What are the odds KC starts 2-7.... (1 Viewer)

[jerseyh8r]

I promise....I am not fishing.

I am sitting here looking at how bad KC's defense was last season, and how terrible they were and how little they did to address their needs. I see a new HC who is much more conservative in his offensive approach to the game (yes, I know the system itself is the same, but there will be a much stronger influence on the play-calling with Edwards)....Jets fans all remember years and years of 3rd and 7 draw plays.

KC faces one of the most difficult running schedules to start the season...which, by itself, wouldn't concern me. The problem is that most of those opponents have very strong offenses as well. So even if they can knock LJ off track a little bit, couple that with more conservative play-calling (thus a few more punts and the defense on the field more) and a porous defense matched up against some premiere offenses....well, they are playing from behind a lot.

I don't intend to let this line of thinking influence my projections or where I rank LJ in the top 3, but it is certainly something to keep in mind when considering Trent Green against some of the other competitors in his "tier"

The schedule opens up:

- @ Cincy

- vs. Denver

- BYE

- vs. SF

- @ Arizona

- @ Pitt

- vs. SD

- vs. Seattle

- @ St Louis

- @ Miami (with a healthy CPep)

Gimme wins against SF and Zona. But the rest of these teams play their strengths against KCs weaknesses. As far as LJ is concerned, I am fully confident he can shred Cincy, SD, StL if given the opportunity. And yes, the devil's advocate can say that KC just runs the ball and keeps the opposing offenses off the field, so LJ thrives. My concern, however, would be the effect of Edwards on the play-calling (not to the detriment of LJ as an individual per touch, but limit KC's overall ability to stay on the field as much as they may need to).

Does anyone else have some concerns with the schedule and HC change on the KC offense as a whole? I for one am thinking Trent Green is looking a little better to me .

 

[Snotbubbles]

KC at home is pretty dominating. I'd say they win all of their home games or at least go 3-1, and they should win 2 road games. Saint Louis isn't a very good team, and a healthy Culpepper in Minnesota last year was terrible. Arizona is a toss up game.

I'd say the Chief are 5-4 at worst in their first 9. But I think they'll be 6-3.

 

[Warpig]

I agree in that they haven't done anything to bolster their secondary. They let Warfield walk and he was their #2 corner. Now they don't have anyone to take his place except for a bunch of scrubs that couldn't even crack the lineup when they were giving up 300 yards through the air on a regular basis. Unless they sign Law, I think their secondary will be in the bottom 10.

Their front 7 should be a little bit better with a year under their belt and now a defensive minded head coach. They have depth at D-line that they can rotate and keep guys fresh. I assume someone will step up and play out of their mind (other than Jared Allen).

The other poster is right. KC is usually money in the bank at home and can beat almost anyone on their home turf. That crowd is brutal.

I can see them going 5-4 in the first 9 as well. Cincy is the question mark. If Palmer isn't back I think they'll win that game. But if Palmer is back...no way. I had them predicted to go 12-4 last year and if it weren't for that meltdown at home against Phili and not showing up at all against Buffalo I would have been dead on.

 

[MLBrandow]

don't know what to tell you.

I see 7-1, with the lone loss to the Rams. If the Cincy game was later in the season, I'd say they win for sure. But it's Palmer's first game back, so I'm not sure he brings down the house.

You are really underestimating the impact of Herm Edwards on the defense. I haven't looked up any information it, but i'm sure he'll install some semblence of the hybrid T2D he was running up in NYJ.

Plus they've still got Ty Law who IMO is a lock to sign there, and he's just holding out for the best possible deal.

The Chiefs are going to be the number one offense in the league again, and I expect them to continue improving on their defense. Something like 16-18th would not surprise me at all. Rather than going for the big play on defense, they'll be playing to eliminate the big play from the other team. Big change in philosophy...

And I'm not worried about Johnson facing a tough run schedule. It's normally a mismatch with his OL vs. the DL. Now it'll be slightly more even. In a matchup of the best DL vs. the best OL, I'll take the best OL every time in a running play.

 

[jerseyh8r]

I agree that traditionally, KC is strong at home but I am not convinced that is enough to say they will defeat most teams at home (esp. Denver and Seattle). Personally, I don't see how you look at them and think they aren't very similar to St Louis in most respects (the exception being LJ v SJax).

 

[B. Nugget]

KC at home is pretty dominating. I'd say they win all of their home games or at least go 3-1, and they should win 2 road games. Saint Louis isn't a very good team, and a healthy Culpepper in Minnesota last year was terrible. Arizona is a toss up game.

I'd say the Chief are 5-4 at worst in their first 9. But I think they'll be 6-3.

The do have a tough schedule on paper, but look back at their horrible defense shutting down the Bengals and LJ running wild at the end of last season when these two teams played. The 1st game doesn't scare me plus they always seem to split with Denver and SD, so I don't see it as that daunting of a task to start out with 5+ wins if everyone stays healthy. You do realize they are playing the NFC West this year? That could be 4 wins by itself.Also, why do they have to play back to back years at Miami? Last year the game got moved because of a hurricane and played on a Friday night I believe.

B. Nugget

 

[jerseyh8r]

I see 7-1, with the lone loss to the Rams. If the Cincy game was later in the season, I'd say they win for sure. But it's Palmer's first game back, so I'm not sure he brings down the house.

Wow!!! I just don't see it.

You are really underestimating the impact of Herm Edwards on the defense. I haven't looked up any information it, but i'm sure he'll install some semblence of the hybrid T2D he was running up in NYJ.

Maybe I am, b/c eveyone else on this board seems to like Edwards, while I find him to be one of the more over-rated HC in the game. Yes, his players like him, but he is an administration level HC who consistently barely makes the playoffs, of at all. KC has little to work with and the Jets D was actually worse for the first 3 years in NY than before he got there.

Plus they've still got Ty Law who IMO is a lock to sign there, and he's just holding out for the best possible deal.

Sure, Law helps, but he is shadow of his former self and opposing offenses know it. The reason he had so many interceptions was b/c QBs aren't scared of him anymore and he can no longer "shutdown" one side of the field.

The Chiefs are going to be the number one offense in the league again, and I expect them to continue improving on their defense. Something like 16-18th would not surprise me at all. Rather than going for the big play on defense, they'll be playing to eliminate the big play from the other team. Big change in philosophy...

I watched the bend, but don't break over here for years (not a Jet fan, but the local team so I saw more Jet games than I may like)...I don't think this KC D is strong enough to "not break". I still see them as below 25th in team defense....but will be happy to admit my error mid-season should I be wrong.

 

[jerseyh8r]

You do realize they are playing the NFC West this year? That could be 4 wins by itself.

I agree, but was thinking more the impact of conservative game calling in the first half of the season when they may be playing from behind more than expected.

 

[B. Nugget]

You do realize they are playing the NFC West this year?  That could be 4 wins by itself.

I agree, but was thinking more the impact of conservative game calling in the first half of the season when they may be playing from behind more than expected.

LJ/Priest up the middle and LJ/Priest off tackle is pretty conservative and it seems to be working, that isn't going to change. Green and Kennison brought KC back at Lambeau a few years ago, so its not like they can't come from behind with all of their weapons.Samie Parker could be a breakout WR this year if he learns to hang onto the ball, because not many people will catch him or Dante Hall from behind if they get deep on a DB, could be replay of Santana Moss getting behind Roy Williams and Co. twice on that Monday night game.

B. Nugget

 

[jurb26]

My thoughts:

The schedule opens up:

- @ Cincy - W, I don't see Cinci coming out of the gate strong w/o Palmer.

- vs. Denver - L, Den is class of division and should have gotten better this year.

- BYE

- vs. SF - W, SF....

- @ Arizona - L, Arz will be improved and pull off a surprise.

- @ Pitt - L, Pitt at home is tough too.

- vs. SD - W, Toss up game given to home team.

- vs. Seattle - L, Sea will be very good again this year.

- @ St Louis - W, I'm not seeing St.L as a very good team this year.

- @ Miami (with a healthy CPep) - L, Mia seems to be turning the corner and addressed it's one major need, QB.

So I'm seeing 4-5 or 5-4 depending on that Arz game.

 

[jerseyh8r]

LJ/Priest up the middle and LJ/Priest off tackle is pretty conservative and it seems to be working, that isn't going to change. Green and Kennison brought KC back at Lambeau a few years ago, so its not like they can't come from behind with all of their weapons.

I agree, but I also think that eventually defensive schemes catch up to a team eventually and Edwards has historically been a very predictable HC...by no means am I even predicting LJs yds/attempt drops below 4.5, but I do think that people are underestimating the effect of a more predictable offense coupled with a bad defense.But I am beginning to understand that I think Edwards is worse than most others and that they expect the defense to be serviceable, while I don't. I grant you, 2-7 is an extreme start, but Edward's teams have underachieved out of the gate before. But I will be very surprised it this team has a winning record by week 10.

 

[jerseyh8r]

My thoughts:

The schedule opens up:

- @ Cincy - W, I don't see Cinci coming out of the gate strong w/o Palmer.

Book it...Palmer will play, and well against that defense.

 

[jurb26]

My thoughts:

The schedule opens up:

- @ Cincy - W, I don't see Cinci coming out of the gate strong w/o Palmer.

Book it...Palmer will play, and well against that defense.

How can you be so sure. Has there been news to come out?

 

[nickopher]

I see them going 5-4 maybe 6-3. Depends on how CPep melds with his new team by then. They definately lose to Seattle tho.

 

[Despyzer]

I am fully confident he can shred Cincy, SD, StL if given the opportunity.

Didn't the Chargers lead the league in rushing defense last year? They only gave up 84 yards per game and 3.5 yards per carry. Who did they lose on defense that would give you the impressin this is a shreddable unit against the run?

 

[jurb26]

I am fully confident he can shred Cincy, SD, StL if given the opportunity.

Didn't the Chargers lead the league in rushing defense last year? They only gave up 84 yards per game and 3.5 yards per carry. Who did they lose on defense that would give you the impressin this is a shreddable unit against the run?

LJ shreded them last year despite that.

 

[Despyzer]

I am fully confident he can shred Cincy, SD, StL if given the opportunity.

Didn't the Chargers lead the league in rushing defense last year? They only gave up 84 yards per game and 3.5 yards per carry. Who did they lose on defense that would give you the impressin this is a shreddable unit against the run?

LJ shreded them last year despite that.

Week 6 - 55 yards, no TDsWeek 16 - 131 yards, 1 TD

The second one was a strong game, but was it really a shredding?

 

[B. Nugget]

I am fully confident he can shred Cincy, SD, StL if given the opportunity.

Didn't the Chargers lead the league in rushing defense last year? They only gave up 84 yards per game and 3.5 yards per carry. Who did they lose on defense that would give you the impressin this is a shreddable unit against the run?

LJ shreded them last year despite that.

Week 6 - 55 yards, no TDsWeek 16 - 131 yards, 1 TD

The second one was a strong game, but was it really a shredding?

Week 6 was when Priest got hurt at SD, so he was splitting carries up until that point. I'm not sure that it is fair to hold that game against him.B. Nugget

 

[jerseyh8r]

My thoughts:

The schedule opens up:

- @ Cincy - W, I don't see Cinci coming out of the gate strong w/o Palmer.

Book it...Palmer will play, and well against that defense.

How can you be so sure. Has there been news to come out?

No news link...have been debating it here since the late winter/early spring though.LINK in case you are interested.

 

[jerseyh8r]

I am fully confident he can shred Cincy, SD, StL if given the opportunity.

Didn't the Chargers lead the league in rushing defense last year? They only gave up 84 yards per game and 3.5 yards per carry. Who did they lose on defense that would give you the impressin this is a shreddable unit against the run?

I had only looked at his numbers in the 2nd game....but neither he nor Holmes shredded anyone in their first match-up....but Johnson did avg 4.9 for the season against a team that only gave up 3.5. That impresses me....but the reason I said that to begin with was illustrate the fact that I am not an LJ hater, just someone trying his best to look at a situation objectively.

 

[Despyzer]

Week 6 was when Priest got hurt at SD, so he was splitting carries up until that point. I'm not sure that it is fair to hold that game against him.

B. Nugget

I'm not holding anything against him. I just don't see any evidence of any shredding being done last year against SD, and these were the only two games I had to go on.

 

[Despyzer]

but Johnson did avg 4.9 for the season against a team that only gave up 3.5.

4.1 (131 yds. on 32 carries), but close enough.

 

[jerseyh8r]

but Johnson did avg 4.9 for the season against a team that only gave up 3.5.

4.1 (131 yds. on 32 carries), but close enough.

Hmmm, sorry, I was looking at his ESPN splits page.ETA: Looks good to me, matches up with his FBG game-logs

 

[jerseyh8r]

But back to topic......who else thinks they play from behind alot to start the season?

 

[David Yudkin]

My thoughts:- vs. Denver - L, Den is class of division and should have gotten better this year.

I'm not so sure about this one. The Chiefs are 12-3 against the Broncos at home since 1990--and the Broncos had some really good teams in those years.

 

[MLBrandow]

But back to topic......who else thinks they play from behind alot to start the season?

Remember when KC went 13-3 in '03?You remember what their defense was ranked?

29th.

You guys are blowing this way out of proportion.

My thoughts:

- vs. Denver - L, Den is class of division and should have gotten better this year.

I'm not so sure about this one. The Chiefs are 12-3 against the Broncos at home since 1990--and the Broncos had some really good teams in those years.

KC v. DEN almost always goes to the home team. Good stat to bring up for those who don't get to watch as much AFC West ball.

 

[popeye]

I am fully confident he can shred Cincy, SD, StL if given the opportunity.

Didn't the Chargers lead the league in rushing defense last year? They only gave up 84 yards per game and 3.5 yards per carry. Who did they lose on defense that would give you the impressin this is a shreddable unit against the run?

LJ shreded them last year despite that.

Week 6 - 55 yards, no TDsWeek 16 - 131 yards, 1 TD

The second one was a strong game, but was it really a shredding?

In week 6 he had only 13 rushes. By week 16 he was carrying the load. So I threw out week 6.If LJ repeated his week 16 stats 16 times (to project out for an entire season) he would have rushed for over 2000 yards against the Charger defense.

 

[MLBrandow]

If LJ repeated his week 16 stats 16 times (to project out for an entire season) he would have rushed for over 2000 yards against the Charger defense.

 

[Reaper]

You are really underestimating the impact of Herm Edwards on the defense.  I haven't looked up any information it, but i'm sure he'll install some semblence of the hybrid T2D he was running up in NYJ.

This Hybrid T2D was a complete DISASTER in NY. There was no system and they made it up as they went and changed the excuses every week until Herm just Hung Ted Cotrell out to dry - Yup, It was Ted Cotrell's fault that Herm and Co. tied his hands and didn't allow him to run his 3-4 system he had in Buffalo - Now he needed to make up some combination of his system and Tampa's from Herm and when he failed he took the bullet.The Defense in NY spun it's wheels until Herm sat back and let Donnie Henderson run it......Herm's forte is supposedly the secondary - You would figure they would coach up some players not have to spend big money at least at that position, yet Ty Law was still needed after years of so-so Secondary play. I saw ZERO improvement in all Herm's years in NY in the secondary and that's the guy's specialty - Good luck, I can't believe this guy was hired again AND the Jets got a pick.I think Herm's best trait is One-On-One work but as for Installing Systems and gameplanning I think He brings little to nothing to the table other than possible motivation if some players buy his BS, and it's mostly in the coordinators hands.For those predicting real good W/L records here - I'd say factor in at least 1 loss on some Incredibly Crazy Coaching Mistake followed by an entertaining Press conference Followed by a real funny Bang Cartoon.

 

[Despyzer]

If LJ repeated his week 16 stats 16 times (to project out for an entire season) he would have rushed for over 2000 yards against the Charger defense.

I admitted it was a strong game, but it was hardly a jaw-dropping performance. I'm still not overly impressed. But if it gets you excited to imagine that 131 yards and 1 TD is devastating, then I wish you all the best.

 

[MLBrandow]

If LJ repeated his week 16 stats 16 times (to project out for an entire season) he would have rushed for over 2000 yards against the Charger defense.

I admitted it was a strong game, but it was hardly a jaw-dropping performance. I'm still not overly impressed. But if it gets you excited to imagine that 131 yards and 1 TD is devastating, then I wish you all the best.

You're fighting a losing battle here.131, 1 WAS LJ getting shut down.

Oh, and you forgot about his 48 receiving yards and TD, which, combined together was... oh....

179, 2TD

Yeah, I think you win. What a bum this guy was against the best rushing defense in the NFL.

 

[Despyzer]

If LJ repeated his week 16 stats 16 times (to project out for an entire season) he would have rushed for over 2000 yards against the Charger defense.

I admitted it was a strong game, but it was hardly a jaw-dropping performance. I'm still not overly impressed. But if it gets you excited to imagine that 131 yards and 1 TD is devastating, then I wish you all the best.

You're fighting a losing battle here.131, 1 WAS LJ getting shut down.

Oh, and you forgot about his 48 receiving yards and TD, which, combined together was... oh....

179, 2TD

Yeah, I think you win. What a bum this guy was against the best rushing defense in the NFL.

I'm not sure how his receiving stats figure into a conversation about a rush defense, but that's okay. I'm also not fighting any kind of a battle here. You think 131 and 1 is dominant, and I am happy for you. I guess I got spoiled by watching Tomlinson for the past few years. If it was LT2, I would say it was a strong game. It's just a matter of perspective, I guess.

 

[Rovers]

Several things to remember.....

Gunther Cunningham is still the DC in KC. I still think he's a borderline defensive genius. If anyone can make the TB2 work, it's him. You don't need great CB's in that system IF they understand it and play it correctly.

The real weakness in the TB2 is the rush defense, if you don't have two good DT's and an MLB that can tackle and shed blocks. The safeties stay deep, and unless they are blitzing, won't make tackles until the running play is at least five yards downfield. KC doesn't have the DT's for this defense. The 4-3 usually only works if a team has an elite pass rushing DE, or at least two DE's that can combine for 20 sacks and consistant pressures. I don't think KC has that ingredient either.

Running offenses like Denver, Pittsburgh and SD should have little trouble running on KC. I think it's the teams that hit home runs will have more trouble with this defense, like Cincy.... but, will the new defense be ready in week 1? If the DB's haven't gotten it down, and Palmer plays, that's a loss.

I can see KC sitting at 4-5. I think if they go 5-4, that would be a surprise. I think they lose to Cincy (if Palmer is ready), Pitts, SD, Seattle and Miami.

 

[HULLOBUDMAN]

My thoughts:

The schedule opens up:

- @ Cincy - W, I don't see Cinci coming out of the gate strong w/o Palmer.

- vs. Denver - L, Den is class of division and should have gotten better this year.

- BYE

- vs. SF - W, SF....

- @ Arizona - L, Arz will be improved and pull off a surprise.

- @ Pitt - L, Pitt at home is tough too.

- vs. SD - W, Toss up game given to home team.

- vs. Seattle - L, Sea will be very good again this year.

- @ St Louis - W, I'm not seeing St.L as a very good team this year.

- @ Miami (with a healthy CPep) - L, Mia seems to be turning the corner and addressed it's one major need, QB.

So I'm seeing 4-5 or 5-4 depending on that Arz game.

Jurb,Curious here, what makes you think the Broncos are better this year? Strictly the addition of Walker? How do you feel about the losses on D, specifically Pryce and MA?

Thanks

 

[The Jacket]

I am sitting here looking at how bad KC's defense was last season, and how terrible they were

I stopped here. That alone sums up how ridiculous your posts are and how credible you seem. The Chiefs weren't great on defense, but they weren't NEAR as bad as you make out. Not even close.Top-10 in takeaways, red zone and rush defense. 15th in third down defense, 16th in points allowed.Give me a break. Like I already said, the Chiefs weren't all that good, but they weren't all that bad.My suggestion is that you watch more than just the ESPN highlights with Chris Berman exaggerating everything. Heck, even just look at the statistics. As for starting 5-4 being a surprise.

 

[jurb26]

My thoughts:

The schedule opens up:

- @ Cincy - W, I don't see Cinci coming out of the gate strong w/o Palmer.

- vs. Denver - L, Den is class of division and should have gotten better this year.

- BYE

- vs. SF - W, SF....

- @ Arizona - L, Arz will be improved and pull off a surprise.

- @ Pitt - L, Pitt at home is tough too.

- vs. SD - W, Toss up game given to home team.

- vs. Seattle - L, Sea will be very good again this year.

- @ St Louis - W, I'm not seeing St.L as a very good team this year.

- @ Miami (with a healthy CPep) - L, Mia seems to be turning the corner and addressed it's one major need, QB.

So I'm seeing 4-5 or 5-4 depending on that Arz game.

Jurb,Curious here, what makes you think the Broncos are better this year? Strictly the addition of Walker? How do you feel about the losses on D, specifically Pryce and MA?

Thanks

I'm not expecting that Den will miss Price too much as they have great depth at DL. They added Lang and Dumervil (highly underrated IMO) to go along with Brwon, Ekuban, Warren and Myers. What other looses are there on D worth worrying about? MA will not be missed. While I'm not high on Walker form a FF standpoint this year, he adds another deep threat and moves Lelie (for now) into a WR3 role which is scary as hell IMO.

 

[The Jacket]

If the DB's haven't gotten it down, and Palmer plays, that's a loss.

Yeah, that's a loss; if the Chiefs suddenly forget how to play offense and/or if the Bengals suddenly figure out how to play defense.

 

[The Jacket]

But back to topic......who else thinks they play from behind alot to start the season?

Just you by the looks of things. The Chiefs have a top offense and a middle-of-the-pack defense. They won't be playing from behind all that much, just like they didn't last year.

You're making out like the Chiefs have Chicago's offense and the Bengal's defense.

 

[HULLOBUDMAN]

My thoughts:

The schedule opens up:

- @ Cincy - W, I don't see Cinci coming out of the gate strong w/o Palmer.

- vs. Denver - L, Den is class of division and should have gotten better this year.

- BYE

- vs. SF - W, SF....

- @ Arizona - L, Arz will be improved and pull off a surprise.

- @ Pitt - L, Pitt at home is tough too.

- vs. SD - W, Toss up game given to home team.

- vs. Seattle - L, Sea will be very good again this year.

- @ St Louis - W, I'm not seeing St.L as a very good team this year.

- @ Miami (with a healthy CPep) - L, Mia seems to be turning the corner and addressed it's one major need, QB.

So I'm seeing 4-5 or 5-4 depending on that Arz game.

Jurb,Curious here, what makes you think the Broncos are better this year? Strictly the addition of Walker? How do you feel about the losses on D, specifically Pryce and MA?

Thanks

I'm not expecting that Den will miss Price too much as they have great depth at DL. They added Lang and Dumervil (highly underrated IMO) to go along with Brwon, Ekuban, Warren and Myers. What other looses are there on D worth worrying about? MA will not be missed. While I'm not high on Walker form a FF standpoint this year, he adds another deep threat and moves Lelie (for now) into a WR3 role which is scary as hell IMO.

Not too sure that they will not miss Pryce and that Lang or Dumervil are difference makers. As far as offense goes. I believe the WRs are a huge question mark. I guess I see Walker as a ?, not knowing what he will give you after his injury. It seems like we agree there. Lelie gets moved to #3 in the slot, that is if he doesn't get moved. Everything out there that I saw is saying he will be a no show. Rod Smith has continued to produce even at his age but you never know.

I know I am in the minority around here that can not see Dayne producing day in, day out as a number 1 RB, even with the Denver system. I think MA may be missed.

Overall, I still see the Broncos as a contender but I am no so sure they will be improved from last year. The D, imo, remains about the same. >aybe a bit worse for the wear with the loss of Pryce. That was ranked 15th in totall D last year. The offense remains about the same with the loss of MA and possible loss of Lelie.

 

[Billy Ball Thorton]

I promise....I am not fishing.

I am sitting here looking at how bad KC's defense was last season, and how terrible they were and how little they did to address their needs. I see a new HC who is much more conservative in his offensive approach to the game (yes, I know the system itself is the same, but there will be a much stronger influence on the play-calling with Edwards)....Jets fans all remember years and years of 3rd and 7 draw plays.

KC faces one of the most difficult running schedules to start the season...which, by itself, wouldn't concern me. The problem is that most of those opponents have very strong offenses as well. So even if they can knock LJ off track a little bit, couple that with more conservative play-calling (thus a few more punts and the defense on the field more) and a porous defense matched up against some premiere offenses....well, they are playing from behind a lot.

I don't intend to let this line of thinking influence my projections or where I rank LJ in the top 3, but it is certainly something to keep in mind when considering Trent Green against some of the other competitors in his "tier"

The schedule opens up:

- @ Cincy

- vs. Denver

- BYE

- vs. SF

- @ Arizona

- @ Pitt

- vs. SD

- vs. Seattle

- @ St Louis

- @ Miami (with a healthy CPep)

Gimme wins against SF and Zona. But the rest of these teams play their strengths against KCs weaknesses. As far as LJ is concerned, I am fully confident he can shred Cincy, SD, StL if given the opportunity. And yes, the devil's advocate can say that KC just runs the ball and keeps the opposing offenses off the field, so LJ thrives. My concern, however, would be the effect of Edwards on the play-calling (not to the detriment of LJ as an individual per touch, but limit KC's overall ability to stay on the field as much as they may need to).

Does anyone else have some concerns with the schedule and HC change on the KC offense as a whole? I for one am thinking Trent Green is looking a little better to me .

You know less than you think about football.

 

[jerseyh8r]

I am sitting here looking at how bad KC's defense was last season, and how terrible they were

I stopped here. That alone sums up how ridiculous your posts are and how credible you seem. The Chiefs weren't great on defense, but they weren't NEAR as bad as you make out. Not even close.

Top-10 in takeaways, red zone and rush defense. 15th in third down defense, 16th in points allowed.

Give me a break. Like I already said, the Chiefs weren't all that good, but they weren't all that bad.

My suggestion is that you watch more than just the ESPN highlights with Chris Berman exaggerating everything. Heck, even just look at the statistics.

As for starting 5-4 being a surprise.

Really???DEF finished 16th in scoring against, but that was aided by the turnovers (which you can't expect to be as high this season). Looking beyond an average scoring defense:

-20th in yds per carry

-30th in pass yds allowed

-only 27th in sacks, while only 6 other teams faced more pass attempts

-25th in total yards allowed per game, despite being on the field 3rd least amount of any defensive unit in the NFL (as a result of the offense staying on the field with a successful running game)

Does anyone expect Edwards style of defense to get the turnovers from last season? Does this seem like the type of defense that will bend and NOT break? I, for one, do not.

This is a defense that was unable to pressure the QB, was thrown on successfully and was in the bottom 3rd in yards/carry. For a so-called playoff contender that wants to play a conservative offense, this is not the defense to do it with.

 

[jerseyh8r]

You know less than you think about football.

That may very well be true, but please, be so kind to share then with me what you must know so that I may become more enlightened.TIA

ETA: In the future, at least take a moment to bold the aspects that you disagree with, it would be much more constructive for the benefit of the reader.

 

[jerseyh8r]

Remember when KC went 13-3 in '03?You remember what their defense was ranked?29th.

Point taken. RE: Blowing the KC defense "angle" out of proportion....May very well be doing just that. I bring it up here so people can talk me out of things more than try to get people to agree with me. I try the best I can to defend something, but will relent of I find evidence contrary to my viewpoint. I appreciate your input.

 

[The Jacket]

Really???DEF finished 16th in scoring against, but that was aided by the turnovers (which you can't expect to be as high this season). Looking beyond an average scoring defense:-20th in yds per carry-30th in pass yds allowed-only 27th in sacks, while only 6 other teams faced more pass attempts-25th in total yards allowed per game, despite being on the field 3rd least amount of any defensive unit in the NFL (as a result of the offense staying on the field with a successful running game)

Oh, please. Who cares about these statistics when you compare them to what I posted? The only statistic you posted that has merit to it is sacks. That's where the Chiefs WERE terrible. But yards allowed? Ooh, big deal. The Green Bay Packers were one of the best teams in the NFL in terms of yards gained/allowed ratio. The Arizona Cardinals were top-10 in both yards allowed and yards gained.Get real.

For a so-called playoff contender that wants to play a conservative offense

Are you an inventor?Because you sure do create a lot of stuff from absolutely nowhere.

 

[jerseyh8r]

Are you an inventor?

Because you sure do create a lot of stuff from absolutely nowhere.

My only point is that if a team with an elite NFL offense that didn't make the play-offs would like to actually make the playoffs, they should have made more significant changes to their D. Especially if they plan to run a more conservative offense, no?

 

[renesauz]

I am sitting here looking at how bad KC's defense was last season, and how terrible they were

I stopped here. That alone sums up how ridiculous your posts are and how credible you seem. The Chiefs weren't great on defense, but they weren't NEAR as bad as you make out. Not even close.

Top-10 in takeaways, red zone and rush defense. 15th in third down defense, 16th in points allowed.

Give me a break. Like I already said, the Chiefs weren't all that good, but they weren't all that bad.

My suggestion is that you watch more than just the ESPN highlights with Chris Berman exaggerating everything. Heck, even just look at the statistics.

As for starting 5-4 being a surprise.

Really???DEF finished 16th in scoring against, but that was aided by the turnovers (which you can't expect to be as high this season). Looking beyond an average scoring defense:

-20th in yds per carry

-30th in pass yds allowed

-only 27th in sacks, while only 6 other teams faced more pass attempts

-25th in total yards allowed per game, despite being on the field 3rd least amount of any defensive unit in the NFL (as a result of the offense staying on the field with a successful running game)

Does anyone expect Edwards style of defense to get the turnovers from last season? Does this seem like the type of defense that will bend and NOT break? I, for one, do not.

This is a defense that was unable to pressure the QB, was thrown on successfully and was in the bottom 3rd in yards/carry. For a so-called playoff contender that wants to play a conservative offense, this is not the defense to do it with.

The Chiefs Defense has been terrible, and I see no reason to think it won't CONTINUE to be terrible. ON the other hand, I can't see any of the defensive giants in that early schedule stopping LJ either.

5-4 sounds about right to me, with LG averaging 90 yds per game rushing.

 

[jerseyh8r]

The Chiefs weren't great on defense, but they weren't NEAR as bad as you make out. Not even close.

Top-10 in takeaways, red zone and rush defense. 15th in third down defense, 16th in points allowed.

Give me a break. Like I already said, the Chiefs weren't all that good, but they weren't all that bad.

My suggestion is that you watch more than just the ESPN highlights with Chris Berman exaggerating everything. Heck, even just look at the statistics.

As for starting 5-4 being a surprise.

I hadn't seen the RZ stats, which I agree, I are very good....so thanks for the help. I really think though that you are putting a bit too much stock in rush defense b/c most teams were playing from behind and threw all over them, but that isn't something that is going to be solved here. Gotta tell ya though, it is tough to read the good stuff in your post when you start it off in complaining about the crediblity of a poster....just trying to have an honest conversation is all. I don't know if the Chiefs D is going to be all it is cracked up to be (which, you have to admit, is for the most part average) under Edwards. I think it is worth delving into the stats a bit. Mine lean one way, yours another....which probably means that some of my thoughts are misplaced, but not unworthy of consideration.

If my posts are that frustrating , fear not, I don't bump...so no responses will yield my post quickly moving into the depths of the board to be pruned later in the season.

 

[The Jacket]

I really think though that you are putting a bit too much stock in rush defense b/c most teams were playing from behind

And the point was raised that the Chiefs might well be playing a lot from behind themselves?You can't have your cake and eat it.

I don't know if the Chiefs D is going to be all it is cracked up to be (which, you have to admit, is for the most part average) under Edwards.

"All it's cracked up to be"? According to YOU, it's cracked up to be a bunch of garbage.I don't mind if you want to kill the Chiefs defense, but be consistent. Is it "terrible", as previously stated, or is it "for the most part average"?

 

[MLBrandow]

The question is can LJ and his #1 offense this year outscore those other teams while their defense spends a season mastering the hT2D?

My answer is yes. Time will tell, but I have a lot of faith in Cunnningham + Edwards.

 

[The Jacket]

The Chiefs Defense has been terrible, and I see no reason to think it won't CONTINUE to be terrible.

On what planet?If the Chiefs' defense was terrible last year, then the NFL is in a sorry, sorry state of affairs, because there were at LEAST ten worse defenses, probably more.Yeah, they didn't allowing 250 yards per game or 80 rush yards per game. But they kept their opponents out of the endzone with moderate success; they forced turnovers; they got off the field on third down to some degree; and they clamped down in the red zone.Again: average. That's the word you're looking for. They were average in points allowed, very good in a couple of important categories (e.g. red zone defense) and very bad in a couple of important categories (e.g. sacks). On the whole, that's average.