Oakland flew in to Kansas City and totally outplayed the Chiefs. Every aspect of the game went in Oaklands favor to the point it was almost laughable how badly the Chiefs were beaten. Without knowing for sure I'd say Oakland gave Matt Cassel 142 bruises and that's not counting his ego. If I was Todd Haley the Chiefs offensive line will be running gassers til the bruises heal. You cant play football like that. The 2009 version of the Chiefs roared its ugly head. The offensive line should be ashamed of its play. The defense should be angry at letting Michael Bush run for so many yards and Todd Haley should be kicking his own ass and his coordinators asses for putting together that kind of a game plan. It was the worst game played this year. Worse than the Broncos defeat. Worse than the collapse in the 4th quarter against Houston.
Yet the Chiefs are going to the playoffs. The world is not over. In most cases it's the team that finds a rythm in the playoffs that wins it, not the team thats hot going in. Look at last years Super Bowl winner. The Saints lost their last 3 games before coming together in the playoffs and winning the Super Bowl. The point is the Chiefs still have a chance and I think Oakland did what the Chiefs needed them to do. They forced them to look at themselves in the mirror and own up to the fact that if they really want to be a factor in these playoffs, they have to play their best for 4 quarters. Half ass attempts against teams in the playoffs will get you embarrassed and I bet the Chiefs are sick of that feeling.
The Chiefs in 2010 have done a great job of taking a defeat and moving passed it. Regrouping and coming back stronger. Look at their schedule. They lost 2 and then won 2. Lost 2 then won 2. Lost 1 and won 2. So whats next? Are they going to follow this L with 2 or maybe 3 wins or are they going to lose agian and go home? I bet they win and I bet Oakland forced them into a matchup that gives them the best chance to do that.
At first glance you look at the Chiefs Wild Card matchup with the Ravens and you get a bad feeling. Its the Ravens, their 12-4 and their defense is always great. With what happened to Cassel and the offensive and defensive lines against Oakland you'd think it's going to be a lot worse against Ray Lewis and the Ravens defensive crew. Not so fast. The Ravens give up some yards. 318.9 per game to be exact. They give up 224.9 passing and 93.9 rushing so they can be exploited. The Chiefs have been great at recognizing whats working on offense and taking advantage of it. If they can find holes in the front 7 and run, they run. If they can find holes in the secondary and pass, they pass. Its as simple as that. The Chiefs just need to find out what works, find it quickly and take advantage of it.
The Ravens have weapons on offense. They have a strong armed QB in Flacco and a multi purpose running back in Rice. They have Boldin, who is as good as any at catching a short pass and turning it into a big gain. They screen pass very well because their offensive lineman can get out in space and make blocks. The Chiefs defense is going to have to stay disciplined, keep gap control and fly to the football. If they miss a tackle for a 2 yard gain it can turn into an 80 yard gain so getting the ball carrier on the ground is imperrative.
After the loss to Oakland it's easy to write the Chiefs off. They've had a great year. Accomplished far more than what was expected. They won their first division crown since 2003 and will host their first playoff game since January 11, 2004. The players are developing and the fan base is returning to its glory days. All signs for the future point up, so who cares if we win or lose against the Ravens, atleast we made it. Well I dont think that attitude is going to fly in the locker room. I bet the players and coaches want something more. I bet the Ravens come into Arrowhead and the Chiefs give them everything they can and I bet the Chiefs come out on top.
It's funny how a humiliating loss to you most hated rival can fuel you to dig deeper. How it can motivate you and force you to refocus. It's funny how your rival can give you the seeding you need to match up with a team you can beat. It's funny how your rival can actually do you a favor.
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