Close & Late Is What Truly Matters for the Chiefs in '09

by Matt Conner on Jun 18, 2009 9:51 AM CDT in 2009 Kansas City Chiefs Offseason

Close and Late. That will be the mark by which I judge the upcoming 2009 season for the Kansas City Chiefs.

I personally don't care whether we're 4-12 or 8-8 (or worse or better, for the most part) as long as we've made some significant strides in the fourth quarter. If our offensive and defensive lines are still holding their own, that's a great sign of progress. If our corners aren't getting burned from running all day, if our linebackers remain sharp in reading coverage in the new defensive schemes, if D-Bowe and company aren't letting balls bounce off their hands... those are all signs that your Chiefs are better than before. As for win-loss records, I could honestly care less. At least this year.

Some will scoff at thinking like this and I can understand that. "Wins and losses are all that matter in this league." There's some real truth to that. Intangibles don't fill the seats at Arrowhead, I realize. But in my view, the schedule for this next year is brutal. Absolutely brutal. And we need to be realistic that the good teams will most likely remain good and the bad ones have all reloaded in ways they believe will begin their own ascent. So we need to keep perspective.

This is why I'm looking to simply up our game in this key area of close and late. In the midst of a brutal schedule, are we still playing with the same tenacity in week 14 or 15? Does Todd Haley still have the ear of the players even if a losing season is already in the books? These are the real questions I care about in the 2009 season.

I have my reasons for loving this idea of Close and Late (both in games and in season). So let me tell you why:

1. Momentum at Schedule's End - If you analyze the Chiefs' schedule, you realize we have very winnable games down the stretch, including both Broncos contests, Raiders and Browns at Arrowhead and at Cincinnati to face the Bengals near season's end. If we haven't already mailed it in and Haley still arrests the attention of all 53, then we'll build some strong momentum heading into next year.

2. Avoiding Another Off-season Fleecing - If we're showing strength in Close and Late situations, I can guarantee you we will be buzzing about some players that we currently aren't at this point. This will mean another receiver has stepped it up in a big way and that our linemen on both sides of the ball are fulfilling their promise. And instead of going into another off-season looking to add the right "53", we might just be looking at 5 or 3. Of course, I'm sure it will be more than that, but imagine the power of adding a solid draft class to a team with a strong foundation versus this year's draft of "which holes do we plug and which do we leave for later?"

3. Fans Will Flock Back - Many have noted just how close the Chiefs were in several games last year and yet we ended up 2-14. But the energy will be there if we continue to be strong late in the 4th quarter and good competition means games that are exciting to watch. And this means fans might want to fork over the money to actually BE at Arrowhead. And if that's the case, then the home field advantage might just come into play even more.

4. An Attractive Destination - Let's be honest. Endorsement opportunities aren't aplenty in KC and it's not the mountains or oceans or hot spots offer up much for free agents to lust after. And obviously the biggest "I don't want to play for them" remains the horrific record the last two years to go along with the new regime. But if the Chiefs are still Haley's team after 16 games and Pioli & Co. are building a solid team, Kansas City suddenly becomes a possible landing spot for those players looking for an up-and-coming team.

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Comments

Good read but, I disagree.

This sounds like a Herm Edwards approach to me.
I hardly think the new Coaches are going to accept losing as any sort of an option even if the games are competitive. These players will be held accountable for everything they do. I really think the new mindset includes the fact that they will EXPECT TO WIN EVERY WEEK. It doesn’t matter if they are playing the Steelers or the Lions.
There is a HUGE difference between expecting to win and hoping to win.

by Chiefsfan1970 on Jun 18, 2009 11:08 AM CDT reply actions

I didn't get that from this article.

It came off to me that WE as fans can’t expect to win ever game.

I mean it would just be bad coaching to not expect to win, and I with what you are saying. I just don’t think Connerman was saying that at all…

"...Said he couldn't go on the American way"

by Jux on Jun 18, 2009 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions

by thejesuslizard No ! On Less thejesuslizard is refering To The Robot re;ie:

“Lost In Space " ! Imo ! It rubbed off/ growed on me { In a F.H.A./Green Acres Type of Way } !

by 65tosspowertrap on Jun 18, 2009 7:05 PM CDT up reply actions

Agree. No more excuses.

I’ve grown weary of the tired “so long as everyone does their very best, I’m happy” bullshit. You people must realize this is bullshit, right?

The Chiefs are a storied and respected professional sports team, and our single goal is to win football games. So is a .500 season is unacceptable? In case you’re wondering, the answer is NO! A .500 season isn’t acceptable. It is a definite possibility, but it is still unacceptable.

It’s a sad state of affairs that articles promoting lower expectations as realistic goals are being promoted within the KC fanbase. But fortunately for us Chiefs fans, Todd Haley appears to understand the importance of winning, and I’m placing faith in him to bring this franchise from the brink of oblivion and lead us to glory.

by Pilcrow on Jun 18, 2009 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions

Great article.

And I completely agree. Win/loss record defiantly has meaning in this league and in the end its one of the few things that matter. But when we look at the last 2 seasons and all the stuff that has changed this year, we have to be realistic and look at the things that really matter.

"...Said he couldn't go on the American way"

by Jux on Jun 18, 2009 11:08 AM CDT reply actions

My Realistic ; Perspective & Tenacity Mad Theory !

In week 1) Ravens – Week 2) ? Compare Tenacity in Weeks 1) & 2) to the Tenacity in weeks 14 or 15 ? Keep me posted ! I love this Idea of Close and Late ; also ! by connerman : At least this year .._com I won’t { Be Eating Crow }{ If ; Gen. Austin would have had his troops ready for Santa Anna [ Gen. Santa Anna would have heard " Remember The Alamo In San Antonio Tx instead of in San Jacinto Tx . Go Chiefs ! Please ; I humbly ask let Hermism rest in peace ! 2009 Ed. by connerman I get it ! I am still a " newbies "! @ this age !

by 65tosspowertrap on Jun 18, 2009 12:07 PM CDT reply actions

WTF

type like normal so I can actually read what you write man!

Paddy

by Patrick Allen on Jun 18, 2009 1:43 PM CDT up reply actions

+1

Good post/read

Inifinite Diversity In Infinite Combinations

by carthagechief on Jun 18, 2009 12:09 PM CDT reply actions

by carthagechief Acknowledged & Rec'd !

by 65tosspowertrap on Jun 18, 2009 12:14 PM CDT up reply actions

If we go 4-12 i'll be pissed and will be calling Bill Cower collect.

by chicks_love_chiefs on Jun 18, 2009 12:21 PM CDT reply actions

by chicks_love_chiefs You & Me Both !

by 65tosspowertrap on Jun 18, 2009 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions

my favorite line

instead of going into another off-season looking to add the right “53”, we might just be looking at 5 or 3.

I think this team CAN get to the point where they only need to add a couple of pieces in the next offseason. Hopefully the “major overhaul” and “rebuilding” is done for a long, long time

by stagdsp on Jun 18, 2009 12:24 PM CDT reply actions

that being said...

wins/losses DO matter.
2008 was the season of “close, but not quite”…
2009 will be a disapointment if they don’t turn the close games into victories.

by stagdsp on Jun 18, 2009 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions

(significant strides)

good post but but with significant strides comes more wins, I don’t see a 4-12 Chiefs team as making significant strides and I don’t think Pioli/Haley will either. If we are in games in the 4th quarter and still not winning them is not an improvement.

Herm is gone things are better with that one move!!

by bringbacktheglory on Jun 18, 2009 12:29 PM CDT reply actions

by bringbacktheglory " Ditto" !

by 65tosspowertrap on Jun 18, 2009 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions

Fail to agree

See I fail to agree that 2008 was the year of close and late. In a new system like this one, things that happened under Herm and those schemes are really gone, so I don’t view going 4-12 under Todd Haley and Pioli the same as going 4-12 under Herm. In other words, if we have the same record this year as last year, I don’t know that I’m all that frustrated. We’re going to take our licks this year, like it or not.

by Matt Conner on Jun 18, 2009 1:02 PM CDT reply actions

By_Connerman

I Agree [Speak the truth ! ] Gold ! Red ! Forever Red ! Forever_Red !

Jux_Jux_Jux [taposition] !

by Joel Thorman on Jun 18, 2009 1:15 PM CDT up reply actions

Alright

Am I missing something here? Is there some kind of inside joke with this odd 65tpt code? Most of the time I can’t make much sense of it.

TOUCHDOWN! KAN-SAH-CITY!!!

by TheScootness on Jun 18, 2009 3:15 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm just giving 65tosspowertrap a hard time

All in good fun :)

I don’t think English is his first language.

by Joel Thorman on Jun 18, 2009 4:47 PM CDT up reply actions

Prime there is no way that he doesn't have a firm grasp of English

Better than most of us I say. Juxposition is a word most don’t even know.
Hell I’m not real sure what it means but it is a word.
65 is enjoying us and posting and that is all that really matters.

Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying

by Steve_Chiefs on Jun 18, 2009 5:00 PM CDT up reply actions

by Steve_Chiefs That is The Point ! Everything else is ice-ing on the 2009 cake !

by 65tosspowertrap on Jun 19, 2009 6:45 AM CDT up reply actions

I'm very confused

"...Said he couldn't go on the American way"

by Jux on Jun 18, 2009 4:45 PM CDT up reply actions

SHHH!

Don’t tell anybody.

Braccae illae virides cum subucula rosea et tunica Caledonia-quam elenganter concinnatur!

by Buck'O on Jun 18, 2009 7:04 PM CDT up reply actions

by Jux About What ? Start with doubt & end with informed DOUBT ! F.Y.I.

by 65tosspowertrap on Jun 19, 2009 7:00 AM CDT up reply actions

by Jux

Imo When you are in a Rat race and you are lactose intolarant ! It is very hard to enjoy eating cheese and/or eating crow ! As K.C. Chiefs Fans we historically became Certified Members Of " The Wolfpack " AttackPack ; etc ! " …Said he couldn’t go on the American way " ! Couldn’t or Wouldn’t ? I am compelled to agree with by Jux ! In addition Juxaposition I agree with you on ! For the record I never posted any indication I donot have a firm grasp of the english language ! primetime 07 can verify my post re; Blogspere Diversty { English is not my primary language } Please donot (be) confused this is my we/gy/board ! In a Sea Of Red I bleed Red & Gold I Donot spread " HIV 2 Elway " I am That I Am ! Steve_Chiefs primetime 07 TexasChief and all others Of " Our Elk Get It & Support This 65tosspowertrap is (it) the 65 ;toss;and/or powertrap ? You decide ! Keep Me Posted ! Go Chiefs ! Imagine That 50 years later we are still learning " A Piece Of K.C.Chiefs History ! " I can proudly proclaim my alligiance to the cause of beating the Ravens ! My Realistic Tenacity ! After week 1 focus
I will focus on week 2 opposition/Juxaposition !Red ! Gold ! Stay

by 65tosspowertrap on Jun 19, 2009 8:09 AM CDT up reply actions

by primetime 07 That's what I'm saying !

by 65tosspowertrap on Jun 18, 2009 7:54 PM CDT up reply actions

by primetime 07 Astute Observation ! Everybody has a space to fill ! Nice Filler !

by 65tosspowertrap on Jun 19, 2009 6:56 AM CDT up reply actions

Wait a minute...

you’re saying that if we end with the same record as last year, the piece of shit 2-14 record, that you don’t know if you’ll be frustrated? I’ll be fucking livid! I can’t handle another losing season. Yes, I am prepping myself for a complete 180 degree turnaround. If that only means we win 8, at least we won’t have a losing record because the loss column will equal that of the win. If the football gods have anything to do with us this year, I pray that we go 9-7 or better…

KCCHIEFSFAN72

by kcchiefsfan72 on Jun 18, 2009 3:32 PM CDT up reply actions

by kcchiefsfan72 I pray that same prayer daily !

by 65tosspowertrap on Jun 18, 2009 8:07 PM CDT up reply actions

Wait a minute .._com Week 1) Ravens ; Until then : Mere Speculation (esp. Al Davis Raiders !

by 65tosspowertrap on Jun 19, 2009 6:49 AM CDT up reply actions

Herm --- Did you write this piece

Give me a break, we’re all gonna be pissed if the chiefs finish 4-12..Everyone will be dissapointed..Claiming otherwise is a complete lie.

The only thing that will bring fans back is an entertaining offense and/or winning.

I think your way over analyzing this close and late thing..

by CALIFAN1986 on Jun 18, 2009 1:40 PM CDT reply actions

I agree

The only way I’ll be satisfied with a losing record will be if they start off poorly but finish up the year strong with some convincing wins. Combine the difficult early schedule with all the newness of the team, I’m not expecting a very good start to the season…though I’m hopeful they’ll beat the Raiders and Cowboys at home. A 2-6 start followed by a 5-3 finish (with some convincing wins in there) would have me feeling really good about ’10.

by jmcgoblue on Jun 18, 2009 2:27 PM CDT up reply actions

To be the best you have to Beat the best

I like our schedule, who wants to play a bunch of cream puffs and go 12-4 and get our heads handed to us in 1st round. I want us to squeek a win over Ravens and Demolish Raiders at home and then Puff out our Chest and go toe to toe with Philly. Win or Lose leave it on the Philly turf and then come Home and beat the Bejeezes out of NY. Man I got goosebumps.

Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying

by Steve_Chiefs on Jun 18, 2009 5:05 PM CDT up reply actions

by Steve_Chiefs Me Too !

by 65tosspowertrap on Jun 18, 2009 8:10 PM CDT up reply actions

Close & Late will be the biggest thing for us this year - but it shouldn't be the only thing

I believe that we are going to win more “tight games” this year. But I’m still not going to be satisfied if we go 4-12. If a team team goes 4-12 (no matter what the circumstances)that tells me that the team sucks.

I don't have a girlfriend. I just know a lady who would be really mad if she heard me say that. -Mitch Hedberg

by mistamic on Jun 18, 2009 4:05 PM CDT reply actions

a 4-12 season would = 10-48 over the last 3 seasons....

I’ll be hard pressed to find many positives REGARDLESS how close we lose thoes 12 games.

by chicks_love_chiefs on Jun 18, 2009 4:40 PM CDT reply actions

10-38 sorry

by chicks_love_chiefs on Jun 18, 2009 4:42 PM CDT reply actions

WHAT?

that was 2008, if you want another 2008 go watch the royals. I got an idea take that close in one hand and the late in the other then squeeze real tight then smash em together then shove em up yo ass!!!

by ZachMartin2 on Jun 18, 2009 4:43 PM CDT reply actions

We're not the Raiders and arent delirious Raiderfans

so therefore 4-12 doesnt cut it. If Haley said 53 guys off the street could win two games and we had opportunity to get almost any FA we wanted(if money was the only issue) and got the “right 53 guys” and dont finish at least 7-9ish something is wrong. I honestly think this team will do it. With the blend of veterans, a smart offensive coach, creative defense, improved conditioning/depth and improved special teams there is no reason this team cant win regardless of schedule.

by GenericBrand on Jun 18, 2009 9:44 PM CDT reply actions