SB Nation User Blog: soybon

No Need to Throw in the (Terrible) Towel, Just Yet.

soybon — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:01:52 -0000

From the FanPosts. Bumped it up until now for the evening post. -Chris

No, Seriously.

Every week, the topic of discussion in our most popular posts, examine what the Chiefs must do to beat this week's opponent. Facing the World Champions in week 11, (who are looking to wash the bitter taste of being swept by a division rival with the blood of a 2-7 team) some fans are suggesting the only win we are capable of celebrating is leaving the stadium with no major injuries.

I'm here to argue that an evaluation of the Bengals' performance in the week 10 win, shows that Kansas City actually may have a decent shot at going 3-7. Hopefully this won't come off as too much of a leap.

Go ahead. Leap with me.

For some reason I was checking out the box score of the Bengals-Steelers matchup and I found myself thinking "hey, these numbers look like a Chiefs game." I proceeded by comparing the Bengals performance in this game to KC's season average in a few areas. These are:

1) Vital Signs (includes such stats as passing and rushing yds, time of possession, etc.)

2) Sore Spots (any APer is familiar with these. Includes stats such as sacks allowed, 3rd down conversions, etc)

Results are as follows

Category	Bengals vs. Steelers	Chiefs Season Average
Net Passing	157 yds	166 Y/G
Pass Comp-Att-Int	18 - 30 - 0	(Cassel) 18 - 32.4 - 0.75
Net Rushing	61 yds	100 Y/G
Time of Possession	29:08	29:53
Punt Return	6.66 Y/Ret	6.90 Y/Ret
Total 1st downs	14	15/G
3rd Down Conversions	4/12 -28%	20%
Sacks Allowed	2	4 s/G
Opp RedZone Att-TD-TD%	0 - 4 - 0% (20 - 9 - 45%)	22 - 12 - 54.5%
Yds Allowed	226	375 Y/G

It looks to me like no extraordinary effort by the Chiefs is required to actually eke out a win. As long as the offense is able to produce similar numbers to what it has, we can keep this game within reach. This, of course, is assuming one of our WRs can step up and fill Bowe's shoes in the passing game.

Luckily, our "sore spots" may not hold us back as much as we percieve they may.

Considering O-line play, if we can have a semi-decent day opening running lanes, we have a chance. Also, this will be three weeks in a row (fingers crossed) with the same OL unit on the field. Hopefully this cohesion will be good for preventing at least one additional sack.

Cincinnati was able to pull off a win with a lackluster return game. However, as on commenter points out, production here may be required for a win.

A win may not presuppose an about-face with respect to 3rd down play. Our painful 3rd down conversion rate is not much worse than what Cincinnati was able to do.

In terms of the sore spots on this year's team, It looks like the situation that will be the greatest impediment to a win is red-zone defense. Sure the Bengals played great overall defense, allowing 226 yds and only 3 3rd down conversions. What really won this game for them was keeping Pittsburgh out of the end-zone. As you can see, this has been a struggle for the chiefs allowing the TD more than half the time.

However, throughout the season the Bengals D has not been impervious in the red-zone. They currently allow opponents to score TDs on 45% of the trips. Moreover, coming into the game, Bengals opponents' TD rate from the red-zone was 56% (9/16) -slightly higher than the Chiefs current rate.

To win at Arrowhead this weekend, the Chiefs must do as Cincy did. Step up and keep the Steelers out of the end zone.

Steelers fan says he was poisoned by Bears fan

soybon — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:18:04 -0000

Steelers fan says he was poisoned by Bears fan

A Pittsburgh Steelers fans alleges he has been left blind because of what was in a spiked drink given to him by a Chicago Bears fan.

Lets stay classy Chiefs fans.

Todd Haley's Demotion of Receivers Coach No Big Deal

soybon — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 22:04:35 -0000

From the FanPosts. I moved everything after the jump because part of what makes soybon's post so great is for the formatting, which doesn't translate very well on the front page. -Chris

Check out soybon's post, after the jump.

I have a large respect and appreciation for fans that contribute to AP. However, there is an idea going around that Haley's moves with his coaches is somehow a sign that he is "having trouble managing his coaching staff". I was really bothered by this notion, moreso than those I typically disagree with so I decided to post about it. This move in no way signals Haley's inability to manage his staff. In fact, I think it illustrates quite the opposite.

Shuffling these guys around as needed to generate production is what management is all about. Besides, I disagree with the premise; I hardly even see this a management issue altogether, I see it as a staffing issue. When you say trouble managing his coaches, the immediate implication of "trouble managing" is that there is turmoil, disobedience, recalcitrance, etc. Instead of seeing this as Haley "managing his staff," I see it more as Haley "staffing his management." I.e. these position coaches are mid-low level managers of the players.

After reading several comments, I did a little bit of digging and uncovered a story in the New York Times dated Oct. 22 1999, almost 10 years ago exactly... Recall that Haley was appointed receivers coach in January of that year. In October he was demoted because of a lack of production from the receivers. The Jets were better for the move. Ultimately, Haley was reinstated and was better for it as he continued to improve his performance as a positions coach and development for coaching in general.

This just goes to show a move such as this at this point in the season is not rare and is no way an indication of trouble. I don't think anybody would suggest that Parcells was having trouble managing his staff.

Interesting take on the recent demotion of Dedric Ward. Here is a picture from a New York Times...

soybon — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 22:36:23 -0000

Interesting take on the recent demotion of Dedric Ward. Here is a picture from a New York Times article published Aug 25 1999. Note #89.

Haley's press conference after first day of camp.

soybon — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 17:56:49 -0000

Haley's press conference after first day of camp.

Haley designed the offense and called plays the last two years for the high-scoring Arizona...

soybon — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 16:04:32 -0000

Haley designed the offense and called plays the last two years for the high-scoring Arizona Cardinals, but will set aside those abilities, at least to start the season. Haley reserved the right to take over later in the season but said Monday that offensive coordinator Chan Gailey would call the plays.

Around The Web: Gailey To Call Plays...| kcchiefsblog

I Have the Power!

soybon — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 01:59:04 -0000

At a time of the year where the most interesting stories on our front page contain the title "_ Days to Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp" and "The Greatest Kansas City Chiefs, By the Numbers," my mind begins to wander . The strange direction it took recently was spurred by the recent resurgence of interest in my favorite childhood shows by the public at large. We all know that Scott Pioli is "the Don," but perhaps there is another (less maleficent than Vito Corleone) character, which sums the traits of Mr. Pioli. Sifitng though the Captain-type figures of my most beloved cartoons, I worked on connections to Transformers, G.I. Joe, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Thundercats, etc. After much doting on topics which take up entirely too much of my attention, I arrived at a perfect fit.

Considering the traits of the Don: power, dedication, wisdom, protector... I recalled imitating these traits while reenacting my favorite childhood cartoon. What I hadn’t accounted for was how many other great parallels exist between this fictional universe and the Chiefs Universe.

*Disclaimer: Forgive any gender mismatches please. Character images and descriptions come directly from this site, which to my best estimation was produced by a 12 year-old in approximately 1993. Make sure you scroll to the bottom of the page and click the Masters of the Universe image to enter. Don’t forget to sign his guestbook before you leave. Don't laugh... this dude has had almost 1.5 million visits to his site.

THE DON

via files.getdropbox.com

Original

THE REST

via members.tripod.com

Man-At-Arms, (also known as Duncan) he is an inventor and helps He-Man. He is always yelling at Orko and is Teelas adopted father.

TODD HALEY

As Pendergast's (Teela) adoptive father, Haley (Man-At-Arms) brought with him a defensive coordinator to protect Eternos (KC). Known for adjusting his offense in the 2009 run to the Super Bowl Haley is undoubtedly a crafty inventor. While he has yet to yell at our Orko, Haley is well known for his sideline, shall we say kurtness, and zero tolerance for bullshit. Saddled with his most important role yet, Man-At-Arms will give all he can to ensure the success of He-Man (Pioli), the Sorceress (Hunt), and the rest of the Masters of the Universe (Chiefs). Just look at that intensity folks. Bonus Points: the headset.

via files.getdropbox.com

Teela, is the Captain of the Gaurd for Eternos. She is the Sorceress's daughter and Man-At-Arms adopted daghter

CLANCY PENDERGAST

Although in the Masters of the Universe Universe, Teela is the Sorceress’ (Hunt) daughter (which doesn’t really hold in our Universe), It is easy to see why Clancy Pendergast is the best analogue to Teela. Teela, was adopted by Man-At-Arms while Pendergast was adopted by Todd Haley . More importantly, Teela is the Guard of the Eternos (KC): It is her sole job of defending Eternos against the powers of Snake Mountain (rest of AFCW).

via members.tripod.com

The Sorceress of Greyskull, she gave He-Man his powers and she gaurd the secrets of Greyskull from evil (SKELETOR). She is Teelas mother.

CLARK HUNT

I don’t know about you, but this seems like a wash. Without the Sorceress of Greyskull, He-Man (Pioli) would be sans the power he now yields over Eternos (Kansas City) and Castle Greyskull (Arrowhead). Likewise Hunt has given Pioli the power to protect us from evil forces. Hunt will do all he can to keep the evil powers of Snake Mountain clear of Kansas City and winless in Arrowhead.

via members.tripod.com

Orko, he is a magician. His spells never work right.

Joel

As vigilant watchdog over Chiefs nation, Mr. primetime07 has won the thankless job of keeping APers on track. Orko was responsible for guiding the Masters of the Universe through countless sagas via the latest news, using his magical abilities. Whereas prime is responsible for producing stories during news droughts by magic alone.

via members.tripod.com

Skeletor, the most evilest person on Eternia. He has set forth to get the Secrets of Greyskull and destroy He-Man. He wants to rule Eternia.

AL DAVIS

NO EXPLANATION REQUIRED.

via members.tripod.com

Evil Lyn, she is one of Skeletors most powerfull helpers (maybe even his girlfriend).

NORV TURNER

We know this must be Norv Turner, why else would he have his team underperform so dramatically?

via members.tripod.com

Beastman, another one of Skeletors helpers. He can controls animals and he is prety stupid.

JOSH MCDANIELS

Aside from the colors and animal association, this one may be a bit of a stretch. I mean, Beastman is supposed to be able to control animals. As far as I can tell, McDaniels has lost control of his Broncos with the trade of Cutler and demands from Marshall... I mean how stupid do you have to be to lose the best weapons on... oh, wait a minute... this one seems to be spot on.

More Photoshop Fun: Philip Rivers as the Joker

soybon — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 20:50:27 -0000

Inspired by a recent post by Patty titled "Chargers to Score 535 Points this Season!" in which he covers a story over on sbNation's Chargers blog, I decided to weigh in on the debate as best I know how. As you can imagine I was utterly perplexed by the idea of the league's most distinguished underachievers averaging 33.4 ppg and finishing 14-2. Here are my thoughts: They must be joking.

via files.getdropbox.com

via cdn3.sbnation.com

My friends over at ArrowheadPride.com have put together an interesting piece of draft analysis on...

soybon — Tue, 05 May 2009 21:25:08 -0000

My friends over at ArrowheadPride.com have put together an interesting piece of draft analysis on the Chiefs' picks -- in 2006.

Kent Babb- Kansas City Star Chiefs Blog

A little more love for AP in the mainstream.

I Will Post This Now Before it Loses all Relevancy

soybon — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 22:37:47 -0000

For anybody that uses the igoogle homepage, I have been rocking these custom skins for a while. I made them months ago and was trying to get them permanent before sharing with the community, but that reality is now gone with Tony.

http://www.google.com/ig?skin=http://hosting.gmodules.com/ig/gadgets/file/112252237562849932908/tony-gonzalez-theme3.xml&refresh=1

http://www.google.com/ig?skin=http://hosting.gmodules.com/ig/gadgets/file/112252237562849932908/tony-gonzalez-theme1.xml&refresh=1

Enter one of the two links into your browser and make it your home page. If you are not already signed up for gmail/igoogle, you must do that first.

Let me know if there is a problem.