Expect these NFL teams to miss the playoffs again

[Sassy]

Expect these NFL teams to miss the playoffs again
By Mike Florio - SportingNews
May 31, 2:56 pm EDT

Buzz Up PrintGiven the annual turnover in the 12-team playoff field, I tried last week to make an educated prediction (i.e., wild guess) at which six postseason squads from 2007 will miss the bus in ‘08. The six pegged to be knocked down a peg or two in the coming season are the Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans, Washington Redskins, Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks and New York Giants.

So with a half-dozen seats expected to be empty, the next job is to figure out which six non-playoff teams from 2007 will qualify for the Super Bowl tournament. Before that, let’s consider six non-playoff teams from last season that will remain non-playoff teams this time around:

1. New York Jets

The New England Patriots, who typically built their roster carefully and methodically, used an aggressive offseason in 2007 to position the franchise for an undefeated regular season. Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum previously espoused a build-through-the-draft approach, but he paid out like a broken poker machine in March, giving huge-money deals to more than a few strangers to the franchise.

Though the Patriots’ approach in ‘07 had an overriding sense of precision, the Jets’ offseason moves came off as reckless—almost desperate.


The Jets have too many question marks, most notably at quarterback. Kellen Clemens, a second-round pick in ‘06, has struggled and thus gave Chad Pennington an unexpected shot at regaining the starting gig. The reality: Neither guy is the answer.

More important, there is growing evidence that the players don’t trust the front office. Last year, it was Pete Kendall who claimed the team had reneged on promises to increase his pay. Then, wide receiver Laveranues Coles made an identical contention. Now, tight end Chris Baker is barking the same tune.

Despite the Jets’ ambitions to compete with division rival New England and the New York Giants—those Super Bowl ring-wearing crosstown neighbors with whom the they share a stadium—the reality for the Jets is that winning the AFC East is a pipe dream, and securing a wild-card spot is a long shot.

2. Cleveland Browns

The Browns are the trendy pick to make the ‘08 playoffs, given their sudden resurgence and near miss of the postseason a year ago. And so they’ll face the intense pressure and scrutiny that go along with high expectations.

With a tough schedule, a bull’s eye on each side of that logo-less orange helmet and a full offseason for defensive coordinators to figure out how to stop quarterback Derek Anderson, it could be a long year for the Browns.

Like the Jets, the Browns’ offseason spending smacks of desperation. They gave too much money to wide receiver Donte’ Stallworth and gave up too much for underachieving defensive tackle Shaun Rogers.

The big question is whether Anderson can continue to perform at a high level. His “nothing to lose” mindset has been replaced by the burden of being the clear-cut starter, with an upstart first-rounder peering over his shoulder, anxious for Anderson to screw things up.

Though the fans in Cleveland sorely deserve a winning team, the fact that last year’s team did so well without a playoff berth is going to work against the Browns this year. The end result could very well be another year without a postseason appearance.

3. Kansas City Chiefs

On the surface, the addition of the Chiefs to this list is a no-brainer. The franchise is in obvious rebuilding mode, and coach Herm Edwards expects nine of the team’s 12 draft picks to suit up on Sundays this fall.

But I’ve added them because some Kansas City fans don’t seem to realize that the team is closer to the bottom than the top. Indeed, there’s a strange sense of swagger that comes from a franchise that, in reality, has nothing to swagger about.

Though confidence is a good thing, it needs a strong foundation. The Chiefs don’t have it, and thus the confidence from guys like Edwards and GM Carl Peterson is more accurately described as hubris.

Come January, that hubris could be replaced by unemployment.

4. Detroit Lions

Like the Chiefs, the Lions have far more confidence than their talent level warrants. Quarterback Jon Kitna can’t keep quiet; he again has predicted 10 victories. It didn’t happen in ‘07, and it won’t happen in ‘08.

What have the Lions done to get better? The running back situation is a multi-headed crapshoot. The offensive line is average at best. And the defense is merely a collection of former Buccaneers who, if they were great players, would be current Buccaneers.

Picking the Lions to miss the playoffs hardly represents a full-body shimmy onto a rubbery tree limb. However, it’s important to nip in the bud the annual sense that the law of averages will come into play and that this year will be the year for the Lions.

5. Arizona Cardinals

Speaking of the law of averages favoring a certain NFL team, look for plenty of preseason prognostications for the Cardinals reaching the playoffs. Some might even think the Cardinals will win their second postseason game since the Truman administration.

Don’t count on it.

Coach Ken Whisenhunt has the team moving in the right direction, but two offseasons isn’t enough time to turn this team around. The offensive line still needs a lot of work, and the defense isn’t quite ready to perform like the unit that complemented Whisenhunt’s offense in Pittsburgh.

Then there’s the quarterback position. Matt Leinart isn’t developing as anticipated, and Kurt Warner doesn’t have much time left. The starter/reliever approach the Cardinals used until Leinart (broken collarbone) landed on the injured reserve last year barely was working.

Leinart likely won’t tolerate that approach in ‘08. But Warner says he still can play, and that passive-aggressive routine of his will cause problems if Leinart struggles and still gets the snaps.

For any other franchise, it would be a recipe for trouble. In Arizona, it means that things will continue to be the same as they’ve been.

6. Carolina Panthers

The Panthers have the talent. For whatever reason, they can’t put it all together. It has been that way for two seasons, since the Panthers lost to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC championship game on Jan. 22, 2006.

Once again, the Panthers look solid on paper, especially with a pair of first-round picks in running back Jonathan Stewart and offensive tackle Jeff Otah. But Carolina GM Marty Hurney still hasn’t done anything to establish a receiving threat across from Steve Smith or provide depth at quarterback behind Jake Delhomme, whose star is in danger of burning out for good.

Come January, then, it’ll be another round of excuse-making for a team that should have been good enough to go places in the postseason but simply didn’t.

Mike Florio writes and edits ProFootballTalk.com and writes two columns a week for Sporting News.

[Los Broncos]

Nothing would please me more for us to make it and KC not too.

But, I don't think we get in.

[rovolution]

Since this is a Florio article, surprised Denver didnt make this list.

Was expecting something along the lines of:

1. Denver : "Jay Cutler isnt developing and isnt on the level of Vince "Jesus Christ" Young and Matt "Look at my BCS National Championship Rings" Leinart. Coach Teflon is long overdue. Down with Coach Teflon. Coach Teflon sucks. Bowlen needs to fire Teflon."

2. Denver: "Broncos suck. Teflon sucks."

[Sassy]

Since this is a Florio article, surprised Denver didnt make this list.

Was expecting something along the lines of:

1. Denver : "Jay Cutler isnt developing and isnt on the level of Vince "Jesus Christ" Young and Matt "Look at my BCS National Championship Rings" Leinart. Coach Teflon is long overdue. Down with Coach Teflon. Coach Teflon sucks. Bowlen needs to fire Teflon."

2. Denver: "Broncos suck. Teflon sucks."

:rofl:

[Los Broncos]

Since this is a Florio article, surprised Denver didnt make this list.

Was expecting something along the lines of:

1. Denver : "Jay Cutler isnt developing and isnt on the level of Vince "Jesus Christ" Young and Matt "Look at my BCS National Championship Rings" Leinart. Coach Teflon is long overdue. Down with Coach Teflon. Coach Teflon sucks. Bowlen needs to fire Teflon."

2. Denver: "Broncos suck. Teflon sucks."

:rofl:

[Sassy]

Hey Lynch...same exact smiley posted at the same exact time! LOL!

[Los Broncos]

Hey Lynch...same exact smiley posted at the same exact time! LOL!

I seen that, what are the chances. Ha!

[Rausch 2.0]

I don't agree with Cleveland or the Tards.

Outside of Pitt there isn't much in that division. The Bungles are a mess and Bmore isn't close.

And the NFC is just weak. The whole thing. You have the Boys and the Giants and then everyone else...

[Pat Bowlen]

Nothing would please me more for us to make it and KC not too.
Really? I'd rather win the Super Bowl. If Kansas City is the measuring stick then we might as well try to never make it to the playoffs either.

[Los Broncos]

Really? I'd rather win the Super Bowl. If Kansas City is the measuring stick then we might as well try to never make it to the playoffs either.

So would I, Patrick, but it gives me great pleasure to see them fail as a team.

Can I have that?

[worm]

3. Kansas City Chiefs

On the surface, the addition of the Chiefs to this list is a no-brainer. The franchise is in obvious rebuilding mode, and coach Herm Edwards expects nine of the team’s 12 draft picks to suit up on Sundays this fall.

But I’ve added them because some Kansas City fans don’t seem to realize that the team is closer to the bottom than the top. Indeed, there’s a strange sense of swagger that comes from a franchise that, in reality, has nothing to swagger about.



Amazing how everybody else can see this but KC fan. I have never seen a more myopic fanbase in ANY sport.

Year after year after year. I could set my clocks to it.

[Kaylore]

Amazing how everybody else can see this but KC fan. I have never seen a more myopic fanbase in ANY sport.
Cornhusker fans. Ask them, and to a man and they are "going all the way! Wooooooooooooooo!"

[Florida_Bronco]

Cornhusker fans. Ask them, and to a man and they are "going all the way! Wooooooooooooooo!"

:notthissh :chairhit: :garcia: 4321~

[L.A. BRONCOS FAN]

Amazing how everybody else can see this but KC fan. I have never seen a more myopic fanbase in ANY sport.

Year after year after year. I could set my clocks to it.

:laugh: :~ohyah!:

[Ray Finkle]

Since this is a Florio article, surprised Denver didnt make this list.

Was expecting something along the lines of:

1. Denver : "Jay Cutler isnt developing and isnt on the level of Vince "Jesus Christ" Young and Matt "Look at my BCS National Championship Rings" Leinart. Coach Teflon is long overdue. Down with Coach Teflon. Coach Teflon sucks. Bowlen needs to fire Teflon."

2. Denver: "Broncos suck. Teflon sucks."

ALERT THE MODS, Wolf or Telluride took over Rovo's account!

[bronco militia]

since the diabetes diagnosis, I think florio has developed a soft spot for cutler.

but the beat goes on with his hate for Coach Teflon

[SoCalBronco]

3. Kansas City Chiefs

On the surface, the addition of the Chiefs to this list is a no-brainer. The franchise is in obvious rebuilding mode, and coach Herm Edwards expects nine of the team’s 12 draft picks to suit up on Sundays this fall.

But I’ve added them because some Kansas City fans don’t seem to realize that the team is closer to the bottom than the top. Indeed, there’s a strange sense of swagger that comes from a franchise that, in reality, has nothing to swagger about.

Though confidence is a good thing, it needs a strong foundation. The Chiefs don’t have it, and thus the confidence from guys like Edwards and GM Carl Peterson is more accurately described as hubris.

Come January, that hubris could be replaced by unemployment.

[.

At the end of last year, they were obviously closer to the bottom than the top, but the Chiefs are moving in the right direction. They've been drafting well recently, they had the NFL's best draft this year and many of those guys will be solid contributors this season. Florio talks about the fact that Herm said he expects like 9 rookies to get some playing time this year. In part that shows that the Chiefs have alot of holes, but I suspect many of those rookies would be playing anyway, because they got a bunch of really good ones. They have been drafting well for awhile now, actually, especially at the very top of their drafts. Bowe is a big time stud, so is Derrick Johnson, the AFC's best 4-3 strongside linebacker (he led the league in TFL last year, which is almost unheard of for a strongside linebacker), Hali is a good, solid player. Dorsey is going to cause alot of havoc for a long time. The back four will suffer for a bit because its going to be all youth, but they are good youngsters back there. I think they'll end up with two solid consistent safeties out of Pollard, Page and Morgan (even though the first two had down sophomore campaigns). Flowers can play despite his timed speed. The biggest problem is still the OL, but the Chiefs are moving in the right direction, IMO and they are probably a year away from being a perennial playoff team, although I think they'll go about 8-8 or 9-7 this year, if Albert can be a competent starter in his rookie year.

Florio is, IMO, wrong to say that they do not have a strong foundation. Like Denver, Kansas City has a fairly large number of pretty talented youngsters. They have a very solid foundation to build on. One more summer of working on their OL, and they'll be ready to really contend with the various strong clubs in our conference.

[ZONA]

I don't agree with the Cards choice. They lost a handful of games by 3 points. That is a very weak division and the line play should be improved. They should battle Seattle hard for that divsion but I think they could make a wildcard birth also.

[Kaylore]

At the end of last year, they were obviously closer to the bottom than the top, but the Chiefs are moving in the right direction. They've been drafting well recently, they had the NFL's best draft this year and many of those guys will be solid contributors this season. Florio talks about the fact that Herm said he expects like 9 rookies to get some playing time this year. In part that shows that the Chiefs have alot of holes, but I suspect many of those rookies would be playing anyway, because they got a bunch of really good ones. They have been drafting well for awhile now, actually, especially at the very top of their drafts. Bowe is a big time stud, so is Derrick Johnson, the AFC's best 4-3 strongside linebacker (he led the league in TFL last year, which is almost unheard of for a strongside linebacker), Hali is a good, solid player. Dorsey is going to cause alot of havoc for a long time. The back four will suffer for a bit because its going to be all youth, but they are good youngsters back there. I think they'll end up with two solid consistent safeties out of Pollard, Page and Morgan (even though the first two had down sophomore campaigns). Flowers can play despite his timed speed. The biggest problem is still the OL, but the Chiefs are moving in the right direction, IMO and they are probably a year away from being a perennial playoff team, although I think they'll go about 8-8 or 9-7 this year, if Albert can be a competent starter in his rookie year.

Florio is, IMO, wrong to say that they do not have a strong foundation. Like Denver, Kansas City has a fairly large number of pretty talented youngsters. They have a very solid foundation to build on. One more summer of working on their OL, and they'll be ready to really contend with the various strong clubs in our conference.
No surprise, but I disagree with a lot of this. Their "awesome" draft this year was really crappy in the middle rounds. They took some stiff at tight end and their running back isn't that impressive. They are good at hitting toward the top, but I think you aren't recognizing how crappy they were last year and how much crappier they are going to be this year.

They blew up the team, and while it had to be done, there is now a serious lack of veteran leadership on this squad. Even if by some miracle that Albert can play LT (which I doubt he will) that still leaves several areas on on the rest of their line that will suck. On the other side Dorsey isn't going to be awesome right out of the chute. DT takes a long time to play correctly. And they gave up a lot in Allen. Who is going to rush the passer now? Hali? He had arguably the best DE in the game on the other side of him and still couldn't do jack. Now he's going to be the man facing double teams? The QB's are going to have all day to throw.

Their secondary is still weak against the pass and with the loss of a pass rush you will continue to see problems there. Surtain will take a step back before Flowers takes one forward.

And Croyle isn't the answer. He can't win and still misses games to injury. For all of his "wow" moments he has another "WTF?" one. He isn't accurate either. His development has been so incredibly slow in a garbage offense that you have to think he's never going to get it.

I know you love to pimp the Chiefs every year, and yes they have some good building blocks. But they need one more draft like the last one to get back around .500.

[SoCalBronco]

No surprise, but I disagree with a lot of this. Their "awesome" draft this year was really crappy in the middle rounds. They took some stiff at tight end and their running back isn't that impressive. They are good at hitting toward the top, but I think you aren't recognizing how crappy they were last year and how much crappier they are going to be this year.

Haha..I knew we were going to disagree on this again, Khan. I don't think they sucked in the middle rounds. I think the only area in which they really failed is not addressing WR earlier than they did, and also in almost completely failing to really address DE after the loss of Allen. I think the guys they got in the middle rounds were pretty solid. Charles was a very good pick. He provides some nice speed to complement LJ, who we both agree is going to be basically done pretty soon. He's a solid back. It was smart of Carl to select him as insurance against the probable risk of LJ's continued decline as an NFL running back. You are right to say that Cottam was not as productive as a 3rd round TE should be, but he was drafted more on his ceiling. Still, the Chiefs have to develop him and they have done a poor job in developing Kris Wilson. I think Morgan was a very good pick where they got him. After that their draft did take a bit of a hit, but Barry Richardson could be a good NFL guard if he can recover after a horrible 07 year. At one time, he was very highly thought of. Re: your last sentence, I know full well how bad that team was last year. I mean we beat them by like 30+ and thats embarassing for anyone to lose to the 07 Broncos by 30+. I don't agree with your statement that they will be EVEN CRAPPIER. I just cant see that, Khan. I know they still have alot of problems, I mean come on, I'm not saying they'll be in the Super Bowl, I just said that IF Albert can not get overwhelmed in his first year, then they'll be about .500. Given their additions, I don't think that's too unreasonable, IMO.

They blew up the team, and while it had to be done, there is now a serious lack of veteran leadership on this squad.

Eh..that's a fair point. Although they still have some respected veterans in the lockerroom that might be able to provide some of that...Waters, Gonzo, Donnie Edwards etc.

Even if by some miracle that Albert can play LT (which I doubt he will) that still leaves several areas on on the rest of their line that will suck.

I totally agree with that. Most of the line is still a joke. Again, thats why I'm not predicting them to rape or anything, but I think if Albert can do his thing, they could be about .500, that's not asking alot. But I definitely agree with you here that the OL is still a sieve and also DE is a problem for that team.
On the other side Dorsey isn't going to be awesome right out of the chute. DT takes a long time to play correctly. And they gave up a lot in Allen. Who is going to rush the passer now? Hali? He had arguably the best DE in the game on the other side of him and still couldn't do jack. Now he's going to be the man facing double teams? The QB's are going to have all day to throw.

Their secondary is still weak against the pass and with the loss of a pass rush you will continue to see problems there. Surtain will take a step back before Flowers takes one forward.

I agree that there will be a rough start for that secondary. But I think that as between Morgan, Flowers, Page and Pollard, they have a real nice set of youngsters that should make it a solid secondary. Page and Pollard had down years last year but I suspect at least one of them will be playing back up to his rookie level. The two picks this year were very good for where the Chiefs got them. The unit as a whole will probably be crappy to start with but will get better as the year goes on.

And Croyle isn't the answer. He can't win and still misses games to injury. For all of his "wow" moments he has another "WTF?" one. He isn't accurate either. His development has been so incredibly slow in a garbage offense that you have to think he's never going to get it.

I know you love to pimp the Chiefs every year, and yes they have some good building blocks. But they need one more draft like the last one to get back around .500.

You really think they need another monster draft just to get to .500? Things are pretty fluid in the NFL, the days when it took like a 5 year project to get a team from 4-12 to 9-7 are gone. There's alot more parity now. I don't think the Chiefs are a far cry from .500 if they can get some decent help from their rookies and the FAs they got (Demorrio Williams etc.). I mean, we're only talking about .500, thats not a huge achievement anyway.

[kmartin575]

No surprise, but I disagree with a lot of this. Their "awesome" draft this year was really crappy in the middle rounds. They took some stiff at tight end and their running back isn't that impressive. They are good at hitting toward the top, but I think you aren't recognizing how crappy they were last year and how much crappier they are going to be this year.

They blew up the team, and while it had to be done, there is now a serious lack of veteran leadership on this squad. Even if by some miracle that Albert can play LT (which I doubt he will) that still leaves several areas on on the rest of their line that will suck. On the other side Dorsey isn't going to be awesome right out of the chute. DT takes a long time to play correctly. And they gave up a lot in Allen. Who is going to rush the passer now? Hali? He had arguably the best DE in the game on the other side of him and still couldn't do jack. Now he's going to be the man facing double teams? The QB's are going to have all day to throw.

Their secondary is still weak against the pass and with the loss of a pass rush you will continue to see problems there. Surtain will take a step back before Flowers takes one forward.

And Croyle isn't the answer. He can't win and still misses games to injury. For all of his "wow" moments he has another "WTF?" one. He isn't accurate either. His development has been so incredibly slow in a garbage offense that you have to think he's never going to get it.

I know you love to pimp the Chiefs every year, and yes they have some good building blocks. But they need one more draft like the last one to get back around .500.

Saying our middle rounds were bad is laughable. We literally went by best player available with almost every pick. We got one of the best safeties in the draft with Dajuan Morgan. We got a runningback with 4.38 speed who hasn't even played his best ball yet. And we got a tight end who put up some of the best numbers for a tight end at the combine and who if he can stay healthy will be a very good complement to Tony Gonzalez. In the 4th round we got one of the fastest wide receivers in the draft. And in the 5th round we picked up one of the most athletically gifted corners in the draft and he has already been practicing as a starter with Patrick Surtain missing time.

I'm not even going to argue with you saying we have other big needs on the offensive line. The only position we don't have a solid starter in place is right guard, but we have alot of challengers for that spot and we could find a gem. We still have a pro bowler at left guard, Damion McIntosh switched to right tackle, and Rudy Niswanger is more than capable of stepping in at center.

Our secondary is weak against the pass? We were 5th in the NFL against the pass. We had a much better defense than Denver last year. Not sure who you guys are to talk smack on our defense.

Again, saying Croyle isn't the answer is foolish. Perhaps he isn't but it is ridiculous to already make that assumption. He had absolutely no help from the rest of the offense last year. Do you think Cutler would have done well with the 2007 Chiefs offensive line, Larry Johnson-less running game, and a passing game that consisted of only 2 good receivers? I seriously doubt it. Croyle's stats really were not THAT bad, certainly not any worse than plenty of all time greats who did just as bad early on in their careers.

[KCStud]

No surprise, but I disagree with a lot of this. Their "awesome" draft this year was really crappy in the middle rounds. They took some stiff at tight end and their running back isn't that impressive. They are good at hitting toward the top, but I think you aren't recognizing how crappy they were last year and how much crappier they are going to be this year.

They blew up the team, and while it had to be done, there is now a serious lack of veteran leadership on this squad. Even if by some miracle that Albert can play LT (which I doubt he will) that still leaves several areas on on the rest of their line that will suck. On the other side Dorsey isn't going to be awesome right out of the chute. DT takes a long time to play correctly. And they gave up a lot in Allen. Who is going to rush the passer now? Hali? He had arguably the best DE in the game on the other side of him and still couldn't do jack. Now he's going to be the man facing double teams? The QB's are going to have all day to throw.

Their secondary is still weak against the pass and with the loss of a pass rush you will continue to see problems there. Surtain will take a step back before Flowers takes one forward.

And Croyle isn't the answer. He can't win and still misses games to injury. For all of his "wow" moments he has another "WTF?" one. He isn't accurate either. His development has been so incredibly slow in a garbage offense that you have to think he's never going to get it.

I know you love to pimp the Chiefs every year, and yes they have some good building blocks. But they need one more draft like the last one to get back around .500.

Cottam was a great pick for KC because he fits the system that KC will be running. KC needed a strong blocking TE badly because Dunn was too old. And you have got to be joking me about Charles. Charles was the best RB in the Big 12 and everybody thought he was a steal.

KC's draft was so good because KC got a lot of players that were considered steals.

Croyle had more bad plays then good plays because he had no options. His only options were Gonzo or Bowe and that was it. Parker was a joke, we had no RT that was worth a crap, our RG was worthless because he wasn't on the juice anymore and our OC couldn't call a good play if his life counted on it. And let's not forget that this was without LJ who is a big part of the team. KC was 4-3 with a winning record with LJ and was 0-9 without him. That says quite a bit right there.

I think this is more of a rivalry thing to me. Kaylore seems to believe that anybody KC drafted will not make any impact on the team this season lol

[rovolution]

Our secondary is weak against the pass? We were 5th in the NFL against the pass. We had a much better defense than Denver last year. Not sure who you guys are to talk smack on our defense.


http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/5450/kcsuckssa9.png

Jay Cutler threw 4 TDs in 3 quarters of football in this game before Shanny halted the assault.



BTW this is a great game to watch for Broncos fan.

[kmartin575]

http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/5450/kcsuckssa9.png

Jay Cutler threw 4 TDs in 3 quarters of football in this game before Shanny halted the assault.



BTW this is a great game to watch for Broncos fan.

Adrian Peterson had a record game running the ball against San Diego. So would you say San Diego's run defense sucked based on that one game?

[DBroncos4life]

Cornhusker fans. Ask them, and to a man and they are "going all the way! Wooooooooooooooo!"

we are ;)

[Killericon]

Adrian Peterson had a record game running the ball against San Diego. So would you say San Diego's run defense sucked based on that one game?

Are you calling Jay Cutler the Adrian Peterson of Quarterbacks?

[Hogan11]

It's hard to buy the Browns take.

[TheReverend]

You really think they need another monster draft just to get to .500? Things are pretty fluid in the NFL, the days when it took like a 5 year project to get a team from 4-12 to 9-7 are gone. There's alot more parity now. I don't think the Chiefs are a far cry from .500 if they can get some decent help from their rookies and the FAs they got (Demorrio Williams etc.). I mean, we're only talking about .500, thats not a huge achievement anyway.

Sorry, Socal, this is just absurd.

You keep mentioning their additions but conveniently ignore the impact of their subtractions.

Jared Allen was the LONE brightspot of that team last year. Do you really think DJ gets all those TFLs without teams focusing on running away from Allen? They're going to be OT leads to the weakside, and counter plays ALL day long from here on out.

And then hinging their success on Brandon Albert? Let's play make-believe that he becomes a premier player without even a learning curve... one player will never make/break an offensive line.

[bronco militia]

Sorry, Socal, this is just absurd.

You keep mentioning their additions but conveniently ignore the impact of their subtractions.

Jared Allen was the LONE brightspot of that team last year. Do you really think DJ gets all those TFLs without teams focusing on running away from Allen? They're going to be OT leads to the weakside, and counter plays ALL day long from here on out.

And then hinging their success on Brandon Albert? Let's play make-believe that he becomes a premier player without even a learning curve... one player will never make/break an offensive line.

the NY friggen Giants are the defending champs...that's all the evidence I need to know that any team can turn it around and win the superbowl

[TheReverend]

the NY friggen Giants are the defending champs...that's all the evidence I need to know that any team can turn it around and win the superbowl

...and the streak didn't start till when?

The arrival of the Great One. We can only hope the Almighty Hixon is a forgiving master.

[Kaylore]

Saying our middle rounds were bad is laughable. We literally went by best player available with almost every pick.
That doesn't mean they won't suck. You can pimp their numbers and talk about how they should be starting all you want, but that fact is they are rookies and more than half bust. Even if they start, it will be because your team has decided to go young more than them actually being starting material

I'm not even going to argue with you saying we have other big needs on the offensive line. The only position we don't have a solid starter in place is right guard
This is a funny post. Your center has no experience starting. You guys had problems all along the line. Suddenly you believe the whole line is fixed in one offseason?::)

Our secondary is weak against the pass?
We rolled you up pretty good. Just because our defense sucked doesn't mean yours wasn't.

Again, saying Croyle isn't the answer is foolish. Perhaps he isn't but it is ridiculous to already make that assumption. How is it ridiculous to assume he isn't when you yourself admit that possibility exists? I'm not the only person in the world that thinks you should have taken a QB, you know. You can keep hoping he'll get better, but he's inaccurate and many of his frequently too high throws were not under duress in any form. Saying "his supporting cast sucked so all his mistakes are not his fault" is a total cop out and you know it. There is more wrong with Croyle than the talent around him.

Croyle had more bad plays then good plays because he had no options.
See above post.

Croyle had more bad plays then good plays because he had no options. His only options were Gonzo or Bowe and that was it. Parker was a joke, we had no RT that was worth a crap, our RG was worthless because he wasn't on the juice anymore and our OC couldn't call a good play if his life counted on it.
Again, problems of that nature are not fixed in one offseason. It's impossible. even in the NFL when things are very fluid you need a few years to create continuity. Even if all the pieces you have right now are "the answer" it will take some time for them to gel. Your own coaches have said this and yet you Chief fans act like anyone who disrespects you is talking smack.

And let's not forget that this was without LJ who is a big part of the team. KC was 4-3 with a winning record with LJ and was 0-9 without him. That says quite a bit right there.

LJ was a big part of your game, but I predicted he'd get hurt and was right and I predict again that he will not look the same this year and in a few years he will be completely out of football. Power backs that go over 400 carries are hurt and out of football in a matter years. It happens to every back.

I think this is more of a rivalry thing to me. Kaylore seems to believe that anybody KC drafted will not make any impact on the team this season lol
They are rookies. I love our draft too, but I'm not so homerish as to believe they are all going to be solid starters in their first year. At least half will probably bust and then if you're lucky a few will emerge as solid starters. You have to look at this with some degree of realism. You have more holes than were filled in your draft. Not every pick will work out so that leaves more holes. You guys took some steps forward but it's going to take time. Having a cow anytime someone says you're not going to be good this year suggests to me you Chief fans aren't really ready to deal with what your franchise is trying to do.

[Northman]

Adrian Peterson had a record game running the ball against San Diego. So would you say San Diego's run defense sucked based on that one game?

Does that make their defense suck? No. But we beat you twice and our horrible defense held your team to 18 points on offense while we managed to put up 68 points total on your vaunted defense. Just like you cant judge the SD defense after one game you also cant believe everything when it comes to your ranking as a defensive unit last year. You guys really werent that good.

[TheReverend]

Most important overlooked fact?

Herm Edwards is still THE Burger King.

[TheChamp24]

At the end of last year, they were obviously closer to the bottom than the top, but the Chiefs are moving in the right direction. They've been drafting well recently, they had the NFL's best draft this year and many of those guys will be solid contributors this season. Florio talks about the fact that Herm said he expects like 9 rookies to get some playing time this year. In part that shows that the Chiefs have alot of holes, but I suspect many of those rookies would be playing anyway, because they got a bunch of really good ones. They have been drafting well for awhile now, actually, especially at the very top of their drafts. Bowe is a big time stud, so is Derrick Johnson, the AFC's best 4-3 strongside linebacker (he led the league in TFL last year, which is almost unheard of for a strongside linebacker), Hali is a good, solid player. Dorsey is going to cause alot of havoc for a long time. The back four will suffer for a bit because its going to be all youth, but they are good youngsters back there. I think they'll end up with two solid consistent safeties out of Pollard, Page and Morgan (even though the first two had down sophomore campaigns). Flowers can play despite his timed speed. The biggest problem is still the OL, but the Chiefs are moving in the right direction, IMO and they are probably a year away from being a perennial playoff team, although I think they'll go about 8-8 or 9-7 this year, if Albert can be a competent starter in his rookie year.

Florio is, IMO, wrong to say that they do not have a strong foundation. Like Denver, Kansas City has a fairly large number of pretty talented youngsters. They have a very solid foundation to build on. One more summer of working on their OL, and they'll be ready to really contend with the various strong clubs in our conference.

Socal, do you have a time machine? How the hell do you know they had the best draft? Have any of them played a down yet? For all we know, Dorsey could become the next Ryan Simms and Albert the next George Foster. To say they have a lot of talented youth is also farfetched when they have had little play time.

[sisterhellfyre]

Cornhusker fans. Ask them, and to a man and they are "going all the way! Wooooooooooooooo!"

Give 'em a break, Kaylore. They thought you were asking about their girlfriends, and what else is there to do in Nebraska?

Regards,
m.

[BritBronco Maniac]

So this guy says neither the Steelers or the Browns will be in the playoffs, so he thinks the Ravens or the Bengals will win the division? Right...