They're Back?
I'm not going to jump to conclusions and say that the Kansas City Chiefs will win their next 8-10 games and make a run at the playoffs.
I'm not even going to say that the Chiefs will "manage to win a few more games this year and finish the season as a much stronger team than last year's version." Although I actually hope I'm able to say both of those statements are true by season's end.
I'm just going to enjoy the Chief's first victory of the season for what it is -- a victory. And the Chiefs first win in nearly a year, snapping a 12-game losing streak that dated back to October 2007.
For the first time in several months, I actually enjoyed watching the Chiefs play football on Sunday in their 33-19 win over the then-undefeated Denver Broncos in Kansas City. The offense (FINALLY) made frustrated running back Larry Johnson more of a factor (LJ had 198 yards and two TDs); Damon Huard looked like a competent quarterback who could spread the ball around; the defense continued to prove its legitimacy (the defense forced four Denver turnovers); and Herm Edwards seemed like a head coach who is capable of bringing an exciting football team back to Arrowhead Stadium once again.
During his term as head coach, Edwards has maintained the "we'll beat them with field goals rather than touchdowns" defensive mentality, and it's led to some dismal, lackluster Chiefs teams that rarely find the end zone, much less win a game. The defense typically plays well, getting a fumble recovery, interception or two, but the offense can't usually capitalize on turnovers and eventually score enough points to keep the Chiefs in ball games.
Too many three and outs, screen passes that go nowhere, and dropped balls, not enough big plays on either side of the ball; the Chiefs' standard of late.
But Sunday, the Chiefs showed a spark that had been absent for so many months, and once again instilled a little bit of hope in devoted Chiefs fans (including myself) everywhere.
And when you think about it, haven't the Chiefs been notorious in history for winning the games they're not supposed to win? To go into a game the vast underdog, only to emerge victorious, or romp the teams they're not supposed to beat, and have trouble with the weaker teams that they play; the teams they are usually favored against.
With a tough schedule ahead that includes the Panthers, the Titans, the Jets, the Bucs, the Bills, and the Chargers (twice), hopefully that theory remains true and the Chiefs could be the surprise rebound team of 2008.
But then again, their first win of the season may have been a fluke. I guess only time will tell.