... then it's a real scoop for Wright, because I ain't seein' this anywhere else, right now.

But it couldn't come at a better time.  KC is in the same spot SF was when we met them, last year.  Most were still optimistic about a young and talented team, led by a loud and eccentric HOF-player-turned-HC.  Lucky for the Chiefs, they're led by a coach who is, by turns laconic like Belichick and a sarcastic smart-ass like Bill Parcells.

This game is truly make-or-break for KC.  But some factors are in their favor.  The Vikes are beatable.  The KC D will hold up their end.  And if Nick Wright's right, Baldwin will get a chance to strut his stuff.  If the offense can find SOME kind of spark, this game is Baldwinnable.

Sorry.  No pics or polls - just prose.

Can the kid get off the jam?  Will he be hampered by the thumb?  Will he show veteran courage over the middle?  After the stupid thumb thing, is he tough enough to take the heat on the field?  Hell, is Nick Wright right?

Dunno.

I'm not sure if the Vikes D is too old or too inexperienced.  But it has seemed for 2 seasons, now, that they are too inflexible to mix it up, or their execution simply tapers off as the game wears on.  Either way, they seem to give up plays late.  I hope that doesn't mean KC tries sandbaggin' in the first half...

I just want the Chiefs to start FAST, for a change.  Let's see how Crennel plays it with a lead.  I love his available choices for staffing the front 5.  I didn't like some of the early Bailey-Gilberry stuff, but he stuck with it, and maybe he's right.  Still saw San Diego enjoy success with a draw play or two against that pair, but also saw Crennel mix in some Amon Gordon in place of the one of the pair.  Seems like I saw a fair amount of #99 in there with #92, and that pair causing Rivers some problems.

But I also saw more of the front-line d-linemen in there in nickel.  More #94, 77, and 72  against San Diego.  Still saw a fair amount (more than expected) from the late 3rd-round rookie d-lineman (and more than I really wanted, quite frankly). 

I think the KC D-Line has more push this season, and will assert itself, more and more as the season progresses.  And it better REALLY assert itself in Game 4, because KC needs this game.