I recently saw this September 1996 article from the New York Times while browsing.

Who Needs Offense With Chiefs' Defense?

Here’s an excerpt.

“This Chiefs' defense does not have a weak link.

Peek at the line. From left to right, it is (Neil) Smith, Joe Phillips, Dan Saleaumua and Vaughn Booker. Smith is the most talented, Saleaumua the most gritty.

Peek at the linebackers: Derrick Thomas, Tracy Simien and Anthony Davis. Thomas gained both sacks and was responsible for the Chiefs' safety when he knocked Raiders quarterback Billy Joe Hobert silly in the end zone in the fourth quarter for the game's final points. Simien gained a second-quarter interception. Booker is a rock to block -- he is 6 feet 5 inches and weighs 293 pounds.

Peek at the secondary. It is James Hasty and Dale Carter at the corners and Mark Collins and Brian Washington at the safety position. Hasty is one of the stronger cornerbacks around (207 pounds), but he moves like a running back. Carter is a supreme talent. Collins covers as much ground as any free safety in the league and Washington (210 pounds) packs a punch at strong safety…

…Thomas and this Chiefs defense are the reasons the Chiefs are 15-3 in their last 18 regular-season games.”

I don’t know what year it was, but does anyone else remember when the Chief’s defense used to routinely knock opposing quarterbacks out of games? Those were the good old days.

I miss the good old days, but I’m starting to have a little hope they may return.

While many see DOOM and GLOOM with the shake-ups at linebacker, I find the fact that Nap Harris is still riding the pine as evidence that some of our younger guys are good.

Additionally, when I read that Gun is dusting off some of the old schemes from the glory days, I have to trust his assessment that this set of personnel can execute them. With Tamba (more sacks than Allen 2 years ago, I believe), Tank, Turk, and Dorsey I expect to see a good rush. Throw in the blitzes Gun loves, and there may be blood.

Finally, the youth of this squad demands a little hope. With Herm & company’s record with drafts thus far, there’s no reason not to believe that a large percentage of these players will contribute sooner, rather than later and only continue to grow beyond that.

That being said, I completely understand that this season might blow goats. We are a young, unproven team and many mistakes will be made. It could be an ugly 16 weeks, but I can’t help but believe that the glory days are right around the corner. Quarterbacks beware.