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Chiefs Lose; Crennel Says He Has 'Not Been Told Anything' About Job from KC Star
Armed with little more than a franchise-worst 2-14 record and a 38-3 season-ending loss to the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Romeo Crennel could offer no compelling evidence that he should keep his job as the Chiefs head coach.
"It depends on what the criteria is," Crennel said. "If the criteria is wins and losses, there's not much defense. If the criteria is trying to keep a team together and play young guys, and make some improvement with those guys, then a defense could be made. But that's not for me to judge, that's not for me to say."
That word will come from Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt as soon as Monday. Various reports indicated that Crennel was likely to be out as Chiefs coach after one full season, though he said Sunday night he hadn't heard about his future.
There's Only One Thing To Do Now That Chiefs' Season Is Over from KC Star
They broke an 83-year-old NFL record by not holding a lead in regulation until the ninth game. They broke a 68-year record for most rushing yards in a loss. They just lost their ninth game by more than two touchdowns, a level of ineptitude unmatched since the 1981 Colts - back when they played in Baltimore. They once went until late in the third quarter without a first down. They turned the ball over six times in one game, and lost six others with one or zero turnovers.
They fumbled snaps at the goal line, threw passes off facemasks, claimed to have lost their spirits after missed field goals before halftime (twice), drove their most passionate fans to organized protests, celebrated touchdowns that didn't count (twice), were insulted by fans at goodwill photo ops and trash-talked their opponents to the ugly end.
Many longtime fans came to hate this team, and the Chiefs played like the feeling was mutual.
Chiefs Fall To Broncos 38-3, End 2012 Season At 2-14 from The Mothership
Kansas City entered Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos with Mile High hopes of a win but left with a 38-3 defeat.
The Chiefs began their final game of the 2012 season with a three-and-out before the AFC West champions went to work.
Chiefs Offense Stymied Again from KC Star
In a fitting tribute to one of the worst seasons in franchise history, the Chiefs saved the worst for last in Sunday's 38-3 loss to the Broncos.
The Chiefs were powerless to stop the 13-3 Broncos, who won their 11th straight game and clinched the top seed in the AFC playoffs. Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning threw for 304 yards and three touchdowns as Denver piled up almost 500 yards.
The Chiefs continued their meek offensive ways and had just 119 yards. They managed to venture inside the Denver 20 two times but once came away with only a field goal and later missed another attempt.
Chiefs Buzz: Charles Surpasses 1,500 Yards For Season from KC Star
Jamaal Charles rushed for 53 yards, leaving him with a career-high of 1,509 for the season, fifth on the Chiefs single-season rushing list. Larry Johnson holds the club record for rushing yards in a season with 1,789 in 2006.
Johnson is also second on the list with 1,750 in 2005. Priest Holmes is third (1,615 in 2002) and fourth (1,555 in 2001) on the list.
But Charles owns the highest career rushing average for any player with more than 750 carries. Charles is averaging 5.79 yards per carry. Hall of Fame back Jim Brown is second at 5.22 yards.
Postgame Notes: Chiefs At Broncos from The Mothership
Colquitt's Performance Inside the 20: P
Dustin Colquitt punted eight times for 373 yards (46.6 gross, 45.8 net) in today's contest, landing three punts inside the 20-yard line. His three punts inside the 20 give him 45 punts inside the 20 for the season, setting a new single-season franchise record, passing his old mark of 41 from the 2009 season. He now has 250 punts inside the 20 to rank first in team history.
LB Derrick Johnson Named Chiefs Nominee For Walter Payton NFL Man Of The Year Honor from The Mothership
A Waco, Texas, native, and a Pro Bowl performer, Johnson has committed himself to both his on-the-field work, as well as his off-the-field efforts to help those in need, especially youth. His "Defend the Dream Foundation" was established to help make a difference in the lives of under-served children. To help reach those individuals, Johnson partnered with the United Way this year on its "Team NFL" campaign, striving to cut the country's high school dropout rate in half by 2018. Johnson, along with other professional athletes, recruits volunteers in hopes of providing students with a support network of ample tutors. Through this initiative, he has provided incentives such as purchasing game tickets and offering memorabilia to help recruit pledges to join him in helping keep kids in school.
Broncos Clinch AFC Top Seed With Rout Of Chiefs from CBS Sports
On the other end of the spectrum are the Chiefs, who finished with 119 yards of offense and wrapped up the first pick in next year's draft.
Coach Romeo Crennel watched the game from the sideline, leaning on a crutch, after having his knee drained of fluid earlier in the week. Many in Kansas City expect him to be unemployed soon.
"I told him it's been a long one," Chiefs defensive lineman Shaun Smith said about his postgame conversation with Crennel. "Sorry it didn't turn out the way [we wanted]. I have faith in you and that's all that matters."
Kansas City Chiefs Own No. 1 Pick In 2013 NFL Draft from NFL.com
When the Chiefs went 2-14 in 2008, they selected defensive end Tyson Jackson with the No. 3 overall pick. Jackson has five sacks in four seasons.
Kansas City hopes for better success this time around, but who will be the decision-makers? Both coach Romeo Crennel and general manager Scott Pioli could be history by Monday. If Pioli goes, his replacement will be tasked with a massive decision out of the gate.
KCChiefs.com Photo Gallery: Game Highlights Denver
KCChiefs.com Video: From The Podium: Romeo Crennel
KCChiefs.com Video: From The Podium: Romeo Crennel
KCChiefs.com Video: Postgame Wrapup With Mitch Holthus