pressure to the quarterback.
Three things about the Chiefs special teams:
- Colquitt is It – Not surprisingly, punter Dustin Colquitt has gotten a lot of practice and it shows: he is currently 8th in the NFL, averaging 47.9 a punt (with a long of 73 and a net of 41.1 yards/kick) and has dropped 14 inside the 20. Of course, as things have been going for the Chiefs, there’s a chance Colquitt may not play due to a groin injury — the team signed Steve Weatherford as insurance.
- Novak is NOT It – Journeyman kicker Nick Novak was only hitting 60% of his kicks (6/10) with a long of 43, so he was cut this week and replaced by Connor Barth, who has never kicked in the NFL, and for all we know won some halftime promotion and was asked to join the team like what happened with Texas Tech this week.
- Not Very Special Specials – Returns have been handled by a tandem of rookie Dantrell Savage (who is returning kicks to the tune of 27.9 yards/return, including a 59-yarder), while punts have been primarily covered by B.J. Sams, who is averaging 8.3 yards/return.
What to expect from the broadcast booth: The game is on CBS and features Greg Gumbel and Dan Dierdorf doing the commentary, so expect Dierdorf to overly dramatize the most minute of points as he’s prone to do — like Tim McCarver in baseball, but without any of the self-eggrandizing, arrogance or anti-New York bias.
Spotlight matchup: The Kansas City front seven vs. the Jets running game. Last week, the Chiefs gave up 332 yards and the Jets ran for 242 yards — it doesn’t take a Fangenius to figure out what’s going to happen this week.
The pressure is on: The Chiefs offensive line to do everything they can to keep Thigpen upright and prevent the dawning of the Ingle Martin era.
Expect the unexpected from: Herm Edwards … nah, not really. (Wayne Chrebet’s mom can still figure out Edwards’ offensive game plan.) The Chiefs defense, if it has an ounce of pride and decides to circle the wagons, however, may be more stout than expected.
Bottom line: Any team can win on any given Sunday . . . although if the injury-ravaged and inept Chiefs do somehow come into the Meadowlands and upset the Jets this week . . . well . . . great googly moogly, indeed.
35 Responses to TJB Scout: Kansas City Chefs (Great Googly Moogly!)
-
k.c. says:
needless to say but this is a MUST win game!
-
so was LAST week,but even more so THIS week!
-
Najy says:
Jets need to look crisp, sharp, and take care of this game. This game SHOULD be done and over with by the 3nd of the 3rd quarter.
Mistake free footabll this Sunday should be our goal. Take care of business and get ready for Buffalo. No need to get cute and fancy. Just line up and win the game.
-
bozzie says:
What ever happened to the agressive and cockiness play calling that appeared in 2006 on offense? We have to start playing with confidence…otherwise it’s going to be ANOTHER long, disappointing year as Jets fans….*pout*
-
john sec.125 says:
if they don’t win this game, woody’s auction will go down the tubes.
-
DannyMazz says:
Do you really think Mangini can win us a superbowl? ABSOLUTELY NOT! I have zero faith in him from the start.
We need to get a great coach in here next season even if it means a miss or a one and done in the playoffs. I’ve seen 20 years of crappy seasons I can see another few. I’m trying to put a list of available head coaches together but need help from you folks. Please add tot he list…
1.Bill Cowher
2.Mike Holmgren
3.Dennis Green
4.Mike Nolan -
jim says:
leon washington for herm edwards will go down as the greates trade in jets history…
herms a cheerleader, and a good one…but doesnt know x’s and o’s or personnel to save his behind…
he’s the chad pennington of coaches…with good players he’ll win you ten games….that’s it…against upper echelon competition he’s outclassed and outsmarted everytime
-
DannyMazz,
Is this your Christmas wish list?
-
mazz….
dennis green?
mike nolan?…come on
and holmgren’s not leaving the west coast
-
yes it is my xmas list –
I mean shyt how great was it when Parcells came here. I mean you instantly felt like you were sick and Mommy made you chicken soup. We knew that things would be miles better and our expectations were reasonably placed. Now it seems as though we have a 2nd string coaching staff. Sutton isn’t as bad as I thought originally. They really need to draft another monster sized man in the middle in case Kris has some injuries.
-
what;s walt michaels doing these days?
-
Bent says: Holmgren reiterated just today that he is taking 2009 off rather than taking what some think may be his dream job with his home town 49ers. I think the Jets are very low down on his list of priorities.
-
Bent,
Unless he is reunited with Brett Favre on the Jets.
-
DaveTN says:
I don’t care who coaches, if the o-line can’t pass protect better against real teams than they did against Oakland the Jets won’t win consistently.
-
JustAGreenGuy says:
If he would turn down San Fran for time with the fam he would turn down NY. He at least has a house in San Fran.
Dennis Green sucks, and Mike Nolan is even worse.
Cowher won’t come a garbage truck full of money wouldn’t convince him.
Being an NY coach sucks.
-
lol
-
Scott says:
The Chiefs are the absolute worst team in the league, and its not even close. The Chiefs MIGHT be the worst team in NFL history.
-
bring back vinny says:
I expect a big game from Stuckey and Keller as it looks likes Coles has a concussion and Cotch is banged up.
Despite the pathetic loss last week I see no reason why the Jets won’t absolutely DOMINATE this game in all 3 phases in front of the home crowd and get some momentum heading up to Buffalo.
Chiefs must be Herminated.
-
Liam says:
Laverneus Coles is out for this week? Chanci stuckey apparently to start as per Jets Confidential
-
Bent says:
Najy, I thought about mentioning that but then I got scared that Mariucci might get added to the list. If Holmgren is not an option until 2010 I would say it’s a stretch to even think about making a prediction on whether Favre will still be here for the last year of his contract.
Man, that noodle arm Favre is gonna get Coles killed one of these days!
-
Electric Ham says:
Eric Smith-DB- Jets Oct. 23 – 1:00 pm et
Jets SS Eric Smith suffered a concussion in the team’s Week 7 game and appears unlikely to play Sunday against Kansas City.
Usual special teamer Abram Elam will likely stand in at strong safety.
Source: Newark Star-LedgerLaveranues Coles-WR- Jets Oct. 23 – 12:59 pm et
Coach Eric Mangini revealed Thursday that Laveranues Coles suffered a concussion in the Jets’ Week 7 loss to Oakland.
Coles sat out Wednesday’s practice in its entirety and is in great danger of missing Week 8. This is his third known concussion in the last 22 months. Teams typically hold players out the following week when they’re coming off injuries like this. It appears Brad Smith could start against the Chiefs.
Source: Newark Star-Ledger
Related: Brad SmithBubba Franks-TE- Jets Oct. 23 – 9:55 am et
According to the New York Daily News, there’s a good chance Bubba Franks (hip) won’t play Sunday against the Chiefs.
Franks left last week’s game in the first quarter and hasn’t practiced this week. The paper believes the injury could “be more serious” than previously thought.
Source: New York Daily News -
Bent- When I saw the hit, where I believe he suffered the concussion, I first went damn hes had too many and quickly questioned if Chad was impersonating Brett. Had Chad not thrown a very familiar pic 6 earlier that day I might still be suspicious.
-
Bent says:
Dustin Keller is going to be the hip replacement.
-
Please play Clowney instead of Brad Smith so we can finally stretch the field and utilize our gunslinger!!! (assuming and praying our O-Line provides some protection this week)
-
SackDance99 says:
An angry Jets team, that has played lackluster football since the bye, should come out and dominate this game. There’s not one phase of the game in which the Chiefs are superior to the Jets and this is a home game. Anything less than a laugher will just increase the heat on the whole team, from top to bottom, heading up to Buffalo.
-
Everyone seems to think record has soemthing to do with talent level. The Raiders were a very talented team that were a mess, because of crazy all and constant turnover. The new guy wanted a win. They also benched a former 7th pick in the draft b4 they played us. People play hard when they think they are going to lose their jobs. Their LB core is viewed as very under appreciated around the league. The Raiders usually lose because their D gets tired. Hence all the fourth qtr collapses. Their O played well and that kept the D fresh.
Should we have won yes, but the Chiefs are not the Raiders. The Chiefs actually suck. We lose this game and it is time to start looking at the draft. Wells or Cody in the first (If they declare and hopefully Cody will be there in the second)!!
-
ian says:
very interesting potential offensive line-up. chansi, b.smith/clowney, and keller in for coles, cotch, and baker. interesting to see if the young guys get open better than the older starters, though in fairness the raiders cb’s are far, far better than cheifs so it’s not a great comparison,
-
A huge win at home gets us back on track. This is a crazy year and many teams have had or will have these head scratching losses to inferior opponents. I just hope we got ours out of the way early .
This season reminds me of 2002 and we all remember what happened in the AFC East in 02. AFC is WIDE open in 08. So called elite teams (Indy, SD, NE) are having inconsistent seasons. I expect a beat down this week but as long as we get the W we are in good shape.
-
bring back vinny,
We dont have to dominate but this game should be won by the end of the 3rd quarter.
Jets need to be crisp, sharp, and mistake free. By that I mean, and by that, I mean 0 TURNOVERS and minimal penalties.
Look at all the teams that win. It all comes down to Turnovers. You cant win with that, espcially against a good team.
Last week, Oakland had 0 turnovers – Jets had 3. Okaland won!!
-
BubbyBrister/shovelpass says:
The best thing that KC has done this year is knock out Tom Brady. “You play… to wound… the knee…” Let’s hope our O-line is up to the task this time. There could be some chemistry problems with the new receivers.
-
GlockNSoul says:
I hear Kotite’s available
-
I wonder why Mike Westhoff never pushed the envelope to be a Jets Head Coach? Always like him on the staff.
-
DannyMazz,
Not everyone was created to carry the cross.
-
We still have key games w/ The Bills and Pats this!! These are the big games of the year for our Jets!!!
That’s
Chan Gailey, not Chad.