The Return of JC, Ham Head, and Rex’s Revenge
This is The Chop
Holy crap, what a great win that was last week. The defense is starting to fall into form, especially against the run. The Chiefs could still use more of a pass rush (have a feeling I’ll be saying this every week until Justin Houston returns), but at least it’s looking as though they won’t get gashed on the ground. If the Chiefs can keep teams one-dimensional, and start to move the ball a little more effectively, I think they’ll be in good shape.
Speaking of good shape, how about that Derrick Johnson, eh? He is just phenomenal. An all-time Chief. Age hasn’t yet effected his play, and it’s almost as if the guy is getting smarter. Great performance by him last week (as Arrowhead Pride pointed out).
Also, let’s talk about something that gets me really, really excited. Two things, actually.
- It looks like Jamaal might be ready to go this week versus the Steelers. Now, I’m not certain what his workload will be like, but it doesn’t matter. He’s a weapon, and will remain a weapon until the day he calls it quits. I’m completely convinced of this. The great thing is that he literally has 1100 fewer touches than a guy like Adrian Peterson who seems to be over the hump in terms of his “elite” status. That’s right, 1100 fewer touches than a guy that until this season had been one of, if the the most dominant runners in the game. If the Chiefs can get Jamaal back into a 2010 Thomas Jones-style two-back shared backfield, and let him change the pace, I think the running game could get even better than it’s been. And in case you haven’t noticed, there’s this guy named Spencer Ware who seems like he’d be an incredible fit for this one-two punch.
- Justin Houston will be back at some point – If that’s the case, the one glaring weakness on the defense may get cleaned up. Imagine if we keep playing so well in the secondary, fantastically against the run, and we have a legitimate edge rusher that teams will have to worry about. If this is the case, and the offense starts playing better (I really think they will) the Chiefs will be a formidable foe. I see them finishing stronger than they will start, meaning I think the last 8 games will look a lot better than the first eight. This could be a dangerous recipe. A hot team in the second half is the exact team you want to be heading into the playoffs.
Ladies and Gentlemen, this week’s much abbreviated, but still entertaining kick off to your NFL Sunday:
The Chop
Random Thought #5
The Jets will start the season just like the Chiefs did last year.
Yes, they’re going to be 1-5 after the first six games. Really, 1-6 is highly possible, if not probable. And the thing is, they won’t win 10 straight to close out their schedule. No way. That team is bad. Many thought they were going to be a good team this year, but I just don’t see it. After starting 1-2, take a look at their next four games games:
- Seattle
- @ Pittsburgh
- @ Arizona
- Baltimore
Brutal. Just brutal. And, they looked terrible on Sunday. Not sure any of the next four are winnable for New York.
Surprise Upset of the Week
Okay, so the Titans let me down. And Mariota did too. But, it’s okay. I’m going to be making 17 of these predictions, I’m bound to miss a few, right?
On to week four. This week, I’m confident. Buffalo will upset New England at home in a week four jaw-dropper.
Look, as we know, division games are tough, and the Bills have been through the ringer. Just when you think you have a lock on the schedule, you will lose. I’m taking Rex Ryan in an absolute desperate.
Sidenote: I have to quit promising you guys stuff. Just know at one point I’m going to blast Pete Prisco. I have to. It’s my destiny.
A funny thing on last week’s Over/Under on total catches by Marshall and Decker
Just wanted to note, I was way off. Decker and Marshall combined for 4 catches and 58 yards. Chiefs defenders had 6 INTs for 55 yards and a TD.
Eat it, Fitz.
Sh*t My Dad Will Say
Normally Dad would be all over the opposing team’s quarterback, and in this particular case, he will no doubt say one of his favorites about Roethlisberger, but we’ll get to that. This week, though, will be a tad different, because Dad drafted Big Ben to his fantasy squad. If, and only if we’re getting blown out through the air, my Dad will look at me, shrug, and say, “well, 2-2 isn’t so bad before the bye. Plus, I’m killing it in fantasy.”
If the game is close, though, my dad has a go-to regarding Big Ben. You see, he calls Ben Roethlisberger “Ham Head” on a regular basis. And, well, I can’t really argue with the comparison:
Here’s to hoping Ham Head has a second terrible game in a row, gives us a leg up on the AFC tie-breaker, and helps us keep pace with The Donkeys and Faiders respectively.
Have a great Sunday, people. I’ll see you next week.
That’s the Chop!
