It was unexpected of Tyler Thigpen to do well this week as the top two QB's and Larry Johnson were all unavailable for this past weeks game. Credit Tyler Thigpen who out played future hall-of-fame quarterback, Brett Favre. But it wasn't all about out playing Favre, it was just playing well and that is what Thigpen did. Imagine if he had a smarter coaching staff, he (and maybe Croyle) could have had some wins under their belt. There is nothing more anyone could have asked out of Tyler Thigpen.
Once Again, I apologize for the lack of posting as I am currently on the road again for a school trip involving broadcasting. I should be back to posting entries as normal on Monday.
The Top Ten
1-Titans (1): My opinion on this team are the same. Their defense is awesome!
2-Bills (5): They defeated the San Diego Chargers. Although the Chargers have disappointed many people, it turned out to be a good win for the Buffalo Bills in the end.
3-Giants (7): Trying to recover from the loss to the Browns, the Giants are trying to make a statement.
4-Cardinals (4): After an impressive season, the boys in red hope to have a strong finish to the season as they come off the bye week.
5-Steelers (8): After two key running backs go down, Mewelde Moore has stepped up. He deserves a lot of credit as well as the offensive line and the coaching staff. Say whatever you want about Woodley, Harrison, Big Ben and War. Moore has done a great job making sure this team stayed on track.
6-Packers (-): Great victory over the Colts, maybe not? But this is a team that I did not expect them to do well. Aaron Rodgers has come a long way and the defense has stepped up to help find ways to win.
7-Colts (3): This team continues to move up and down, but I think we have finally seen the true side of the Colts.
8-Redskins (9): A good recovery win against the Browns.
9- Chargers (2): The Bolts received a big hit because of the success of other teams. Although the Broncos have a better record, I will drop the Chargers if they keep this up. The chances of San Diego winning the AFC are low.
10- Falcons (10): Like the Cardinals, the Falcons have impressed many teams and hope to do so as they come off the bye week.
Goodbye to the—
Cowboys: Two straight losses? The Cowboys miss Tony Romo a lot now.
Predictions
Season: 50-50
Last week: 8-6
ATL @ PHI--ATL
WAS @ DET--WAS
ARI @ CAR--ARI
BUF @ MIA--BUF
SD @ NO--NO
TB @ DAL--DAL
OAK @ BAL--BAL
STL @ NE--NE
KC @ NYJ--NYJ
CLE @ JAC--JAC
CIN @ HOU--CIN
SEA @ SF--SF
NYG @ PIT--NYG
IND @ TEN--TEN
Forgive me for the lack of posting. I am currently on the road and will return Sunday in time to see the Chiefs game. As far as all the crazy Chiefs stories such as the trade deadlines, LJ’s issues and more, I cover all those topics on my internet radio show. Check it out on “The Chiefs Endzone Show” featured on TheSportsStuff.com and iTunes. I’m on a strict schedule at the moment so lets move on to the top 10.
The Top Ten
1-Titans (1): Despite the Titans did not play because of their bye week, they remain as the only undefeated team in the NFL. Their defense will continue to tear offenses apart.
2-Chargers (6): Outstanding job shutting down the New England offense. The Patriots didn’t even score until garbage time.
3-Colts (9): The fact that the Ravens scored only three points against the Colts does not give me a reason to be impressed by the Ravens defense, but to score 31 points and have a hot day on offense against the Ravens defense, which impresses me!
4-Cardinals (-): It’s time I introduce the Cardinals to the top 10. Currently and unexpectedly 4-2 and had a huge win over the Dallas Cowboys. Arizona was the first team in NFL history to block a punt and take it back for a touchdown in overtime.
5-Bills (5): No action for the Bills will keep them at fifth place.
6-Cowboys (4): A great job forcing the game into overtime, but good efforts don’t guarantee a win.
7-Giants (2): Really bad game against the Browns on national TV. Let’s just hope it was a fluke.
8-Steelers (8): With a bye week, the Steelers hope to come out strong in the second half of their season.
9- Redskins (3): When I thought this team was for real, they lose to one of the worst teams in the NFL. The Redskins have two easy games coming up to redeem themselves.
10- Falcons (-): If Matt Ryan hasn’t impressed you yet, then you better start watching some of his games. This guy has really come through for the Falcons in tight situations this year. Michael Turner has also been a key player on offense as John Abraham is currently leading the NFL in sacks.
Goodbye to the—
Panthers: You shut out a team one week, then you get almost shut out by another team.
Patriots: The Patriots still have a shot at making the playoffs because of their easy schedule, but they I’m tired of the national media saying this team still has a shot at the Super Bowl. Matt Cassel’s real
Predictions
Last week: 6-8
Season: 42-44
SD @ BUF—SD
NO @ CAR—NO
MIN @ CHI—MIN
PIT @ CIN—PIT
TEN @ KC—TEN
BAL @ MIA—BAL
SF @ NYG—NYG
DAL @ STL—DAL
DET @ HOU—HOU
IND @ GB—IND
NYJ @ OAK—OAK
CLE @ WAS—WAS
SEA @ TB—TB
DEN @ NE—DEN
Tony Gonzalez has finally let it out. He asked for a trade this Friday. Good for Gonzalez. He has been hiding in the shadows for too long. He has given this team way too many chances and has been very loyal. Carl Peterson decided to blow off those chances and abused his loyalty. It is rumored that the Giants, Packers, Eagles and Bills all have interest in getting the Pro Bowl tight end who has shattered many records, including most receiving yards by any tight end which was broken last week. It’s a win-win situation for everyone except for Carl Peterson. Fans will have to accept the fact that Gonzalez is not here just to put a smile on the fans. He came to the NFL to win something every NFL player dreamed of winning since they were a kid, a Super Bowl. Gonzalez will go after his ring and the organization will get more young guns. However for Carl, he doesn’t win. The fact that it had to come to the point where Gonzalez asked for a trade shows that Peterson just blew it! Look at who he’s traded: Trent Green, Jared Allen and soon to be traded, Tony Gonzalez. There is a chance that Larry Johnson gets traded. Carl Peterson continues to show that the only way to solve someone’s problem is to trade them to another team to make them a happy player. Shame on Carl.
I have a lot of respect for Trent Green. And lets not forgot how Carl Peterson handled the Trent Green trade. I can only wonder how he plans to deal with the Gonzalez trade.
My message to Tony Gonzalez: Your not just the best tight end in NFL history, your one of the best football players in NFL history. On the field, I saw a guy who always worked hard and was a mentor to young players on the team. Gonzalez never had an attitude about anything and he always did what he was told to do. I’m surprised the Chiefs gave Pat Thomas the role of a captain, but Tony does not. Off the field, Gonzalez was a great man. Always involved in charities and visited children in the hospital who were struggling. All we heard about this summer was how Chad Johnson is running his mouth and how Cedric Benson can’t stay out of trouble and many more. We finally heard something positive this summer. Tony Gonzalez saves a man who was choking on his food in a restaurant. With his work ethic on and off the field, Chiefs fans around the world loved Tony Gonzalez. Arrowhead Stadium will never be the same without the best tight end in NFL history. Thank you Tony and good luck on your quest on finding your Super Bowl ring you deserve!
The Top Ten
1-Titans (1): This team continues to win games because of their defense.
2-Giants (2): Survive a really close one. Without a question, this is the best team in the NFC.
3-Redskins (6): This team has really done great. They’ve defeated the Cowboys and the Eagles, two very tough teams in their division. Should the Giants watch their back?
4-Cowboys (3): With the Redskins hot streak, the Cowboys will go down. I applaud their victory over the Bengals, although they gave up 22 points.
5-Bills (3): After a hot ride, the ride came to a stop as the Cardinals stopped the AFC East leaders.
6-Chargers (6): A bye week in hand, this team will come out strong defensively and hope to have a bye week this year in the playoffs.
7-Panthers (7): This team shut out Kansas City. Something they were expected to do.
8-Steelers (8): The Steelers hold off the Jaguars in another close prime time game.
9-Colts (-): After a rough start, this team looks like they have found their rhythm.
10-Patriots (-): After an awful performance against the Dolphins, this team looks like they have found a way to make plays with Cassel.
Goodbye to the—
Jaguars: Lost to a good team, but it was a close one.
Eagles: Just like the Jaguars, they lost to a good team in their division.
Nice week last week hope to get double digits in the win column.
Last week: 8-6
Season: 36-36
CHI @ ATL—ATL
MIA @ HOU—MIA
BAL @ IND—IND
DET @ MIN—MIN
OAK @ NO—NO
CIN @ NYJ—CIN
CAR @ TB—CAR
STL @ WAS—WAS
JAC @ DEN—DEN
DAL @ ARI—DAL
PHI @ SF—SF
GB @ SEA—GB
NE @ SD—SD
NYG @ CLE—NYG
Back when he was coaching the Jets in 2002, Herm Edwards and the New York Jets were not happy heading into the bye week. After winning their season opener against the Bills in overtime, the Jets went on to lose their next four games. After the first victory, the Jets lost to the Patriots, Dolphins and Jaguars on a combined scored of 102-13. The next loss came against the Kansas City Chiefs at The Meadowlands. When it seemed the Jets had full control of the Chiefs heading into halftime. The Chiefs had full control of the game in the second half as Priest Holmes rushed for 152 yards and also caught nine passes for 81 yards. Wide receiver, Johnnie Morton rushed for 51 yards off of only two carries. The Chiefs defense also limited Chad Pennington and everyone else from scoring a lot of points in the second half. The Chiefs rallied and won the game 29-25.
Heading into the press conference, Edwards was asked, ‘has your team quit?’ Edwards gave that person a bad look for a moment and said, “Hello? You play to win the game? That’s the great thing about sports!”
The Jets were heading into their bye week trying to find a way to turn their season around. Coming off the bye week, the Jets began to become the hottest team in the NFL that season as they won 8 of their last 11 games. Edwards compiled a 9-7 record as it was enough to win the AFC East. The Jets went on to defeat the Indianapolis Colts in the playoffs 41-0. However, the hot smoking Jets got stomped by the Raiders 30-10 in the divisional playoff round.
Although the Jets could not win the Super Bowl, they realized that it was never too late to earn a spot in the playoffs. During his time with New York, the Jets always faced tough circumstances when it seemed this team had no shot at making the playoffs. They continued to prove everyone wrong until 2005 in which Jets all star quarterback, Chad Pennington, went out with an injury, who wasn’t having a very good year. The Chiefs gave the Jets a fourth round draft pick to allow Herm Edwards leave the Jets and join Kansas City.
When the Kansas City Chiefs were hitting rock bottom in the 70’s and 80’s after Hank Stram left the team, Carl Peterson came to Kansas City as the new general manager in town and helped the Chiefs go to the playoffs seven of the next nine seasons. Without Marty, the Chiefs made the playoffs only twice in the past 10 seasons.
I tried to back off Herm and Carl before the 2007 season as they have proven in the past that they are capable of turning a team around. Coincidentally, just like 2002, Herm Edwards is heading into the bye week with a 1-4 record. Still, I don’t see the same thing happening.
After a quiet week in the land of Arrowhead, Chiefs owner Clark Hunt has decided to keep everyone on the team.
My expectations for this team won’t change. But I’ll tell you what. I’ll give Herm Edwards and Carl Peterson one last chance.
The Chiefs had the best draft out of any other team in the NFL. However, none of their rookies are currently running for rookie of the year. Unlike the Chiefs, most NFL teams didn’t draft 12 players, yet there are teams who have rookies who are getting the job done. Most rookies don’t step up until November anyway. And we all know how competitive the final two months are in the NFL.
If the Chiefs can win at least five games combined in the month of November and December, then I will back off both Herm Edwards and Carl Peterson. I won’t pray for Clark Hunt to re-sign them, but that will give me the idea that Peterson and Edwards know what they are doing with their “plan” during this rebuilding process.
Herm Edwards says he plays to win the game. He certainly is not playing to win the game, he’s playing to either keep games close or have a good effort, or he just flat out loses. Derrick Johnson, a player who I have a lot of respect for, says the Chiefs are not rebuilding. He claims rebuilding is a ‘college word.’ My question to Johnson is if you’re not rebuilding, what are you doing then? This team is obviously isn’t winning many games. Let’s see if the Chiefs used this bye week wisely. We’ll have to find out next week.
I’ll be back this weekend with power rankings, predictions and more. I hope your all enjoying the start of your weekend.
I’m going to open this by admitting that I was wrong. I was wrong! It seems Tamba Hali cannot even win against a back up offensive tackle. And it also seems Larry Johnson is being paid millions of dollars because he earned two whole yards. Yet he’s upset that the Chiefs put Charles as the running back in the fourth quarter. I have a lot I want to get off my mind, so I’m not wasting any time.
Let’s all admit the fact that today the Chiefs were awful on all three phases of the game. Offensively, this team either turned the ball over, or went three and out. The only time this offense began to get things going was in the fourth quarter in which the game was already over and the Panthers were just playing prevent defense. I won’t get on Gunther Cunningham’s back because this defense had to play for nearly 39 minutes and it’s been like that all year. While Dustin Colquitt competes with Tony Gonzalez to be the team MVP, Dantrell Savage gets a -10 yard punt return. Savage can make players miss, but he tries too hard as he keeps going side to side.
I have to credit the defense for their play. They gave up two some touchdowns early in the game, but they made up for their errors by forcing a fumble and intercepting a pass in the endzone while the Chiefs still had a chance to get back in the game. However, the Chiefs offense could not come up with anything as the score speaks for itself.
Let me start with Larry Johnson and let me remind you that he is coming off of a successful week while gathering 198 yards. Herb Taylor stepped up for Branden Albert as well. I felt that Carolina’s defense was as similar to Denver’s. It didn’t seem that way as Johnson only gained two yards off of seven carries. Johnson had tripled the amount of carries compared to the yardage he earned. Heck, Tony Gonzalez had more receptions than Johnson had total yards.
Damon Huard didn’t like he was prepared in this game as he threw two interceptions for 86 yards as he got beat up by the Panthers defensive line as well.
The only highlight in this game was Tony Gonzalez setting the record for most receiving yards by any tight end in NFL history. I have yet to see a congratulatory statement from Shannon Sharpe, even though we should not expect one out of him.
Overall, this team was just awful. This is the first time the Kansas City Chiefs got shut out since December of 2002 against the Oakland Raiders in the season finale. And there could have been a possibility that the Chiefs could have been shutout more than once this year. I have a lot on my mind to share throughout the week with you all. One thing I will say is, Herm Edwards no longer earns the right being the head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs. I’ll talk more about Edwards tomorrow. But for now, this is an embarrassing loss and Herm Edwards could find himself out of town before the next game as the Chiefs head into the bye week. I’ll have more tomorrow.
Huge win last week for Kansas City Chiefs fans. However, the Chiefs are 1-3 and have won one of their last 13 games. It’s time to get back on track as the Chiefs are getting ready to face a very fierce Panthers team as they currently hold a 3-1 record. Let’s see if the Chiefs can build off of what they did last Sunday.
Jake Delhomme has been the story for the Panthers so far this season. Despite only completing 60% of his passes, he has only thrown one interception. Delhomme also has four receivers with at least 10 receptions who all have over 100 yards. The hottest receiver, Steve Smith who is coming off of a two game suspension, has really been good as he has 10 receptions for 166 yards. He has an average of 16.6, better than anyone on the team. However, Delhomme may realize that he will need to get the ball out of his hands quickly as offensive tackles Jordan Gross and Jeff Otah are both out for this game. This gives the Chiefs defensive line to step up and put Delhomme under pressure. Quarterbacks realize that it’s safer to take the sack rather than throw the ball way. But they do it anyway. In Delhomme’s case, he is dealing with a minor thigh injury. Therefore, chances of him taking the sack are low as he’ll most likely throw the ball away, and you know what happens next. The rookie corners, Brandon Flowers and Brandon Carr have a chance to take over the spot light again. Don’t forget about Demorrio Williams either, who is replacing Donnie Edwards. Williams did a great job applying pressure on Jay Cutler forcing him to get rid of the ball quickly forcing incomplete passes. Expect a play from Gunther Cunningham’s play book which has Williams going after the QB. The Chiefs scored 13 points off of three of their four turnovers against the Broncos. The Chiefs have a very good shot at repeating what they did last week.
As much as I like Damon Huard and the way he comes through, I feel he will be limited in this game as Carolina as one of the best in the league against the pass. But never doubt Huard as he has Dwayne Bowe and Tony Gonzalez. However, like last week, the key to victory will be running with the football. I don’t know if we should expect another 198 yard performance, but we should very well expect another great game from LJ.
If both defenses have a hard time containing the offense, we may be in for a shoot out in Charlotte.
Key to victory:
--Turk ‘N’ Tank ‘N’ Tamba and Dorsey. Defensive line needs to take advantage as the Panthers offensive line is banged up.
--LJ. Despite Branden Albert is out, Herb Taylor has shown that he will make sure the value of this offensive line does not go down. Expect the Chiefs to run a lot. Herm won’t give the ball to LJ 30 times, at least I hope not. So expect Kolby Smith and Jamaal Charles to be involved in this game.
Chiefs win 34-31
I will be doing power rankings a little bit differently this time. Instead of ranking all 32 teams, I figured it’d be more interesting to just do the top 10 teams.
(last week)
1-Titans (2): This team is on fire right now and it’s going to take a lot of fire power to beat this defense. They are leading the NFL in interceptions and forced fumbles and third in sacks. The offense earns credit as well as the passing game is currently in an incipient phase.
2-Giants (3): Despite a no show last week, this team will move up since no other team really deserved this spot.
3-Bills (5): You really have to show the Bills some love as they’ve yet to lose a game when many predicted that this team would be on bottom of the AFC East.
4-Cowboys (1): The Cowboys are no longer the best team as they lost to a divisional opponent, who seems to always have the Cowboys number. The Redskins.
5-Chargers (4): They won, but it wasn’t a pretty win.
6-Redskins (16): I’ve been wrong about the Redskins and it’s time I give them credit. Jim Zorn has really done a great job so far as he’s lead this team to three straight victories.
7-Panthers (18): Now with Steve Smith back into action, this Panthers team is more dangerous as Jake Delhomme has a complete set of weapons.
8-Steelers (6): What seemed like a second straight loss, ended up being a comeback win into overtime.
9-Jaguars (13): The Jaguars look like they’ve found a rhythm after a slow start to the season.
10-Eagles (7): Tough loss to the Bears who were able to limit Donavon McNabb.
Goodbye to the—
Colts: What happened to this team? Is age really starting to get them? Let’s see how Tony Dungy used the bye week.
Vikings: The pass defense has improved, but it’s not enough as this team has only one win this year.
Patriots: This team looks desperate without Tom Brady
Another tough week for me as there were a lot of close games, here are my predictions.
Last week: 7-6
Season: 28-30
TEN @ BAL – TEN
KC @ CAR – KC
CHI @ DET – CHI
ATL @ GB – GB
IND @ HOU – HOU
SD @ MIA – SD
SEA @ NYG – NYG
WAS @ PHI – PHI
TB @ DEN – DEN
BUF @ ARI – BUF
CIN @ DAL – DAL
NE @ SF – NE
PIT @ JAC – PIT
MIN @ NO – MIN
Hope you guys enjoyed the read. I’ll post after the Chiefs game with some post-game comments.
Tony Gonzalez was frustrated he could not break the record for most receiving yards by any tight end in NFL history. Gonzalez was three yards shy and was too irritated to speak to reporters following the game. Despite snapping the 12 game losing streak against their bitter rivals who were undefeated, at home, Gonzalez wanted to break the record. He later realized that if the Chiefs were to attempt a pass, then the Chiefs are risking the game as they were in the redzone with just over two minutes remaining in the game.
On CBS before the NFL games, there is an NFL breakdown show called “The NFL Today.” The show consists of several NFL experts who make their predictions and give opinions on current events around the league. One member who is part of the cast is former tight end, Shannon Sharpe. No one ever said Sharpe is a classy person weather it’s on or off the field. Despite the level of class he has, he holds a huge grudge against Tony Gonzalez and the rest of the Kansas City Chiefs. The years I’ve been watching the program, I rarely hear him make any positive comments about the Chiefs. He is heavily biased towards the teams he played for. Don’t get me wrong, the other panelists favor their teams as well, but they never come on and bad mouth other teams, and they’re not always biased.
Dan Marino a couple years ago congratulated Peyton Manning on air when Manning broke Marino’s record for most passing touchdowns thrown by any quarterback in NFL history. When Tony Gonzalez broke Shannon Sharpe’s record for most touchdowns by any tight end in NFL history, Sharpe had no positive things to say.
Was he jealous? Was he too upset to congratulate Tony for breaking the record? The fact is Shannon Sharpe cannot accept the fact that Gonzalez is the better player. On “The NFL Today,” before the end of the program, a couple questions are asked and the panelists vote either true or false to the question. One question this past Sunday was, “Is Tony Gonzalez the best tight end in NFL history?” Surprisingly enough, Sharpe voted false and claimed he is the better tight end because he “has the jury” (jewelry, meaning Super Bowl rings.) So if this is the case, then I guess hundreds of tight ends are far more superior because they have a Super Bowl ring while Gonzalez has yet to win a playoff game.
I respect the hell out of Gonzalez because of the fact he chose to stay in Kansas City. He deserves a lot more than this. Despite Gonzalez has never won a playoff game, he has shattered a majority of Shannon Sharpe’s individual records. The better player is not usually determined by who has more Super Bowl rings. Sharpe is trying to hide from the fact that Gonzalez continues to break his records. The fact is Tony Gonzalez is better than Shannon Sharpe not only on the field, but off the field as well. When we hear so many NFL players get arrested, we finally hear a story of a player who saves a mans life, that life savor is Tony Gonzalez, the best tight end in NFL history who will continue to prove Sharpe wrong as he continues to run his mouth and hide from the truth. Sorry Shannon, but when Tony gets his three yards, you will be looking up to him!
