SB Nation User Blog: Patrick Allen

Week 15 AP Power Rankings

Patrick Allen — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 19:42:22 -0000

Welcome to week 15 of our AP Power Rankings. This will be my last week handling the bulk of this project as I will be passing it off to one of our other panelists to see it through to the end. It's been a pleasure to bring you these each week.I want to thank all the Rankers for all their help throughout the year!

The Saints were able to keep their strangle hold on the top spot with the Colts right behind them. I don't know how you really decide between these two teams. Both are playing fantastic football and are a mere 3 victories away from making NFL history. If that happens they will forever be linked. Yes, the odds are still long but can you imagine a Super Bowl with the 18-0 Colts and the 18-0 Saints? Two prolific offenses and two of the games best QB's? Talk about drama...but we get ahead of ourselves.

There are a couple of other teams that may have a thing or two to say about a Saints vs. Colts Super Bowl and they would be the Minnesota Vikings and the San Diego Chargers. They are numbers 3 and 4 in our rankings and are both playing great football. Rounding out the top 5 is a scrappy Bengals squad who will be playing with a heavy heart this Sunday following the death of wide receiver Chris Henry who passed away this morning. The Bengals will face a red hot Charger team in a game with big time seeding implications.

The Chiefs sit at a lowly 28 in the rankings and hope to jump up a slot or two with a convincing win over the Browns this Sunday at Arrowhead.

Go Chiefs and on to the Ranks.

1	Saints	The last bump on the road to a perfect season is this week. The mystique of the Superdome should be the difference maker as they go 14-0.
2	Colts	They find ways to win.
3	Vikings	The state of Minnesota had a big sigh of relief after the Vikings dismantled a very good Bengal team.
4	Chargers	They've won 8 in a row and are playing mistake free football. A tough game against an emotional Bengals team will be a fun one to watch.
5	Bengals	The Bengals got a healthy does of how they are going to have to play to go deep in the playoffs. The offense has got to get some spark or it could be a one and done for Cinci.
6	Packers	Definitely got hot at the right time. First NFC Wildcard is there's for the taking. This is not a team the front runners are going to want to see come playoff time
7	Eagles	As per usual the Eagles are showing up in time for the playoffs.
8	Denver	21 catches (NFL record) by Marshall and they still can't beat the Colts. If they lose against the Raiders, the Wildcard may fall out of reach.
9	Patriots	Only one game ahead of the Phins and Jets. They have a must win against the Bills this week if they want to stay in the playoff picture.
10	Cardinals	It’s just not fair. The Cardinals get a bye week every other week of the season.
11	Cowboys	The December woes continue and the schedule is not forgiving.
12	Dolphins	They are in a tight race against the Pats and Jets for the playoffs. They face a red hot Titans this week.
13	Giants	The giants may sneak into the playoffs, if not for an easy schedule down the stretch, then for Tony Romo’s December woes.
14	Ravens	With Jacksonville floundering, the second Wild Card is Baltimore's for the taking.
15	Jaguars	Bad, bad loss for them. They are in deep trouble.
16	Titans	Johnson will get to 2000 yards but it won't be enough to get the Titans into the playoffs.
17	Jets	They are still in the hunt for the playoffs. They have to beat the Falcons this week. I thought all chance was gone. They proved me wrong.
18	Falcons	We will see what the Falcons really are down the stretch as they have a soft schedule. Injuriesdo play some part in their downfall but it isn’t the whole story here.
19	Texans	They might be a player in 1010 with a new coach.
20	49ers	You can't take away the fact that the 9ers have heart. And Vernon Davis. Don't forget him either.
21	Steelers	What is there left to say? The Steelers have totally fallen apart. Consecutive losses to the Chiefs, Redskins, Raiders and Browns. Ouch!
22	Bills	They won't make the playoffs but they can attempt to spoil the Pats chances.
23	Panthers	You have to wonder where the Panthers would be if they sat Delhomme a lot sooner in the year. With a good defense and great running game you have to think they would at least be in the hunt.
24	Bears	Jay Cutler through his 21st and 22nd interceptions of the year last weekend. Can he make it to 30? I don't think there is a ceiling to his suckitude.
25	Redskins	You have to hand it to the Skins. They’ve continued to fight all year.
26	Seahawks	I would like all you APers to give a big "Welcome to rebuilding" to our friends in Seattle.
27	Raiders	Instead of trusting the rest of the season to their number one overall pick, Oakland went to the scrap heap and picked up former first round pick, J.P. Losman and this Sunday will start Charlie Frye. With Russell now their number three QB on their depth chart, it's easy to say, Oakland has moved on.
28	Chiefs	Game of the Decade, this Sunday, Arrowhead Stadium.
29	Browns	After 6 straight years of losing to their biggest rival the Browns have finally gotten that monkey off their back, hopefully renewing one of footballs greatest rivalries. Next monkey: Eric Mangini.
30	Lions	Dante Culpepper sucks.
31	Buccaneers	This team has a long way to go, probably longer then any other team in the league. They are an NFC South doormat, as they have no divisional wins.
32	Rams	It was awful nice of the Rams to spot the Chris Johnson's..err...I mean Titans 2 TD's and 150 yards in the first quarter.

Poll

Who gets the win this weekend?

Thank You AP!

Patrick Allen — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:42:53 -0000

Hey Arrowhead Priders,

I just wanted to write to everyone at AP to say thank you. I stumbled upon Arrowhead Pride last December and I officially joined on February 27th. 136 Fan Posts and 4721 comments later I have been offered the Lead Blogger position over at Arrowhead Addict and I have accepted.

I just wanted to throw up a quick post thanking you all for reading my stuff and encouraging me to keep writing. Many of the posters here have said a lot of nice things about my writing and it was those comments that encouraged me to keep at it. It was because of AP that I had a number of different articles to choose from when selecting samples to apply with over at AA.

I have also been influenced by the incredible work of all the bloggers here and I have certainly learned a lot from you all. It is a little bittersweet for me, as my new responsibility to Arrowhead Addict will most certainly limit my activity on Arrowhead Pride. AP is one of the best Chiefs sites on the planet, along with Arrowhead Addict (hey, I’m a company man now). I hope you all will stop over to AA to check out the changes that will be happening in the coming months and to check out my work.

I’d also like to extend a special thank you to Chris and Joel who have really been great friends and who have set a great example of how an excellent, professional blog should be managed.

Cheers and Go Chiefs!

Paddy

Cement Trucks and Cranes

Patrick Allen — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:14:01 -0000

via product.images.fansedge.com

Well here we are. Another Monday morning. Another Chiefs loss. Mondays are usually pretty slow for news. This is the time to reflect on what we saw and what, if anything the Chiefs can hang their hard hat on. Cue the Cassel and Haley doubters. The Pendergast lynch mob. The Koolaid salesman will start setting up shop. The Silver Miners start looking for lining. And at least a couple of Scouts are preparing mock drafts. Yes, the inhabitants of the Chiefs Kingdom are getting restless in the spin cycle that is yet another losing season. The jesters are running out of balls to juggle.

As I said in an article last week, the Chiefs have gone as far as they can go. They aren't losing because of bad coaching, poor play calls, and bad quarter back play. The Chiefs are losing because, collectively, they are simply not talented enough. Due to this deficiency you will not see the team improve this year. It simply isn't possible. The Chiefs are instilling a program here. This is year one of that program. Some might say it is important for the coaches to adapt their system to the players they have. To a certain extend that is true. Josh McDaniels has done a fantastic job of adapting his system to the players he has in Denver. He certainly isn't running the offense that he ran with Tom Brady and Randy Moss in NE. Josh McDaniels had the luxury of taking over an 8-8 team with many pieces in place. He is in a position to install his program slowly over time while maintaining a winning record. He has this luxary because of the team that he inherited. Time will tell if he is able to successfully accomplish this task. It isn't always easy as Chiefs fans know all too well.

Herman Edwards inherited a 10-6 team. He claimed he wouldn't change the Chiefs potent offense but was forced to do so out of necessity due to the loss of Trent Green. For all the criticism Herman received, what he did with the Chiefs in his first season was nothing short of remarkable. He put the season on the back of his best players, Larry Johnson and Tony Gonzalez and sneaked into the playoffs with a career backup QB and an aging team on the decline. Edwards failed because he was not able to slowly install his program and then, following a 4-12 season he tried to do what he should have been allowed to do in his first season, which was blow up an old team and start over.

Haley and company have inherited a blown up team, an unfinished construction project. It's been an eyesore in the neighborhood for a couple of years now. The neighbors would like it to just be finished so they don't have to look out their windows at cranes and cement trucks every day. Unfortunately for the neighbors, this isn't possible. The new guys taking over the job have their own plans. They want to build a 5 story building but the foundation was only laid for a three stories. They can't try to stack two extra stories on a foundation laid for three or the building will crumble. No, it may have meant more construction but the new guys need to rip up the old, unfinished foundation and start over.

Such is the 2009 Kansas City Chiefs. Most Chiefs fans wanted a new regime. Most Chiefs fans did not think Herm and his staff were the right team to bring the Chiefs back to respectability. Chiefs fans got what they wanted, a total house cleaning. Everyone was happy. Then they saw the cement trucks rolling in again and panic set in. People are already calling for the coaches head and calling the GM a hack. These guys are simply laying a new foundation for a new offense and defense. This building isn't going to look shiny and new for a while. There is going to be a few more years of construction. What are folks complaining about? It's what they asked for.

The foundation has been laid. The program is in place and the new guys are going to start building up now. Do you really want to replace them and bring in someone else because I assure you, if a new team is brought in they are going to have their own plans and they are going to rip out this foundation. The construction will continue, maybe forever. Just ask Oakland Raider fans what a whole lot of impatience and coaching changes has gotten them. Cement trucks and cranes.

If you care to look out your window at the job site, you need not look for a story to be put in. You won't see the Chiefs "team" improve this year because they have gone as far as they can go. The coaches and GM will evaluate what they have and order more supplies. What you should look for is what is working, not what isn't working. Not yet anyway. It's like complaining there is no roof before there are walls. Look at Tamba Hali slowly and steadily improving as an OLB. Look at the eradication of the infestation that was Larry Johnson and the shiny new paint job that is Jamaal Charles. Look at the emergence of Andy Studebaker as a possible diamond in the rough starter at OLB. Look at the veteran leadership of Mike Vrabel that guided him. Look at the young and promising special teams players that are getting on the field and contributing like Javon Belcher and Piere Walters. Look the incredible upside of players like Leggett, Washington and even Daniels. Look at Ryan O'Callahan doing solid enough job at RT that he may save the Chiefs a draft pick to use elsewhere.

As frustrating as it is to see more losing we must look at what is being done here. Yes, next year we better see some walls going up. Maybe even a story or two. Progress must be made. I for one am willing to let these guys finish what they are building. When it is done, if it's ugly, they will be sent on their way but I want to see the finished project.

I'm not calling for new foreman's just yet. I'm sick of construction too.

Poll

What do you think?

AP Power Rankings

Patrick Allen — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:52:02 -0000

Photo Source

Here are your rankings. I had an intro all written out but the file somehow got corrupted and I am grumpy and don't feel like doing it over.

Sorry about that!

1	Saints	Another win and based on the schedule this team could be lined up for an undefeated season. The only speed bump in the way appears to be a matchup with the Cowboys next week who are in the thick of a playoff race.
2	Colts	They always find a way to win.
3	Vikings	Mulligan.
4	Bengals	With the Steelers and Ravens out of the way the Bengals can start focusing on how to get their offense going to compete in the playoffs.
5	Chargers	They've been scary in December and Dallas has been traumatized in December. Look for another San Diego win.
6	Cardinals	Beating down the Vikings is just about as good as it gets. This team has the chops to hang with anyone.
7	Packers	Uh Ohhhhh. This team is playing well and is on a collision course for Favre vs. The Packers v3.0
8	Eagles	Destroyed the Falcons in Atlanta. What a great day for Vick. Need to be ready for a big game with the Giants to hopefully get the division lead.
9	Cowboys	It's December, and the Cowboys could not have a tougher road to the playoffs. Two top teams and the scrappy Redskins.
10	Patriots	They lost by one point to the Dolphins. You can't lose to a division rival when it is a must win.
11	Broncos	In my humble opinion, the game of the week will see two horse mascots face off. The surging Broncos and the stout Colts. Hopefully, the fur will fly.
12	Giants	I said last week that there was not much hope for this team and they turn in an inspired performance against Dallas. Their D and Special Teams carried them there, their offense will have to step up to keep it going.
13	Titans	Too little, too late but Jeff Fisher has proven he is a top notch coach and Chris Johnson will likely go for over 2000 yards.
14	Ravens	The Ravens can still make the playoffs. They need to show the grit that the Steelers aren't to do it.
15	Steelers	Stick a fork in the Champs. Their done.
16	Jaguars	In these next three weeks we will find out if the Jags are for real. If they can go 3-0 or 2-1 they are in. Anything else? Forget it.
17	Falcons	A soft schedule down the stretch will make this team appear better then they are. The playoffs may be hard to make after what should be another loss this weekend.
18	Dolphins	They never give up and beat the Pats in a must win. They might get a wildcard if they step it up more in the coming weeks.
19	Jets	They started hot, Sanchez started to suck. Now they are .500. Sorry, no playoffs.
20	Texans	Too inconsistent. They are talented but they need to learn to win big games.
21	49ers	The Seahawks put a steak in the 49ers playoff aspirations. Now its about finishing strong and finding out if Alex Smith is the QB for 2010
22	Bears	Speaking of feared animals, did you hear Tiger Woods is changing his name to Cheetah? Think about it.
23	Panthers	I wonder which Panther team will show up this week? It probably won't matter because the Pats are going to be hungry for a win.
24	Seahawks	If your season is going down the toilet be sure to take as many teams with you as you can. 49ers, welcome to the commode.
25	Bills	T.O. meet Flowers. Enough said.
26	Raiders	Somehow, Oakland keeps slipping buy AFC North foes. They could very well sweep that division with winnable games in Cleveland and against the Ravens in their season finale.
27	Redskins	Washington is quietly waiting for teams to upset. They are not going quietly into the night.
28	Chiefs	KC has an emerging solid defensive foundation forming in Hali and Dorsey, good pieces to build on. Hopefully they'll show up once again in a winnable game against the Bills.
29	Lions	My gut feeling is this is another good draft away from respectability As long as they get 11 draft picks and spend them all on the defensive side of the ball
30	Buccaneers	Let's see if I can say something nice...nope they stink but I'll go out on a limb and pick them to beat the inconsistent Jets this week.
31	Rams	Week 13 proved nature right, Bears do eat Rams. Week 14 is going to show that Titans like to eat them too.
32	Browns	The Browns do have something to play for down the stretch. Their coaches job.

Poll

Who do you think should be number 1?

Chief Upgrades; A Scouting Report

Patrick Allen — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:37:05 -0000

As many of you know I fancy myself something of a football scout. Given the many problems the Chiefs have had on offense and defense this year I have been scouring the country trying to find upgrades at certain positions. It hasn't been easy but I have found a few candidates. Below I will list the players name and some info about him/her and the current Chiefs player they will be replacing. Most of these players should come pretty cheap for Pioli and as the Chiefs have a ton of cap space I see no reason why the team can't at least bring in half of these players.

These moves should greatly improve next years roster.

Wide Reciever: Stevie Wonder

Player Replacing: Bobby Wade

Paddy's Scouting Report

Wonder, a former musician would fit right in with the Kansas City Wide Receivers! Many do not know this but Wonder possesses uncanny speed and incredible hands. Corners tend to underestimate his ability leaving him free to get wide open and roam across the middle of the field. Has some trouble with route running. A clear upgrade over Wade.

Wide Receiver: The One Armed Man

Player Replacing: Mark Bradley

Paddy's Scouting Report

This has a chance to be the NFL's heart-warming story in 2010. The One Armed Man played JV football in Beaver High School in PA in 1952. He was all conference 3 years in a row. He then, however, got involved in a life of crime and was once accused of a murder. He has put all that behind him and wants to put all his aggression into sports. While not as fast or as elusive as Mark Bradley, The One Armed Man has shown a better ability to catch the ball.

Quarterback: Jesus Christ Almighty

Player Replacing: Matt Cassel

Paddy's Scouting Report

Jesus Christ or JC as he prefers to be called on the football field is an incredible field general. He can accurately and effortlessly deliver the ball. He displays better pocket presence than Cassel and is rarely sacked as opposing players are normally blinded permanently by his greatness as they approach him in the backfield. His passes are often seen passing through defensive backs so his career interception numbers stand at 0. Definitely a franchise guy and a probably Hall of Famer. The Chiefs can't really go wrong here.

UPDATE:

I just got off the phone with Jason Whitlock of the Kansas City Star. He was apparently breaking into the concession stand at Arrowhead Stadium to steal their giant tubs of nacho cheese when he noticed the Chiefs working out Christ. Reportedly Christ was having a very difficult time developing chemistry with KC's current crop of receivers. The trouble first started when Mark Bradley failed to get open for Christ. According to Whitlock,, Bradley was not being covered at the time as there was no defense on the field, however, Bradley could not shake a grounds crewman who was painting lines on the field.

Later, according to Whitlock, Bobby Wade was utterly incapable of catching Christ's passes. Wade reportedly dropped several of JC's passes that were right on the money. Whitlock reported that Christ became visibly upset when one of his passes hit Wade in the chest and bounced off through his flailing hands. The ball reportedly floated in place for a time period of about 5 seconds, waiting for Wade to grab it. According to Whitlock, Wade simply stared at the ball for a couple of seconds before falling down. The ball was then picked off by Brandon Flowers who could not believe his own luck. Christ, apparently angry about throwing his first ever interception, stormed from Arrowhead Stadium declaring, "Not even I can help these guys."

Looks as though the Chiefs are stuck with Matt Cassel for another year.

Poll

Who would you most like to see wearing Red and Gold next season?

As Far As They Can Go

Patrick Allen — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:57:56 -0000

via blog.northstarmanifesto.com

We were excited. I don't lame us. Things had been going south for a while and change, any change, was welcomed like as big bucket of money. The Chiefs were bringing in Super Bowl pedigree in Scott Pioli. They brought in more with Todd Haley. The Chiefs were going to turn into Patriots West, Matt Cassel was going to be a combination of Tom Brady, Kurt Warner and Trent Green. Dwayne Bowe would morph into a combination of Boldin and Fitgerald. The Broncos were sinking fast, the Chargers were getting old and the Raiders were still owned by Al Davis. The Chiefs were on the rise. Life was good and we were blind.

For all the talk about the Koolaid being passed around Chief Nation today I am surprised it wasn't brought up a lot more in August. As a Chiefs fan I have been wrestling with all the same questions you have. Is Cassel good enough? Is Haley a hard nosed task master who will get the best effort from his players or is he a raving lunatic who has lost his team. Is Scott Pioli a hot shot executive who is going to slowly and methodically turn the Chiefs into a perennial contender or is he an arrogant windbag too blinded by power to recognize his own shortcomings? Is Jason Whitlock going to break into my apartment and steal my Christmas Ham in the night? All very, very valid questions.

This morning I sat down and tried to put things in perspective. I asked myself a question. Why aren't the Chief improving? I could argue the Chiefs have improved, albeit mildly, because they have already upped their win total by 1 game this season. The certainly have a chance to double 2008's win total with winnable games against the Bills and Browns coming up. I could live with that. I could live with 4 wins this season, 8 wins next season and 10 or 11 wins in 2011. This scenario is only possible, of course, if the Chiefs are improving. I think they are and I think they will but I firmly believe the Chiefs must stay the course.

I looked up the Chiefs Sept. 3rd roster from the 2008 season. As you all know that roster was totally new. Herm Edwards tore down the Chiefs roster and started over. The results didn't come fast enough and Herm was fired. The mistake Herm made was that he didn't develop the guys he drafted fast enough. In the end I think that is why he was let go. I believe Clark genuinely wanted to give Herm a couple of years to build the team his way, they way he wanted to do it from the beginning. The leash was shorter on Herm, however, because he had a few drafts under his belt. It was expected, I think, that the Chiefs were going to have a rough year in 2008 and I don't think Clark expected the Glenn Dorsey's of the new draft class to become Pro Bowlers overnight. The last straw for Herm was the failures of the Tank Tyler's, Turk McBride's and Bernard Pollard's. Guys that should have been coming around and hitting their stride but weren't. There was no reason to believe that Herm's rebuild was going to go anywhere so Clark hired Pioli and Pioli cut Herm lose.

I believe we will all look back on 2008 as a truly lost season. It was all for nothing. It was year one of a rebuild that was going nowhere. We are now not in year 2 of the rebuild, but year 1 again. It is Groundhog Day Kansas City Chiefs style. Here are the players who were on that Sept. 3rd 2008 Chiefs Roster that were either cut, traded, retired, or moved to IR this season. Regardless of their exit they are not on the field for the Chiefs right now.

97 Brian Johnston DE

99 T.J. Jackson DT

93 Tank Tyler DT

88 Tony Gonzalez TE

90 Turk McBride DE

84 John Paul Foschi TE

85 Will Franklin WR

77 Damion McIntosh T

80 Jeff Webb WR

81 Devard Darling WR

73 Adrian Jones G

70 Alfonso Boone DE

65 Herb Taylor T

59 Donnie Edwards LB

60 Brian De La Puente G

55 Pat Thomas LB

49 Bernard Pollard S

50 Napoleon Harris LB

51 Jean-Philippe Darche C

52 Erik Walden LB

44 Jarrad Page S

30 B.J. Sams CB

31 Maurice Leggett CB

26 Jackie Battle RB

27 Larry Johnson RB

17 Maurice Price WR

21 Kolby Smith RB

22 Dimitri Patterson CB

23 Patrick Surtain CB

4 Tyler Thigpen QB

9 Nick Novak K

11 Damon Huard QB

Here is who is left.

2 Dustin Colquitt P

12 Brodie Croyle QB

24 Brandon Flowers CB

25 Jamaal Charles RB

47 Jon McGraw S

42 Mike Cox RB

53 Demorrio Williams LB

54 Brian Waters G

56 Derrick Johnson LB

64 Rudy Niswanger C

67 Barry Richardson T

72 Glenn Dorsey DT

74 Wade Smith C

76 Branden Albert T

82 Dwayne Bowe WR

87 Brad Cottam TE

91 Tamba Hali DE

95 Ron Edwards DT

This team has no identity. Most of these men hardly know one another. The 3 receiving targets Matt Cassel has weren't even in training camp! That small group of players above are some of the Chiefs best players. Hali in a new position is doing very well and showing improvement, same goes for Dorsey. Demarrio Williams is having one of his best seasons as a pro in a defense he has never played in. Dwayne Bowe, Brian Waters, Flowers, Carr, Collquitt all have shown they can play. John McGraw is having solid season. Jamaal Charles has proved that if he can learn to hang on to the ball that he can be a major offensive threat. There are pieces here but the house is far from built.

So. Are the Chiefs improving? Eh...not really. A little. At least a win or two better than last year. This doesn't really matter though because I believe the Chiefs are at critical mass. These Chiefs have gone about as far as they can go. They need help, they need reinforcements. They can't really get any better with the players they have. All year they new regime has been doing the best they can with the players they have and they have been constantly turning over the roster trying to improve it. Yes, it would be nice to see improvement on the field but some of these men just aren't going to get any better.

There are signs of hope on the roster. Players like Andy Studebaker, Javon Belcher, Lance Long, Jamaal Charles and yes, even Matt Cassel have shown signs that the could be part of the future. There have been flashes from these players and I can't remember a lot of flashes from the 2008 roster from anyone other than Tyler Thigpen. We all know now, of course, that he was a mirage created by Tony Gonzalez.

If the Chiefs fire Haley and dump Cassel after the season then get ready to become the Cleveland Browns or the Detroit Lions. Get ready to become the Oakland Raiders because that is what will happen to the Chiefs. Every time the Chiefs bring in a new coach they are starting over. If a coach inherits a team like the Broncos or Colts he can probably keep it going. The key here is inheriting a team that has a solid talent base in place. Coach Vermiel inherited a fairly solid talent base from Marty. He was able to keep The Chiefs respectable, winning 6 or 7 games, while he built his team. But these Chiefs are not last years Shannahan's Broncos, Marty's Chiefs and they sure as hell aren't Dungy's Colts. The team Todd Haley got was Herm Edwards' rebuild team. Ouch!

The Chiefs are currently an expansion team. It is unfair to judge the new regime too harshly in their first year with an expansion team. It is how they chose to build their team from here on out that will determine whether or not they are the men for the job. They can only import so many players a year. They can only coach guys up so much during the season. It will take time. Probably about 3 years before they have a solid rotation of "their guys" on the field. When that day comes, once Scott Pioli and Todd Haley have built their team, if the Chiefs are still only winning 3 or 4 games a year then we will know they have failed. Then it will be time for them to go. But not now. Not yet.

Release them now and a bad team stays in turmoil. The philosophy changes again, the roster turns over, the fans and players tune out. For better or for worse, what the Chiefs need now is two or three years of stability. They need a chance to build an identity as a team, as a coaching staff and as a front office. These men aren't responsible for the 2006, 2007 and 2008 seasons. They are responsible for 2009, 2010 and 2011. This is the start. Hang in there and get your measuring stick out at the end of NEXT season to see how far these Chiefs have come. Otherwise it will be Groundhog Day; The Kansas City Chiefs Edition...and it won't be a good day.

AP Power Rankings Week: DT Week Edition!

Patrick Allen — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 22:45:01 -0000

Photo Source

I usually do a lengthy write up to introduce the Power Rankings. My being busier at work as really cut into the hours and hours of free time I used to be able to devote to AP so I am going to keep it short and sweet this week.

I despise the Donkey’s more than any of our rivals. I grew up in the late 80’s and 90’s and had to suffer the indignities of the Hellway Era. The day after the Chiefs lost to the Donkey’s 14-10 in the playoffs I didn’t go to school the next day.

God as my witness I will do everything I can to use my brain waves to single handily ensure a Chiefs victory this Sunday. There are some scientists who believe that the power of group thought, some might call it prayer, can actually have a physical impact on the world we live in. I don’t know if I buy this type of talk but for this weekend I am going to try. Thus I am going to ask you all a favor this week. From this moment forward I want you to start believing the Chiefs are going to win this weekend. I went into the Pittsburgh game with absolutely no hope and I am ashamed of it but I am not asking you to hope the Chiefs win. I am asking you to believe the Chiefs will win. Start right now. "Just two days till the Chiefs stomp the Broncos." "The Chiefs WILL win this weekend." Keep all the negatives out of your mind. Don’t think about the past two seasons. Don’t even think about last week’s loss. Think only about how Charles is going to blow into the secondary, how Cassel and Chambers are going to burn Denver’s DB’s. Think about Succupp blasting 50 yard FG’s and Haley calling brilliant, timely plays. Let’s all focus all our energy and all out positive thoughts on OUR Kansas City Chiefs and on Arrowhead Stadium.

This is it. Teams aren’t going to walk on the Chiefs anymore. I’ve had enough, I am willing to bet you’ve had enough and I know damn well the boys in the locker room have had enough.

Scream louder, cheer harder, drink one more beer and for the love of God, BEAT THE DONKEY’S!

1. Saints

For anyone that even thought for whatever reason that a 10-0 team was still a pretender a complete dismantling of the Pats should remove any doubt.

2. Colts

They are playing with fire. I think they will lose once in the next 3 weeks.

3. Vikings

How exciting is the NFC Championship going to be!?!?!?!?!?!

4. Dolts...er...Chargers

They've won 6 in a row, yet their stadium has thousands of empty seats and they need league assistance to avoid blackouts. The ultimate bandwagon team. Stay classy, Los Angl--I mean, San Diego.

5. Bengals

The Bengals probably need to win 2 of their last 5 to lock up the AFC North as they own all the tie breakers. They can get one this Sunday against the Lions but after that it gets a little tougher with games against the Vikings, Chargers, Chiefs and Jets.

6. Cowboys

Everyone is watching to see if the late-season collapse happens again this year. Phillips' job likely depends on it.

7. Patriots

They got crushed on both sides of the ball against the Saints. Brees out played Brady in every way. This week is a must win against the Phins.

8. Cardinals

Based on last week's game, I am ready to vote Kurt Warner league MVP. The Cardinals are not the same with Leinart at the helm.

9. Packers

If I was a Packer fan I don't know what I'd be more upset about...missing the playoffs or losing to Brett Favre a 3rd time in the divisional playoffs

10. Eagles

If the injuries don't continue to mount up they might have an impact in the playoffs.

11. Steelers

The Champs are still in at but at this point they can only afford to lose about one game the rest of the way. With the Ravens and Packers still on the schedule 9-7 won't cut it for the Steelers.

12. Donkeys

BIG Thanksgiving win over the Giants. Now they head into Arrowhead Stadium where they've had almost NO success in them month of December.

13. Ravens

It will be a dog fight till the end for the Ravens. They have to get by the Packers and the Steelers if they want to taste the postseason.

14. Titans

The hottest team in the NFL. This team could win out. They have the mojo.

15. Falcons

This team is still in the pretender list. What would've been an appropriate loss to the lowly Bucs would've propelled this team to where they belong in the rankings.

16. Giants

Wow. One of the biggest disappointments of the second half of this season. Doesn't seem to be much hope for them this season.

17. Jaguars

Devastating loss in regards to their playoff chances.

18. Texans

Will this team ever get it? I doubt it. i think they need a new voice.

19. Dolphins

Their defense struggles and need to get better for a wildcard run. They Bills walked all over their defense.

20. 49ers

Smith looked great tearing apart the Jags. If Arizona slips just a bit, the 49ers are going to jump back in the race for the West

21. Jets

They looked horrible against the Panthers but sadly it didn't take much to beat the Panthers. The J-E-T-S need to step their game up.

22. Panthers

Not that you need a strategy to beat the Panthers but the Jets "exposed"(term used loosely) them by sticking 9 in the box and making Delhomme air it out. Scary stat of the week: Delhomme 14/34 78 yards(inc sack yards) to his teamates and 4/34 84 yards to the Jet Defenders.

The Dreaded Pittsburgh Pirates Division

Congratulations to the Seahawks on obtaining the #1 spot in the DPPD. The Chiefs, following their blowout loss to the Chargers lost the confidence of our voters and they are back in the 5 spot. Although I believe a win over the division rival Donkey's might be enough to help them climb to at least the top spot. With games against the Bills and Browns looming the Chiefs need to make their move now.

1. (23.) Seahawks

Does beating up the Rams really count as a win? It does if you're the Seahawks (or the Chiefs for that matter)

2. (24.) Bears

Now even Brian Urlacher is throwing Jay Cutler under the bus. I almost feel sorry for him...actually...HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAH SCREW YOU WHINEY EMO PUNK

3. (25.) Bills

They rarely look good but against the Dolphins they looked like studs. Sadly, they'll return to form this week.

4. (26.) Redskins

Is anybody even paying attention to them anymore? They might as well put in the JV and wait for next year.

5. (27.) Chiefs

The Broncos gallop into Arrowhead to face a conundrum of a KC squad. After Todd Haley's "signature" win, KC fought hard in San Diego before succumbing to mistake after mistake. KC has the historical edge on Denver, in Arrowhead, in December, so an "upset" could be likely. Either way, chances of this being a great game are high.

6. (28.) Faiders

A predictable loss to the Cowboys on Thanksgiving day before rolling into Pittsburgh. Could the Raiders make it 4-losses in a row for the Steelers?

7. (29.) Lions

This team actually is built pretty well on the offensive side of the ball. The defense on the other hand is terrible.

8. (30.)Buccaneers

Coulda, shoulda, woulda...anyone still want Connor Barth back?

9. (31.) Rams

The Rams only lost by 10 points this time around against Seattle. In week one they lost by 28. That's improvement you can hang your hat on.

10. (32.) Browns

Usually changing coaches too much causes too much chaos for a team but make no mistake, the Browns will only improve once "Man Genius" is fire

Poll

Will the Chiefs win this weekend?

YES!

347 votes

347 votes | Poll has closed

AP's Greatest Hits

Patrick Allen — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:59:22 -0000

Hello all. Posting a lot on AP I am constantly shifting through the internet looking for funny or clever pictures to help make my point. Thank God for Google image search right? I'm not the only one who has posted funny content for a laugh. Recently I decided to do a search for images related to Arrowhead Pride. We have posted a lot of ridiculous crap on here over the years so I thought I would share with you some of AP's greatest hits.

Remember, all of these can be found by doing an AP image search on google!

Enjoy!

via www.motifake.com

via www.uwrf.edu

via api.ning.com

via www.punkdork.net

via i.a.cnn.net

via emtoast.com

via www.bestweekever.tv

via www.tiricosuave.com

via www.jordankerfeld.com

via nfldotcom.files.wordpress.com

via pics.livejournal.com

"Larry Johnson; Still wearing Diapers"

via splog.nationallampoon.com

via www.cmstudiosmusic.com

"GOD DAMN IT BOWE! I DON'T CARE IF THE FOOTBALL IS GETTING SUCKED UP INTO THE TORNADO! GO UP THERE AND GET IT!"

via baxterthecat.org

via 4.bp.blogspot.com

via arrowheadaddict.com

And let us end on a very happy note.

via assets.sbnation.com

Here's to many more years of laughs and hopefully Chief vicories!

Viva La AP!

The Chiefs Offense is Less Offensive

Patrick Allen — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:29:43 -0000

via cdn.picapp.com

I was inspired by the comparison posted this morning about how the Chiefs and the Broncos match up statistically. I believe, despite the blowout loss in Cali that the Chiefs are playing better football with the addition of Chris Chambers and Jamaal Charles and the subtraction of "He Who Must Not Be Named" aka, 2.7.. I decided to look into the Chiefs numbers before and after the BYE and then compare those numbers to the Donkeys over their last 4 games. The results were pretty encouraging.

We all know the Chiefs have problems on defense that are unlikely to be solved this season but how has the ho-hum offense been progressing? Well, it seems that even without Bowe, the chiefs offense is turning a corner. Here are the numbers. I have left out the Baltimore game because I wanted to focus on the Cassel lead offense. Remember this has been essentially a different team since the BYE week with the additions of Long, Chambers and Charles. Also the rushing yards are not the teams total yards but the average of the lead back or 2.7 vs. JC. Johnson had the high rushing yards for each of the first 6 games with Cassel and Charles has had the high in the 4 since he left town.

Offense in first 6 games with Cassel:

Average Passing: 165.6 yards per game.

Average Rushing for lead back: 56.3 yards per game.

Average Points: 13.5 per game.

Offense in the last 4 games, after the BYE

Average Passing: 226 yards per game.

Average Rushing for lead back : 72.5 yards per game.

Average Points: 19.5 per game.

As you can see the Chiefs are averaging 60.4 more yards through the air, 16.2 more yards on the ground with their lead back and 6 more points per game. Cassel for that matter had 994 passing yards in his first 6 games as a Chief and 904 in his past 4. A very nice improvement. Are the numbers spectacular? No. But they show a marked improvement. Also, these improvements have helped the Chiefs improve the one stat that matters; wins. In the first 6 games of the Cassel era the Chiefs were 1-5. In the last 4 they are 2-2.

Will all this translate to a win over the Donkeys? Maybe. The problem here is the Chiefs defense. The D cannot usually compete unless the force some turnovers ala Pittsbutgh. However, the Chiefs seem to fair better in games with weaker QB's who can't really burn them deep. They also tend to keep it close in games against teams that play pretty good defense and tend to grind out wins. Denver certainly has had to grind out a lot of their wins, never putting up a ton of points but not usually giving them up either. Over the last 4 weeks the Donkey's have had a lot of trouble on offense, save the Giants game where their defense reemerged and gave their offense plenty of chances. Orton is not likely to go deep too often on the Chiefs. Denver's offense seems to thrive on their talented possession receivers who tend to make a lot happen after the catch. If the Chiefs defense can keep things in front of them, like they did in the Pittsburgh game, they should be able to prevent the kind of quick scores that killed them in games against the Chargers, Eagles and Giants.

The Donleys have actually not been as good as the Chiefs over the same 4 game stretch highlighted above. Here are the numbers.

Donkey Offense in the last 4 games:

Average neck beard: 1 per game

Average passing: 207.5 yards per game

Average rushing for lead back: 72.3 yards per game

Average points: 14 per game

Based on these numbers you could predict that the Chiefs will win by a score of 19 to 14. You could also probably flip that around and say the Broncos win by the same score. I think if the Chiefs can get their offense going early, especially the running game as Elvis Dummerville will attempt to eat Cassel alive, the Chiefs have a fair to good chance int his one. The offense must continue to make strides and the defensive play makers need to show up with some turnovers. The Chiefs offense, obviously, cannot afford to give away the ball.

I believe id the Chiefs offense continues to improve that have a shot at beating all of the teams remaining on their schedule. Denver, Cleveland, Buffalo and Cinci all like to grind out wins...well...er...Cleveland likes to grind out losses. The key will be holding on to the football, which for most of the season, the Chiefs have done a good job of doing.

I expect a wild finish Chief Fans. Strap in!

Poll

How will the Chiefs fair down the stretch?

5-0

3 votes

4-1

4 votes

3-2

43 votes

2-3

42 votes

1-4

6 votes

0-5

1 votes

99 votes | Poll has closed

Blame Haley

Patrick Allen — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 20:35:26 -0000

via cdn.bleacherreport.com

You may remember my "Damn Haley" post from earlier in the season. I had much fun with it and decided to do a post about things I'd like to blame Haley for. Hopefully whether you are a full fledged "Haley Homer" or a "Haley Hater" you will be able to enjoy this post.

Thus I present to you....

BLAME HALEY

Now with 100% less curse words!

via www.inkkc.com

Blame Haley for Charles not being able to hold on to the football. Why didn't he slap soem glue ont hat kids hands in pre game?

Blame Haley for Rudy Newwanger for hiking the ball so high it bounced off the Dallas Cowboys giant TV.

Further more, Blame Haley for Cassel not being able to jump 75 feet into the air to catch said ball. What's the matter Haley? Run out of giant trampolines and jet packs?

Blame Haley for the whole Tiger Woods thing. I have a sneaking suspicion it was not Tiger's wife but a jealous, failed gold pro named Todd Haley that smashed Tiger's window with a golf club.

I blame Haley for Tila Tequila. Why didn't he call that chick up and tell her not to annoy Shawn Merriman?

Blame Haley for the sinking of the Titanic. Bad play calling must have had something to do with them hitting that iceberg.

Blame Haley for the benching of Jamarcus Russel. If his lousy Chiefs wouldn't have beat the Raiders Jamarcus might still be playing.

Blame Haley for that time Dthomasreigns tried to spit into the toilet while peeing on Thanksgiving and ended up whizing on himself.

And now a song.

Don't worry, Blame Haley

by Patrick Allen

Here is a little song I wrote

you might want to sing it note for note

Don't worry, blame Haley

In every game we have some trouble

Because Todd you make it double

Don't worry, blame Haley

Oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo oo-oo-oo

Don't worry

oo-oo-oo oo-oo-oo

Blame Haley

Oo-oo-oo-oo-oo

Don't worry, blame Haley

Aint got no Larry to fall right down

Instead we got this Jamaal clown

Don't worry, blame Haley

via farm4.static.flickr.com

The fat man say your coach is nuts

You know that Whitlock he's a putz

Don't worry, blame Haley

via thebovinecomedy.files.wordpress.com

Oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo oo-oo-oo

Don't worry

oo-oo-oo oo-oo-oo

Blame Haley

Oo-oo-oo-oo-oo

Don't worry, blame Haley

Aint got no wins aint got no sacks

D-Bowe got fat off Haley snacks

Don't worry, blame Haley

'Cause when they lose it's coaches plan

But when they win its flash in pan

So don't worry, blame Haley

Don't worry blame Haley now

Oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo oo-oo-oo

Don't worry

oo-oo-oo oo-oo-oo

Blame Haley

Oo-oo-oo-oo-oo

Don't worry, blame Haley

Now here's a little song I wrote

I hope you learned it note for note

Like good little fans

Don't worry, blame Haley

Listen to what I say

With your team expect some trouble

It was Herm that made it double

Don't worry, blame Haley, blame Haley now.

via cache.deadspin.com

Oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo oo-oo-oo

Don't worry

oo-oo-oo oo-oo-oo

Blame Haley

Oo-oo-oo-oo-oo

Don't worry, blame Haley

Oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo, oo-oo-oo oo-oo-oo

Don't worry

oo-oo-oo oo-oo-oo

Blame Haley

Oo-oo-oo-oo-oo

Don't worry, blame Haley

Poll

Don't worry or Blame Haley?

Don't Worry

37 votes

Blame Haley

4 votes

Whitlock ate my answer

69 votes

110 votes | Poll has closed