The Chiefs defense had their work cut out for them today.  And it wasn’t because of the powerful running game of the Raiders.  It is because the Raiders only play on half the field.  If you get the ball near your opponent forty…Sebastian Janikowski is dangerous.  But today, Shane Lechler put on a Pro Bowl demonstration of punting.  His net average yards were impressive.  The play of the entire special teams left the Raiders a chance to win this game at the last minute, and that is exactly what they did – practically on one play.

Enough about getting beat.  It was encouraging to see the play of Bobby Wade, acquired this week off waivers.  I thought both he and Dwayne Bowe were playing tough, especially across the middle (You know, the area of the field Tony Gonzalez used to play in).  Speaking of Dwayne, I thought today it was evident that he is indeed maturing.  Also playing better IMHO was Tank Tyler.  And DJ … that’s two!    And of course, the other Johnson, Larry was hitting the holes faster and running tougher.  Last season he seemed to come down if someone thought about touching him…today – you had to hit him hard and low.  But, man do I miss T-Rich.  Imagine LJ behind a T-Rich lead.

One thing is for sure.  True accountability in the clubhouse…or office place…makes a difference.  We’ve seen it week after week from this coach.  A player can’t even get off the field without finding out the coach’s feelings about his performance.

OFFESNSIVE COORDINATOR

While we’re on the subject…I liked Chan Gailey as a person.  He was an extremely polite and pleasant person.  But watching the new blocking schemes today in conjunction with the breadth of play calling (moving pockets, screens, etc.), I must say I think Todd Haley is a better O-Coordinator.  Larry Johnson obviously has talent, and Todd seems to be finding a way to use it.  Now let’s see if he can dodge the freight training coming on the NFC East Railroad.

My initial thought was to write about how painful the last minute loss to San Diego was. But yesterday as I was watching film, people began to walk briskly down the halls of the Chiefs Offices. After news of Carl Peterson’s resignation broke, things got a bit hectic…and…we’ll….let us just say, I didn’t get my work done again!

I also had a witty prediction all set for the next 5 years based on the AFL decision to cancel the 2009 season. But after reading it, it really sounded more like a psychotic break than vision. So, I’m going to reflect about … you guessed it … Carl Peterson.

CARL PETERSON
First, let me just say: I know fans are extremely emotional about this. It is part of what makes this a great town for sports. There is passion! I still remember traveling to Los Angeles for Raiders games and thinking – does anyone here care? (BTW – the answer was, no!) But there is a piece of me that will forever feel indebted to what Carl Peterson did in this city.

IMHO, Carl showed an unbelievable loyalty to Lamar Hunt and the culture of this city and club. I realize it was a five year plan, and I’m sure no one is more disappointed in it not reaching a Super Bowl conclusion than Carl. I believe he was deeply hurt, not realizing a personal goal of presenting the Lamar Hunt Trophy to Lamar before Mr. Hunt’s passing. And I truly believe, he loves this franchise and would do anything for it…including resigning his position.

Carl has always been gracious, loyal, and sincere to me personally. I can accept that change is a part of the game. And with change comes excitement. An excitement for the future and a renewed faith in possibilities.

But I WILL miss him. Just as I miss Marty. They did something special here…and we owe them gratitude for it.

It seems Plaxico Burress was not the only one to shoot themselves in their NFL game last week. I honestly don’t know why any coach would risk getting the best placekicker in the league hurt when a game IS NOT YET on the line. Probably the same coach that would come out throwing against the Chiefs 2008 Defense.

But before you credit the Raiders defeat as self-inflicted, you should know…the Chiefs read the fake. It was no accident that Maurice Leggett was there to pick up the fumble. Raiders punter Shane Lechler usually sits down (with his butt on his angle or very near the ground). But suddenly, his form changed – and the Chiefs saw it.

As Marty Schottenheimer used to say, “Luck is what happens when preparation & opportunity come together.” (Well…close anyway). The Chiefs Special Teams were well prepared for the Raiders game. It was GREAT to see them capitalize on their opportunity. It was GREAT to see them contribute.

Congrats to Mike Priefer and his men!

Gunny’s men did good stopping the run as well, learning from Septembers 300 plus yard tromp.

Next up! THE DONKEYS. Expect Jay Cutler to provide amble opportunity for the Brandon’s to show their preparation. And expect Tyler Thigpen to get some bootleg payback.

Len Dawson believed in an Oakland victory. So, this week – I’m going to believe. After all, we won once in Denver – 2000 wasn’t it? (Sorry…my bad) What I meant to say was – we beat them here…we can beat them there.

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oh! I know.Cornerbacks!

Personally, I’m content with Ty Law getting a chance for post season play with Brett Farve – mainly because …. HE’S NOT HERE!!!!! I think one task we have definitely accomplished this year is finding two quality – young cornerbacks. It’s probably too early to tell…but based on last week, Maurice Leggett maybe a third.

I’m also thankful for the promise of Tyler Thigpen. Yes, I’m still voting for Thigpen. IMHO, Thigpen really only made one mistake last week against the Bills. Now before you reach for the mouse to tell me 3…three….III….turnovers by Thigpen….keep this in mind: The two interceptions are on curl routes that are a three step drop and fire. Thigpen spends all three drops selling, than looks and fires. As Mitch Holthus put it…that route has a problem!

Looking back through the games to Atlanta, the film showed receiver’s nearly getting this on almost every instance of it. In some cases the corner gets it, but can’t hang on to it. While Thigpen got the credit for NOT throwing an interception – coach’s should have known this was coming. Either its design or execution has been sketchy from the onset of Thigpen starting. After all, flip a coin enough times, it will land on the other side! Before you place this on Chan, the receivers aren’t helping this route. These curls could be bread & butter for us, but not until our receivers learn to get separation.

There! I said it.

How about SHOWing us some separation. I could also go into a complete rant about catching balls that hit you in the hands, but that’s just not in keepingwith the Thanksgiving “Glass-Half-Full” spirit. (You’ve have no idea – how hard that was to type)

One last thing. I keep hearing about how young this team is. And I believe there is truth in the “rookie wall.” And for the 2008 Chiefs, that isn’t going to be just a guy or two. But here is what is killing me. Derek Johnson is in his fourth year of pro-football. In fact, he is in a contract year. If ever there was a time to show (I mean, SHOW) coaches what you’re made of …. it’s a contract year.

After the Bills Trent Edwards crossed the line of scrimmage last week, he became a running back. Why then was Derek Johnson still backing up 2, 3, to 4 yards deep in the end-zone? Why? You can’t tell me that Gunther needs to explain to him how the rules work. Chalk it up to sluggish return, his girl-friend having a baby, the flu, whatever. But if you can’t feel the game…you better be the most studied guy on the field. That TD was unacceptable. Come on DJ. We need you. Shows us what you are made of.

Boy…this was my warm-fuzzy! At least I left the Special-Teams alone.

Turkey day, then its off to Oakland. The land of Italian cookies. I love the food in SF. Tough game though, expect the Raiders to play a lot of Man-to-man and continue to pry on our run coverage. Best o’luck to Herm and his men. We’re going to talk pretty in depth about what the Chiefs can expect with Kendall and Len on pre-game from Oakland.

Till then…Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.

With that said…enough drama already! 3 games in what is supposed to be a two – three year rebuilding process seems hardly worth throwing Herm Edwards under the bus…NO WAIT! A train…a bus isn’t big enough…we need a train!!!!

No, I don’t like watching the team lose in this fashion. But football is different than other sports. It requires perfection in its teamwork. That comes through reps.

NOVEMBER 2008 will provide us a glimpse to the true potential of our future team. The seed planted by reps, will begin to grow and take shape. Can’t wait? Hop off the wagon. Hopefully you can hop back on. That what other cities fans do.

Ask yourself this one question. If the team goes 3-13 this year, 8-8 in 2009, 11-5 in 2010 making it back in to the playoffs, and 13-3 in 2011 winning the Super Bowl…is a two year sacrifice worth it? New England sacrificed 3 years. Tampa 4 years.

Of course, I reserve the right to jump off the wagon with you at some point. I just want give the youth planting time to grow, before I do.