Laddie Morse
Boy oh boy, is this ever a good Bye Week. Perhaps the best ever. In 2019, the Kansas City Chiefs were 7-and-4 after their first 11 games — and the Bye Week was Week 12 — so that was a pretty good Bye Week. Not just because the team went on to win Super Bowl LIV that year, but they were also coming off a victory in Week 11 in Mexico City vs the Chargers. In 2020, K.C. was 8-and-1 on the Bye Week in Week 10. That was a great Bye Week too, but then the team lost to the Bucs in the next Super Bowl, so, there’s that. Last year, in 2021, the Chiefs were 7-and-4 going into their Bye Week, Week 12. What was memorable about that Bye Week was, they were on a 4 game winning streak going into the Bye.
There’s tons of good football being played right now by the Kansas City Chiefs… a-n-d… they could have come away with a perfect record and won the two games they lost. That may sound like sour grapes, but it’s more like passion fruit. Sorry to get our produce involved, but let’s be realistic: if it wasn’t for a rookie fumbling a punt (or Zebras who were dedicated to some pigskin form of Hack-a-Shaq) and then the Chiefs were still adjusting to life with Tyreek, they’d likely have an even better record than 5-and-2 (not that I’m complaining).
So, what’s so great about this Bye Week? Loads, and loads of Thingumajigs… I thought you’d never ask.
The Chiefs Are Loaded
The Chiefs are loaded with an incredible group of WR talent. I don’t agree with Kyle Brandt that OBJ is now off the table, but I do agree that K.C. is loaded in the WR department:
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Tiers For Fears
Admittedly, Nick Wright has a history in Kansas City, so he’s one national pundit who is always big on all things Chiefs. However, I like his Tiers System of categorizing the teams right now:
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Is that too homeristic for you?
Mahomes-y-Kelce Conexión
How about what Sportskeeda Pro Football had to say about Patrick Mahomes when he’s throwing to Travis Kelce:
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“Patrick Mahomes is nearly perfect.” My oh my, it doesn’t get any better than that. Well, some might argue that the Chiefs had it better when Tyreek Hill was still wearing red and gold,.
The Athletic NFL
Take a look at what The Athletic NFL had to say about the Tyreek issue:
Did The Athletic just mention the Chiefs Defense?
An Improved Defense This Year
Well, with Anthony Hitchens now a Free Agent (don’t get any big ideas about bringing him back) and Nick Bolton now entrenched in the middle of the Chiefs D, did you know he’s the only player in the NFL who has had at least 9 tackles in every game so far this season. He also ranks 6th in the NFL overall in total tackles. Also, the Chiefs Defensive Lineman extraordinaire, Mister Chris Jones, has been so good that he’s the highest rated defensive player by PFF. He’s playing so good that he’s up and in the running for NFL Defensive Player of the year.
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Dos Rookie Standouts
BTW, both Jaylen Watson and George Karlaftis are being mentioned for Chiefs Defensive Rookie of the year. They’re playing that good, and making those kinds of positive contributions.
Speaking of MVP, guess who’s being mentioned for that award this year? That’s right, Patrick Mahomes, and for good reason.
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Mahomes: He’s Gud
Mahomes is not just good this year, he’s been good ever since he came into the league. Here’s a wonderful video that talks about, “Patrick Mahomes’ sprint into the record books deserves a deep rewind“…
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This Bye Week is so Wonderful…
This Bye Week is so wonderful because the rest of the season sets up nicely for the team and for Chiefs fans. You may recall my saying that the Chiefs would be okay this year if they finished the first seven games with a 4-and-3 record. Why would I says such a thing? Because not only did K.C. have the toughest schedule in the first 7 games, but only 4 of their remaining opponents have a winning record from here on out. Of course, I didn’t know that at the time I said what I said, but it’s always been clear, the toughest part of their schedule was going to be during the first 7 games… which, is behind them now, and that’s important to remember.
Back in the Saddle
Trent McDuffie
This Bye Week, and Bye Weekend, we can be encouraged because when the Chiefs play their next game, they’ll have their first round pick back on the field: CB Trent McDuffie. McDuffie was excellent for the Chiefs before he went down with an injury after playing nearly half of the defensive snaps (32) in game one. McDuffie gave up zero (0) yards in receptions and didn’t allowed even one pass completion in his direction. So, he may not have played a lot, IOW, it may be a small sample size, but he’s shown he can be very good.
Bryan Cook and Willie Gay
Both Safety Bryan Cook and LB Willie Gay returned just last week. While that gives them a game under their belts, the full effect of their returns should be felt in the coming weeks. Cook played on 25 Defensive snaps vs the 49ers and Gay had 47 snaps. Along with David Bell, I’m more and more excited about the Chiefs Linebacking core and the return of Gay. Plus, the addition of Darius Harris, will continue to lift this group over the top. For those who may have forgotten, I was big on Cook when he came out of Cincinnati. His 4.34 speed and the fact that he didn’t allow a single TD in his last year there, may have something to do with my being hot on Cook.
The Newest Chiefs Player
While I had my doubts when the trade for Kadarius Toney was fist announced, I have not only mellowed a bit on that deal, I now think it was a brilliant move. Especially when you consider that there’s no way the Chiefs would be able to pick 13 excellent prospects and have all 13 make the roster.
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It may be the Bye Week here in K.C. but the fans should be in raving euphoric bliss. Plus, I didn’t even mention that the Offensive line is now playing well. Geez… when will all this bliss end (not that I want it to)?
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Laddie Morse — ArrowheadOne
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