Previewing the Kansas City Chiefs 2009 Schedule: Week 1
by Joel Thorman on Jun 17, 2009 7:22 AM CDT
in 2009 Offseason
86 comments
The Kansas City Chiefs (2-14) will open the season against the Baltimore Ravens (11-5) at high noon (CDT) in M&T Bank Stadium on September 13th.
Presumably Matt Cassel will be lining up at quarterback and Larry Johnson at running back. Save Mike Goff, the offensive line will be the same unit that ended the 2008 season. Dwayne Bowe and some combination of second and third tier players will round out the wide receiver's unit.
The defensive line and linebackers for the Chiefs will be completely different. The secondary should remain intact, barring no takeover at Maurice Leggett's role as a nickelback.
They'll face the Ravens first in a string of three of their first four games against top five defenses in addition to a close (11th) top ten offense.
I exchanged emails with Bruce over at Baltimore Beatdown, SBNation's Ravens site (By the way, congratulate Bruce on his recent invite to Ravens practice as a media member). He compared the loss of Bart Scott to previous free agent losses/trades Jamie Sharper, Edgerton Hartwell and Adalius Thomas. Playing against the "All world", as Bruce puts it, Ray Lewis makes everyone better. So, let me get this right, you're telling me Baltimore is a linebacker factory?
(Chiefs 2008 linebackers quietly sneak out)
Click through to check out more on the Chiefs Week 1 opponents, the Baltimore Ravens.
Bruce gave us a quick rundown of the rest of the defense.
The next great Ravens linebacker will be Tavares Gooden, out of the "U" (Miami), Ray's alma mater.
Losing safety Jim Leonhard to the Jets will not be missed at all as he was a replacement for the injured Dawan Landry , who is now healthy and looking like a linebacker at the safety position. Plus the Ravens have two other 2nd year safeties that could probably start for most other NFL teams (Tom Zbikowski, Haruki Nakamura).
Kelly Gregg is back at DT who along w/ Haloti Ngata, are as good a tandem inside as any in the league. We also signed CB and local native Domonique Foxworth in free agency and combined with Fabian Washington give us two of the faster CB's in the league to pair with that hard hitting defense.
Bruce then talked about the offense. He calls Matt Birk an upgrade over Jason Brown, doesn't fret the loss of S Jim Leonherd and says Michael Oher has "owned" the right tackle spot after taking over for the recent retiree Willie Anderson.
Now that everyone is healthy, Willis McGahee, Le'Ron McClain and Ray Rice will all share the rock, making life difficult for the opposing defenses, who will get pounded all game long from the young and athletic offensive line. That will allow Flacco the time and opportunities to find his open receivers, as well as the tight end, as Todd Heap is now healthy and not required to stay in on passing downs as additional protection for Flacco.
The "young and athletic offensive line" he references includes a young, very good set of bookend tackles in Jared Gaither (6'9", 334 lbs.) and Oher (6'4", 310 lbs.).
So, this Ravens team loves to churn out linebackers, rarely misses on first day picks and has bookend tackles to protect their second year "franchise" quarterback. Who are these guys, the bizzaro Chiefs?
***
Here are the key stats for the 2008 version of the Ravens. The Chiefs numbers are in parentheses.
| Defense | Offense | |
| Overall Rank | 3 (29) | 11 (26) |
| Interceptions Rank | 1 (17) | 9 (21) |
| Points per game | 15 (27.5) | 14 (18) |
Flacco: 16/16 games, 60% comp., 2,971 yards, 14 touchdowns, 12 interceptions
Thigpen: 11/16 games, 54.8% comp., 2,408 yards, 18 touchdowns, 12 interceptions
***
I was pretty hard on Flacco throughout this season. It's just frustrating to see a rookie (that's not a Chief) step in and be heralded for his play when really it was just him not screwing up. I guess that's a nice move on his part as it got the Ravens within four minutes of the Super Bowl. Sometimes (Pat Bowlen, take notes) it's best to just not screw it up.
Knowing Flacco's protection (Flacco took 32 sacks in 16 starts, Thigpen took 26 in 11) and the Ravens' preference for running the ball, it isn't the ideal first test for the Chiefs revamped (or more accurately re-schemed) front seven but still an excellent barometer of where the team stands in the opening stretches of the season.
I'm guessing with the emphasis Todd Haley is putting on conditioning, it won't turn into a fourth quarter collapse ala the 2008 Herm Edwards defense.
Bruce over at Baltimore Beatdown appears fairly confident and cautions the Chiefs as they decide to be the first team the Ravens have faced since losing to the eventual Super Bowl champions in the AFC Championship game.
Not trying to stir things up but I am beginning to feel real bad for the Chiefs' fans having to open their 2009 season in Baltimore against my Ravens. The players here are a pretty pissed off bunch of guys who thought they were four minutes from a Super Bowl appearance and have been looking for someone to take it out on since their AFC Championship Game loss to the Steelers last January.
Bruce is right in that the Baltimore Ravens should have no problem getting fired up for the home opener in a season where they're expected to seriously compete for the AFC North title and a spot in the Super Bowl.
I'm throwing out my prediction. The Chiefs will lose 16-10 in a good opening test.
Check out Baltimore Beatdown for all your Ravens needs. Bruce took some pictures at the Ravens OTAs the other day. They're really worth a look and makes me jealous we don't have more outlets coming out with pictures of the Chiefs practices.
***
That makes the Kansas City Chiefs (0-1) heading into a home opener showdown with the Oakland Raiders.
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I'll be there
When deep space exploration ramps up, it'll be the corporations that name everything, the IBM Stellar Sphere, the Microsoft Galaxy, Planet Starbucks.
I'd be fine with 9-7 or 10-6 and competiting for the divsion title
by madtheory on Jun 17, 2009 7:48 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Nice
You’re wearing a sandwich board with ArrowheadPride.com on it, right?
by Chris Thorman on Jun 17, 2009 7:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We're going to go through every game this season
And predict the outcome and see what our record ends up being. It’ll be our prediction for the season.
by Joel Thorman on Jun 17, 2009 7:52 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Nice write-up & recd
Good to hear what the opposition fans are saying. Obviously we are not the only fans who watch every move their team makes. This will definitely be a rough game for an opener. As long as we stay competitive and don’t die in the fourth quarter I think we may have to take the moral victory here.
by Zodeman on Jun 17, 2009 8:01 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
If we can stop the run (big IF, but I know it is the thing being addressed the most in the offseason)
it’s going to come down to Cassel vs. Flacco.
I can’t explain it, but my gut tells me Cassel wins that contest…
Marley will be walking soon...she could probably play Linebacker better than some of the guys we had.
by PVChiefsfan on Jun 17, 2009 8:24 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Flacco strikes me as Herm's perfect QB
a guy who isn’t going to lose you any games.
But is he a guy who can put it all on his shoulders and win a game?
Marley will be walking soon...she could probably play Linebacker better than some of the guys we had.
by PVChiefsfan on Jun 17, 2009 8:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hopefully, he won't ever have to
but if you’ve seen the cannon for an arm that he has, I have a good inkling that he’s going to be up for the task as he matures.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Jun 17, 2009 1:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Favre and Cutle both have cannons for arms too
but that tends to lead to a lot of INT’s when risky throws are needed (as is the case when your defense isn’t ranked in the top 3).
Marley will be walking soon...she could probably play Linebacker better than some of the guys we had.
by PVChiefsfan on Jun 17, 2009 1:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Cassel is a better QB
But is Cassel vs. Balt. D better than Flacco vs. KC D?
by Joel Thorman on Jun 17, 2009 8:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Uhh....no
Besides, while Dwayne Bowe is pretty solid, he ain’t no Randy Moss to chuck it up for and there’s no Wes Welker on that team either. So before you anoint Cassel as the second coming of the veteran Joe Montana, let’s see what he can do outside of the Pats system!
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Jun 17, 2009 1:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That depends on whether Engram has fully recovered
Bobby Engram was defining the slot WR position while Wes Welker was playing Peewee Football
In his last full season (2007) Engram had 94 catches for 1147 yards and most importantly, 63 first downs
2007 was Welker’s best year with 112 catches for 1175 yards and 65 first downs.
The Seahawks went 10-6 in 2007
And of course we all know the Patriots record in 2007 =)
Marley will be walking soon...she could probably play Linebacker better than some of the guys we had.
by PVChiefsfan on Jun 17, 2009 1:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
2,900 yards and 14 touchdowns isn't that impressive
Flacco didn’t win many (if any) games with his arm. I’m saying though Flacco vs. the KC D is a better matchup than Cassel vs. the Balt. D.
by Joel Thorman on Jun 17, 2009 2:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like Falco (Remember the Replacements?)
But looking at those stats, our backup QB is better than their starter. I have to think Ray Lewis will be biting on play action all day long if LJ returns to form. I’m getting pretty excited to see what Chan Gailey is going to do with Matt Cassel at the helm.
Negative Ghost Rider the pattern is full...
by cpa913 on Jun 17, 2009 2:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have to think Ray Lewis will be biting on play action all day long if LJ returns to form
No one spends more time studying the game and watching film then Lewis. I seriously doubt he will be biting “all day” on play action calls.
by DT711 on Jun 17, 2009 2:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No film to watch-brand new team!
by Chiefsfan1970 on Jun 17, 2009 3:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
seriously?
Ray lewis biting on playfakes? you must not watch a lot of ray lewis…
by jackmca on Jun 18, 2009 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think you fail to recognize a key thing
HE WAS A ROOKIE….
With a year under his belt, this guy will be very good. Common There is no way you can fail to recognize this guy as a stud.
how many rookie QBs do you see leading their Team to an AFC championship game.
He made plays when he needed, and he got better as the season went on. He struggled at first.
His stats through the fist 6 weeks
1 td 7 picks
Rest of the season
13tds 5 picks.
The guy progressed as the season went on, and all word from camp shows that he is leaps and bounds better than he was last year.
Common!!!
by RAVEN'SD#1 on Jun 19, 2009 7:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Stats don't tell the whole story
Flacco was named the starter late in camp and was brought along slowly by Cam Cameron. We ran the ball more then any other team last year, which explains some of the lower passing totals. After a whole off season to prepare as the starter, our offense will be light years ahead of where it is last year. I think you will be very impressed with what you see come week one.
by DT711 on Jun 17, 2009 2:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Flaccos Stats
As far as attempts is pretty comparable to the other QBs of the top rushing teams in the league. What isnt though is his yards/game and yards/completion or his TD/INT ratio. What is it that will make your offense “light years” ahead of where it is last year?
by GenericBrand on Jun 17, 2009 3:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anyone who watched every Ravens game last year can answer this question.
The easiest answer is Joe Flacco’s development. Not many people go crazy over Flacco’s numbers from last year. His developement is what has impressed people. In his first five games, Flacco averaged 140 yards per game and threw 1 touchdown and 7 interceptions. In his last eleven games, Flacco averaged 193 yards per game and threw 13 touchdowns and only 5 interceptions. After his game against Indiannapolis, Cameron told him that he wasn’t a rookie anymore. It was like a light went on for him. He immediately started to improve from game-to-game. He has looked sharp in team activities, and there is no reason to think that he won’t be even better next season.
The draft selection of Michael Oher also helps the offense. If you played fantasy football, you know that Heap spent alot of time blocking last season. One of the biggest reasons for that was because the Ravens were rotating players at right tackle. Jared Gaither has Pro Bowl potential at left tackle, but the right side was a concern all year. In passing situations, the Ravens would have Heap and a running-back blocking for Flacco. This kept pressure off the rookie quarterback, but it usually left the Ravens with only two recievers running routes. Now that the Ravens have Oher on the right side and Flacco is no longer a rookie, the offense should be greatly improved.
by BAL_Hawk on Jun 17, 2009 5:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry dude
Unibrow may get better, but the only thing he has really shown has been his big arm. That’s cool and all but I don’t see how hopeful qb improvement + rookie o-line draft= greatly improved.
Good luck though.
kinda.
"...Said he couldn't go on the American way"
by Jux on Jun 17, 2009 6:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, Flacco led his team to the playoffs and was the first rookie quarterback to win two playoff games.
That seems like more than just a “big arm” to me, but you are entitled to your opinion.
by BAL_Hawk on Jun 17, 2009 7:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cmon now ,,,
Flacco led nothing the defense did. The same dominant D that Trent Dilfer “led”. In his two playoff games that he “won” and one that they lost he was 33/75(44%) 437 yds 1 TD 3 INTs and a QB rating of 50.8. Its not even a matter of opinion thats just straight up facts.
So I will rephrase the sentence to “Flacco played quarterback for the Ravens team that made the playoffs and was the first rookie lucky enough to play quarterback for one of the best defensive and running teams in the league.”
by GenericBrand on Jun 17, 2009 7:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If you watched any Ravens games last year, you would know that Flacco was a big reason that we were winning games. Those numbers you provided included all three playoffs games, including the AFCC game versus Pittsburgh. The Pittsburgh game was a bad game for Flacco, but that’s my point. As I have already stated, Flacco played poorly in his first five games but “immediately started to improve” after those games. “It was like a light went on for him.” I will show you through “straight up facts,” that the Ravens won games when Flacco was playing well and lost games when Flacco played poorly.
Weeks 1-6:
Flacco’s statistics: 848 yds, 168 yds/gm, 144 att, 90 comp, 62.5 pct, 1 td, 7 int
Flacco’s rating: 60.1
Raven’s record: 2-3 (included a three game losing streak)
Weeks 7-17:
Flacco’s statistics: 2127 yds, 193 yds/gm, 284 att, 167 comp, 58.8 pct, 13 td, 5 int
Flacco’s rating: 91.2
Raven’s record: 9-2 (included a four game winning streak)
First Two Playoff Games:
Flacco’s statistics: 296 yds, 148 yds/gm, 45 att, 20 comp, 44.5 pct, 1 td, 0 int
Flacco’s rating: 74.3
Raven’s record: 2-0
AFCC Game Versus Pittsburgh:
Flacco’s statistics: 141 yds, 141 yds/gm, 30 att, 13 comp, 43.3 pct, 0 td, 3 int
Flacco’s rating: 18.2
Raven’s record: 0-1
As you can clearly see, the Ravens only won games when Flacco played well last season. The defense and the running game did help Flacco tremendously, but there is NO WAY that the Ravens would have won 11 games last season or made the playoffs without him. He led the team and did exactly what they need him to do to win.
by BAL_Hawk on Jun 18, 2009 8:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hold on.
Did you just find a correlation between good QB play and wins? That makes so much sense…
Hey AP guys, I think I know what we need to do to win games this year!
"...Said he couldn't go on the American way"
by Jux on Jun 18, 2009 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sarcasm is the recourse of a weak mind.
by BAL_Hawk on Jun 18, 2009 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol
"Sarcasm helps keep you from telling people what you really think of them."
It’s not my fault that you point is laughable. You are trying to prove that Flacco was the REASON you won games, and you did it by drawing a connection between good QB play and winning games.
I just didn’t want to call you out and get in trouble with the mods. Ravens fans aren’t worth getting banned.
Seriously though, good luck next year. I hope for the sake of the chiefs we can pull an upset (and I say upset because you guys are defiantly the favorites going in).
But even if you beat the chiefs, the steelers are going to wipe the floor with you, just like last year. =]
"...Said he couldn't go on the American way"
by Jux on Jun 18, 2009 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have no interest in verbal exchanges with you. My points are valid, and sarcastically ridiculing them proves nothing besides your inability to refute them. If you want to talk football, I’m open to an intelligent discussion. I’m not really interested in anything else.
by BAL_Hawk on Jun 18, 2009 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
really?
I agree with this
that the Ravens won games when Flacco was playing well and lost games when Flacco played poorly.
But thats not that big of a point that you’ve proved. Look at most games that ANY team wins and their QB’s stats for that will almost always be favorable.
I disagree with this
Flacco was a big reason that we were winning games
And sorry you didn’t put forward any proof that he was a reason you won games. You just showed that games you won had Flacco with a better rating than when you lost.
"...Said he couldn't go on the American way"
by Jux on Jun 18, 2009 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
he wouldn't need to explain it
…if you had been watching the games. You would have seen how he looks in the pocket and how he leads.
you’ll see plenty of him on Sports Center top 10 this year though…
by jackmca on Jun 18, 2009 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
agreed with Bal_Hawk
Flacco may not have lit the world on fire but you’re in denial if you don’t think he played well at times. What is striking is the improvement he made week-to-week, so naturally, someone who has watched that week-to-week progression would expect quite a large step forward when he has a whole offseason to watch his own tape.
Bottom line is that most teams would love to have a rookie QB play as well as Flacco.
by jackmca on Jun 18, 2009 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I didn't say he didn't play well
"...Said he couldn't go on the American way"
by Jux on Jun 18, 2009 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We pretty much know what they will do offensively.
They have no idea what we are going to throw at them. We could use this to our advantage. I predict a 13-10 Chiefs win.
Go Chiefs!!!
by Chiefsfan1970 on Jun 17, 2009 8:57 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
This may work. The Ravens easily could take the Chief's for granted and they really won't know what
to suspect. Also, conditioning-wise and gameplan-wise, maybe under Haley , the Chief’s will have a few surprises. For a young team, this would be a great upset and way to start the season. We can hope.
by jcox31mc on Jun 17, 2009 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Won't happen
The Ravens have never beaten the Chiefs here in Baltimore and the media will be all over that as it gets closer. Taking a team for granted in the season opener? Sorry.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Jun 17, 2009 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
name me one game...
…last year when the Ravens seemed to not take a team seriously. We take everyone seriously, we’ll take the Lions as seriously as we take the Steelers.
What do you think this is, a Herm Edwards team?
by jackmca on Jun 18, 2009 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
How do you know what we will do offensively?
We, as die hard Ravens fans don’t know. Our offense will be much more balanced this season. Flacco has emerged from rookie QB to a veteran leader and is able to take on much more responsibility this year.
Can you enlighten us to what we will do?
by DT711 on Jun 17, 2009 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The point is...
There is tape on the Ravens to prepare with and nothing on the Chiefs. Not to mention I don’t see how you offense balances out when you’ve done nothing to add to the passing game. Flacco is far from a veteran leader yet, he’s a second year player that was serviceable with a great defense to bail him out of trouble. I’m sure he will take on more responsibility but unfortunately he still has no weapons other then a running game to help him out.
by GenericBrand on Jun 17, 2009 3:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ummm...Let me guess. I bet you run the ball at least 35 times just like always.
And then you will throw on third and medium just like always.
Sounds alot like Herm Edwards ball to me.
by Chiefsfan1970 on Jun 17, 2009 3:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
the main difference is...
…that we win games… Herm Edwards has some work to do on that one…
We could run the ball 55 times on you for all I care, you won’t be able to say much about it if it gets us the win.
by jackmca on Jun 18, 2009 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why don't you poll the fans on likely outcomes
And then use the consensus as the prediction for the season? May end up too optimistic, but this is a fan site!
Negative Ghost Rider the pattern is full...
by cpa913 on Jun 17, 2009 9:19 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Actually
We talked about that.. But then we figured the Chiefs would go 16-0 :)
by Joel Thorman on Jun 17, 2009 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This will be the game that lets everyone know
Who we are this year.
I really think the Ravens are over hyped and that they will underestimate us bad. All we need is decent run protection, the secondary to make a few big plays, and the offense to be competent.
As for the Ravens, I hope they all choke and die in the fiery bowls of the great spaghetti monster god’s hell. I really hope we pull a Tom Brady on Flacco and show that little punk what we can do. <strike .
"...Said he couldn't go on the American way"
by Jux on Jun 17, 2009 10:32 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Sounds Familiar...
Not sure about the rest of you, but I thought last season’s opener against the Pats, in New England, would be the decisive game to reflect on future potential and outcome of the season. For all intents and purposes, we faired well and should have won that game (damn DBowe drop in the endzone). We all saw how the rest of the season went. Had we pulled that one out of our asses, the season may have gone differently and who knows how our team would look at this point. Thankfully it ended how it did because this season appears to scream victory. I cannot wait for this season to get here.
KCCHIEFSFAN72
by kcchiefsfan72 on Jun 17, 2009 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That is all you do need.
Ravens play poorly in ALL facets of game and Chiefs look like SB Champs and you win. Easy, huh?
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Jun 17, 2009 1:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What the hell od you expect?
If you want to see people commenting about how awesome the ravens are, how about you go to a fucking ravens blog.
HOLY SHIT. Chiefs fans think the chiefs will beat the ravens! HOLD THE F’n PRESSES!
"...Said he couldn't go on the American way"
by Jux on Jun 17, 2009 6:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jux is having a hard day
Welcome to AP and for bringing insight. No we don’t think that the Ravens will pee their pants to see the Chiefs in the 2009 Ravens Home Opener. Flacco is entering his Sophmore year, Cassel though Sophmore has more years of tuteluge under his belt. Posted earlier, The Ravens have no video except 2009 Pre-season to base a gameplan on and we Have Pioli/Haley and an entirely different mindset in 2009 from 2008. Should be Great game to start both Our seasons:)
Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying
by Steve_Chiefs on Jun 17, 2009 7:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1000
"...Said he couldn't go on the American way"
by Jux on Jun 18, 2009 2:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
best of luck to Cassel...
…but your offense having new schematics and a ton of new faces really isn’t a reason why the ravens defense will play worse against it. Its really more of a reason why the advantage is to the Ravens.
I mean, your offense has never expereinced a regular-season game situation as a unit before and they’ll be ironing out the wrinkles in Baltimore against one of the most consistently dominant defenses in recent memory.
I sincerely hope that you guys fare well this year, because I know how it is to be a die-hard fan for a losing club, but some things just weren’t meant to be. Winning in Baltimore in Week 1 is probably one of those things…
by jackmca on Jun 18, 2009 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm pretty sure the Patriots were looking to take their super bowl loss out on us...
But in the first game of last year we came within seven yards of sending that game into overtime and played with them hard all game.
by Chief Crazy on Jun 17, 2009 11:00 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'll take a win by 1 point or 30
Prefer 30, but one point win still makes us 1-0, which is what I’m looking for from my Ravens.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Jun 17, 2009 1:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
17-10
I did something a little like this a few days ago. Except I did them all in one post haha. But I think if we win it might be something like 10-7 or something of the sort, unless our offense clicks and meshes well in this game. If we loose i could see it being 17-10 or close. This could be a suprise showing how good we can be. But this game I see maybe less than 20 pts by either team. 20 pts or less scored by either team.
In Pioli We Trust
by KC Nate on Jun 17, 2009 11:05 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
you guys still seem to think we have a weak offense...
… we scored 24 points or more in 10 games last year. against his weaker defensive opponents(and lets be frank, KC’s defense isn’t great), Flacco’s performances were:
vs Cleveland, Week 9: 17 of 29 for 248yards, 58.6%, 2 TDs, 0 INTs, QB rting 109.6
vs Cincy, Week 13: 19 of 29 for 280 yards, 65.5%, 2 TDs, 0 INTs, QB rting 119.9
vs Jax, Week 17: 17 of 23 for 297 yards, No TDs or INTs but a QB rting of 115.8 (and a lot of big plays in that game, just no TDs through the air).
I mean, sure, this guy wasn’t drew Brees last year, he was a ROOKIE. Having shown flashes like that last year, and having a full offseason to work on it, its fair to expect quite a bit of improvement from the kid.
by jackmca on Jun 18, 2009 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Based on this guys description
The Ravens are superbowl champs so theres no point in anyone playing any games this year. We may lose this game but if we do the only reason why would be because its in their building. Baltimore will be overlooking us and being that its week 1 they’ll be prime for the picking.
by GenericBrand on Jun 17, 2009 11:33 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Something tells me
most teams don’t “overlook” the opponents in the FIRST game of the season. The Ravens received zero respect all season long last year nd throughout the playoffs were picked to lose each game. They have a huge chip on their shoulder and trust me, Ray Lewis won’t break any hips, at least none of his own, much less let anyone else take the game easy.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Jun 17, 2009 1:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You dont think a bunch of guys who have won 2 of their last 26 games wont have a chip on their shoulders?
Or be eager and ready. Like you said teams are prepared and eager for their first game and last time I checked 2 teams play in a game and you’re already discounting one. If the Ravens go in with the same “cant lose” attitude I see here, theyre going to get rolled over.
by GenericBrand on Jun 17, 2009 1:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
if there's any question about the ravens' attitude...
… you should get you some game tape…
we’re not superbowl champs, but we’re alot better than the Cheifs are, I can tell you that right now.
by jackmca on Jun 18, 2009 11:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
John Harbaugh
Does not allow his team to overlook any opponent.
While, we are clearly not super bowl champs, we will be much improved from last season, and we were a pretty damn good team.
by DT711 on Jun 17, 2009 2:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Improvement from subtraction?
There isn’t much added there but a rookie RT and you lost two of your better defenders who you at least knew what you’d get from them and added two question marks that you dont know what to expect from.
by GenericBrand on Jun 17, 2009 2:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
another scholar here i see...
…Leonhard was a backup, this time we have our starter.
Gooden is also capable of starting based on what I’ve seen from him. YOU can call him a question mark if you want, but our REAL starting SS is back, he’s no question mark.
And a second year QB who showed impressive week-to-week improvement as a rookie? There’s probably going to be considerable improvement in that regard as well.
The ravens weaknesses are:
—Filling the hole at ILB (although I believe Gooden will be just fine, as we usually replace LBs very well).
—Receivers. Mason is the only good one, the rest are just OK, and any injury in that group is a problem.
The Cheif’s weaknesses are:
—Defense in general
—A new QB in a new system who only enjoyed part-time success throwing to Moss and Welker
You guys have the question mark as to whether or not Cassel can continue to produce now that he’s the spotlight QB in a new system,
the question mark as to whether or not you can keep your opponents under 30 points,
the question mark about a new coach,
the question mark about LJ being able to put up numbers as he nears age 30 in a league that is unkind to Running Backs
I’m not saying we shouldn’t bother to play the game, because Cassel might get a few by us downfield and make thigns interesting, but I think we all know who the favorite is here.
by jackmca on Jun 18, 2009 11:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Somedays I forget why I hate Ravens fans.
Thank you for reminding me.
"...Said he couldn't go on the American way"
by Jux on Jun 18, 2009 1:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm glad
That our home opener will be against the raiders
Its a game thats winable and can get the season in arrowhead started off on a good note
Before you build yourself up, you must tear somebody else down.
by Zennedy on Jun 17, 2009 12:29 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'll be there in the 2nd row
I’m banking on a win!!!
by stagdsp on Jun 17, 2009 3:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Haley has this team prepared and ready to go
We could have the element of surprise because no one knows what kind of offense we’ll have, or defense for that matter. I bet no one thought Miami would knock off NE either and they blew them away purely on the fact that the Pats didnt know what was coming.
by GenericBrand on Jun 17, 2009 1:23 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I see a 1-1 record in your future
as you return to Arrowhead and put one on the Raiders. But you will start the Oakland game 0-1.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Jun 17, 2009 1:23 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Reading about the Ravens reminds me of the really good Marthy Schottenheimer years for the Chiefs
In some games, they will be lights out. You will wonder how anyone could beat them. However, if they are not playing with a lead, this type of team is not the kind of team built to come back in the fourth quarter. This will be a great “measuring stick” game. We, as Chiefs fans, know we have a tough schedule for the first part of the year. Hopefully it makes the team better, and if Matt Cassell is even half of what he looks like the Chiefs will be on a role playing weaker competition in the second half of the season. Anything can happen,obviously, but when teams get on a role late in the season, they are dangerous.
Negative Ghost Rider the pattern is full...
by cpa913 on Jun 17, 2009 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great thread...I love trash talk.
The Ravens are a very good team but, we do have the the advantage of no tape to watch. There is no way to know what the Chiefs will do on either side of the ball. If we execute well, we will definitely be able to match up with them.
If we can keep their run game at bay and force Flacco to beat us with his arm, the Chiefs could very well walk away with a win. Our secondary is one of the finest in the NFL. I will hand it to Ed Reed for being a total badass but, overall, I think the Chiefs have it going on in every position in the secondary INCLUDING our backups. Hell, Mo Legg might be one of our best players and he is just a Nickel guy.
by Chiefsfan1970 on Jun 17, 2009 3:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
lol
comparing the chiefs D to the Ravens now that’s comedy. I hate to tell you guy’s but the chiefs have a snowballs chance in hell of beating the Ravens. We could start a high school team on offense and still beat you by our defense alone, and before you get started on how we lost Rex Ryan and Bart Scott let me tell you it won’t matter. It didn’t matter when we lost Mike Nolan it didn’t matter when we lost Marvin Lewis and it won’t matter that we lost Rex. The same goes for the linebackers we lost Jamie Sharper, Ed Hartwell, and AD and it DOESN’T matter. Matt Cassell is going to be eaten alive bank on it.
Prediction:
27-3 Ravens
by drogan817 on Jun 17, 2009 8:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually in reality ( of which you are apparently not enjoying ) the chances are 50/50 any given day.
What would be comical is seeing your face when the Chiefs beat the Ravens.
Yeah, let's just keep matriculatin' the ball down the field, boys! ...
Order your Arrowhead Pride Wolf Pack T-shirt at ARROWHEAD ATTITUDE
by oldchiefsfan on Jun 18, 2009 1:13 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
For all you stats guys out there.
The Chiefs lead the head to head competition against the Ravens.
3 wins, 1 loss. Points scored 80, points against 62 = .750 W/L percentage.
Yeah, let's just keep matriculatin' the ball down the field, boys! ...
Order your Arrowhead Pride Wolf Pack T-shirt at ARROWHEAD ATTITUDE
by oldchiefsfan on Jun 18, 2009 1:41 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
true indeed
we all have lives here… even if it may seem like we don’t for a few hours on sunday in the falls
by jackmca on Jun 18, 2009 3:20 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
28-7
See me
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
by Mr MaLoR on Jun 20, 2009 2:26 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
21-13 chiefs
It will be 7-10 going into the half.
"...Said he couldn't go on the American way"
by Jux on Jun 20, 2009 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
heyyy
wow i like thiss blog
im a baltimore fan and im new to AP
but it loooks reall interesting here
by Bm0re blackout on Jun 20, 2009 2:11 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
wow
ehh im in a situation see im going to this game opener and im a big ravens but my cousin actually plays for your team lol ima try to stay jus a lil nuetral
ehh
17 -10 ravens =/
by Bm0re blackout on Jun 20, 2009 2:13 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
the main thing to me is that...
…the Ravens usually have trouble with QBs who have the arm stregnth to stretch the field. Cassel doesn’t have that kind of arm, and the Ravens are pretty exceptional at defending short routes and such.
Maybe KC has a chance if their defense puts on a shockingly good performance, but the Ravens are going to be firing on all cylinders come opening week.
by jackmca on Jun 23, 2009 1:25 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
sooo.....what you're saying is that
our third string QB could come in and win? Hmm….we’ll see…
by TDubb on Jul 8, 2009 3:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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