I don’t want to be a “told you so” but I did say before the season started that San Diego would not be the same with Marty gone. Norv Turner seems to mess up just about everywhere he coaches – and the Chargers are now one and two – same as our Chiefs.
Kansas City looked much the same against Minnesota as they did against the Bears, but the defense was charged up with the return of Jared Allen. Other than a long first quarter drive, the Chiefs dominated. The defense will do a job in San Diego; but the Chiefs will need to go down field with their passing if they are to prevail. Bowe is what was needed, and if Kennison gets well the opposition will have a tough time stopping the Chiefs passing game. Kansas City is nearly a two touchdown underdog but I think they have a good chance to beat the Chargers. With Denver losing at home, the Western race tightened up. The Chiefs are only a game back.
When the Chiefs play the Vikings one immediately gets a memory-reversal back to 1970 and New Orleans; the site of Super Bowl Four. These two teams will battle it out in Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday. No Super Bowl is at stake in this one but there is a challenge for both teams – it’s not a conference or division game for either; but both need a victory to stay in their division race. The Chiefs played eight games and split with Minnesota; winning the 2003 game 45 to 20 in Minnesota. The current Vikings are a much-improved team over a season ago when they went 6 and 10. Look for a tough defensive battle much like the Bears game a week ago. I like the Chiefs to win but it will probably be a nail-biter. A loss would put the Chiefs in a hole with a tough game ahead next week in San Diego.
Chicago and the Chiefs have a lot in common – both scored three points in their openers. Chicago’s loss in San Diego was more or less expected but the Chiefs showing in Houston was a big disappointment. With the signing of the new place kicker the Chiefs hope to get back on track with their special teams play. Chicago will be tough; particularly in Chicago but looking at the game it appears to be a slugfest defensively. Damon Huard needs help from a weakened receiving corps – but Larry Johnson is expected to play more and add some punch to the offense. Rex Grossman the Bears quarterback can be handled with a strong front line on defense but give him time and there will be trouble. It’s only week two of sixteen but every game will count when December rolls around. A total team effort could win in Chicago but ball security – catching passes and not missing tackles will be necessary.
