Re-Energized

The Chiefs went to San Diego counted out by nearly everyone before the ball was ever snapped (including by me). The Chiefs came back to Kansas City 2-2 with a HUGE win over the defending AFC West Champions. How did this happen you say? A few things were overlooked going into this game.

1) The Chiefs have gritty quarterback who refuses to lose his job to Brodie Croyle. Huard is quickly becoming the heart and soul of a team that many didn't think he should be starting for. He really showed everyone that given the chance, he can run a more elaborate offense than Mike Solari and Herm Edwards had been allowing. I think the turning point was definitely when he openly screamed at the coaches during the Vikings game. Maybe not but I'd like to think so.

2) The Chiefs drafted a real winner in Dwayne Bowe this year. It had been reported that the Chiefs coveted the cornerback from Texas, Aaron Ross, in the 2007 draft. The Giants drafted him before the Chiefs got the chance. I'd say that Bowe was the best consolation prize since Britney Spears dumped Justin Timberlake and he went on to "rebound" with Cameron Diaz. For the first time I can remember, the Chiefs have a wideout that will punish cornerbacks whether he's blocking, ripping balls away from them or just out running them. He is a stud and he should bring Tony Gonzalez back from the ledge.

3) The Chiefs defense is much better. This unit hasn't allowed a point in the second half yet this year. It's almost like the team should scrimmage for a half-hour before the game starts. Jared Allen, Derrick Johnson and company are flashing the talent of the Chiefs circa 1995 and 1997. They need to get stronger against the run, but they are causing turnovers and that is the Chief's trademark over the last few decades.

4) Norv Turner is coaching the Chargers. Yes, the Chief played much better this week, but the Chargers are in shambles. This is a team with at least four players, who you could argue are the best at their position, on the roster (Tomlinson, Gates, Merriman and McNeill). This team went 14-2 last year dominating the league, Tomlinson set the touchdown record and all of the skill-position guys are still in their prime. Ah, but A.J. Smith fired Marty Schottenheimer and hired Norv Turner, Turner being one of the worst headcoaches in NFL history. Who would have ever thought that you would ever hear fans chanting "Marty, Marty, Marty" ... ever? Looking at Tomlinson after the game, it looks like the next product he'll be endorsing is Prozac. Tomlinson went over 100 yards in the first half and then Turner inexplicably took the ball out of Tomlinson's hands with a 16-6 lead, at home, and gave put it in the hands of ... Phillip Rivers!? Tomlinson only carried the ball six times in the second half while Rivers turned the ball over like a vintage Steve Bono.

I am very excited for the Chiefs. This is a statement win to everyone including myself that they are going to play their guts out despite starting off the year horribly. What does the season hold now? I have no clue. Mike Solari needs to get better at play-calling, LJ needs to get going and the defense needs to stop the run a little better. If they do these things, this team could be a real pain for the rest of the AFC. This is weird year. The Chargers and the Bears are 1-3 while the Lions and the Buccaneers are 3-1. Who saw that coming?