Even after the third loss versus the Bills, I felt like this and was left ponder the season. Then, all of a sudden, things were looking up for the Kansas City Chiefs Football Club. They were cellar dwelling dome-skellar (Fancy name for bottom dwellers from my years in Houston, the dome referring to the Astrodome) for too long.
Sure, we were all still fans of the Chiefs, but as my round ball coach, Richard Woods (now deceased), told us after a loss in our finale season with all five players from the Freshman squad that went 14-0 and won 3 tourney trophies: “Don’t get your dobber down.” We ended up 19-5, but were eliminated by the Harrisonville team in the state tourney. Dad-blame-it!
The same could be said about football my Senior Year as well (beloved coach, Richard Riddle). We first lost to the State Champs (Midway) and then to the only team that beat them in 1969 (St. Mary’s High School). In both cases, these were both the first winning seasons the schools programs had really had, and that was totally true in football. Dad-blame it all anyway.
So here we were, Laddie Morse having made a prediction that I thought bold — an undefeated prediction for the Chiefs season — and my own which was 15-2, and suddenly we knew we were way out of kilter. Our review of the promise of how things would be for the 2021 season, was quickly something unexpected as we discovered just how far out west we really were:
Worst to First and Historical References
Laddie wrote an article titled, “A Worst to First Defense” and that is indeed what happened with the victory versus the dastardly, hated Raiders. After 51 years, I still get red in the face due to the 1970 game. I mean really, and to add insult to injury, the penalty caused a replay of the down and the Chiefs, who had the first down on Len Dawson’s scramble, didn’t convert the 3rd down, gave up the ball and instead of winning the game, the Raiders tied it in a last second Field Goal made by George Blanda. What in Blue Blazes!?
Already, I didn’t like the Black n’ Silver persona. That game in 1970 didn’t start the rivalry between the Chiefs and Raiders. It was always “Raider Week” for KC. From that point on, it became “Hate Raiders Week” for me twice each year. Never was any other team the evil foe in the AFC West though. That intense rivalry existed between the Chiefs and Raiders from nearly the very outset of the fledgling America Football League.
Hank Stram and John Madden fueled the fire at the same time. A great review of how the Raiders were viewed across that time can be found in a video, narrated in the appearances of many including Peter King and Len Dawson. Take the time and see it. I can tell you that Len Dawson’s arrival in KC was part of the spark that lit the fire. The video of the Rivalry is very good and is called, “The Origin of the Chiefs and Raiders Rivalry.” See it, here:
That dreaded foe was never the Seattle team, nor the Chargers or Broncos. It has always been, and always will be, the Raiders. Who are the evil foe of the Division. Still, Raiders Week resulted in a huge shift in standings. Suddenly, the Chiefs were thrust back to the top of the ladder.
Now look what you got us into Ollie!
I admit it, I was confused altogether about how poorly the Chiefs team had played for most of the games leading up to the contest in Las Vegas. Then, the Chiefs came on strong against the Cowboys and rolled to another big win. Consequently, the Chiefs entered the Bye Week suddenly leading the AFC West. The next game after the Bye is versus the Denver Broncos and we know how well the Chiefs have played after a Bye week under Andy Reid. I almost automatically chalk any such game as the next victory. This year, though it is a division foe which is always a contested game in the AFC West, the Broncos really are cellar dwellers and the Chiefs should win the game handily. But wait. What is going on in the NFL this year makes all predictions difficult to make if not impossible? It is that strange brew that is in the pot. I hesitate to make predictions of scores for that very reason.
It was like, both Ladner and myself were scratching each other’s head. Or, I was saying to Ladner, “Do you Know what in tarnation is going on?” Or… he was saying the same question, to me.
In phone conversations over the weeks, Laddie and I both were dumbfounded at the various game outcomes. From the outset, both he and I — as I am sure many of you as well — foresaw a very strong season dancing down the yellow brick road. It was like a Laurel and Hardy routine personified, and it grew more confusing as time progressed.
Still, the Chiefs are now in control of their own destiny. Heavens, the Chiefs could possibly still take over the complete AFC and win the Bye for the playoffs. Sure, it’s possible. I think the basic question to ask first, is will they play well enough to get into the playoffs? However, for me, before considering post season this quesdotn keeps arising –> Will the Chiefs win the west?
At this point, I would make that prediction… but… then recall my mentioning Jim Rome’s statement at the top of my last article:
“For once, I agree with Jim Rome. He said the other day
that no one knows what the “H” is going on in the NFL.
There is madness afoot. No one knows.”
Yep, “No one knows.” So, what in hot spit is going on in the NFL? If you know, I’ll be a monkey’s uncle because I am still trying to figure things out. I will say this. The next six games give me a lot of excited anticipation… but I remain confused.
David Bell – ArrowheadOne
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