When you haven't won a Super Bowl in over 40 years, expectations become lower than they should be. Champions expect to be exactly that while after-rans more easily accept the idea of taking vacation the first week in January. Earlier today, I read a quote posted earlier on Arrowhead Pride that made it clear times are changing.
"I really don't care who's in our way. We have to get them out of our way. I don't care who they go get. I just know it's going to be a good season this year. I can't wait to get on the field. I'm excited. I miss the game. I'm in love with it. I can't stop thinking about it. Playing Peyton twice a year would be great because he's a great NFL Hall of Fame quarterback but he's in our way as well."That was Jamaal Charles speaking on the Fast Life Show earlier today.
Charles not only expressed his indifference to who is playing quarterback in Denver but also his confidence in the Kansas City Chiefs. He clearly feels it's not about his team getting around potential obstacles but rather going through them.
Bear in mind, this isn't a Randy Moss or Terrell Owens type of personality. Charles is one of the more quiet and understated superstars in sports today. He carries his swagger on the field and leaves it there, painting portraits of excellence with each play. Yet he felt at ease saying what he did.
Many times in the past it never felt like this team was ready to win because they didn't expect victories.
Times are clearly changing in Kansas City in more ways than one. Look at the middle part of that quote again, and read where he talks about his love of football. Does anyone really believe that Larry Johnson would have said and/or meant that?
The Chiefs are believers in themselves, and anyone who has ever accomplished anything in life knows confidence is the great equalizer. Of course the other part of being successful is talent. Luckily, Kansas City has an abundance of it.
The draft is coming up in three weeks from tonight which means more ability coming into the fold. It's easy to think about free agency alone and get excited about the 2012 season. Just wait until the rookies are brought into town.
With very few holes on the Chiefs - especially in the staring lineup - it could be tough for youngsters to get significant playing time. However, a few will make their mark and the rest will start churning and improving the bottom of the roster. The present and the future appear to be good times to root for Kansas City.
Most people will be picking the Broncos to win the AFC West this season. Don't count Jamaal Charles and his team among them.