Drive Charts: Kansas City Chiefs

Number of drives: 13 (Last game: 11)

Average starting field position: 31 yard line (Last game: 31 yard line)

Average number of plays per drive: 4.84 (Last game: 6.6)

Average net yards gained per drive: 14.5 (Last game: 31.3)

Average drive time: 2:34 (Last game: 3:06 minutes)

Longest drive: 63 yards (Last game: 60 yards)

Time of possession: 33:25 (Last game: 34:07)

Box score is here.

Let me throw out a touch of good news before we get into the bad. The Kansas City Chiefs have improved quite dramatically over last season in converting third downs. Currently, the Chiefs have converted 43% of their third downs which is a big bump up from the ~30% they hoverered around last year. Why is third down percentage a big deal? Because, almost all of the time, an unconverted third down results in a punt, resulting in the opponent getting the ball. It's sort of a way at looking at turnovers, if you want to bend it like that.

The terrible third down percentage in 2007 was a maddening stat to have to look at each week because it meant the Chiefs weren't even giving themselves enough offensive plays to establish any kind of rhythm.

The passing first downs to rushing first downs ratio is still terribly out of whack- 32 to 17. The teams with a high ratio like that, for the most part, are not good. It has to be tough on Brodie Croyle to be forced to make two-thirds of the team's first downs with his arm. A more even ratio makes your offense more unpredictable in third down and short yardage situations where unpredictability is an even greater asset.

Unfortunately, real life is intruding this morning so I'll have to cut this short. Here are a few articles to tide you over until later today:

Over the Top - Chiefs' TV ratings suffer a major hit

Jonathan Rand - Easier said than done

Mile High Report - Samie Parker released

Don't forget that NFL rosters have to be trimmed to 75 players by today. As usual, we'll be updating you with who's out and if anyone new is in.