Chiefs fans: Try to keep the faith
By Nick Floyd
No one in the Kansas City Chiefs organization would have thought that this team, which showed potential on paper, would be riding a five-game losing streak to start 2015.
Reality, however, had different plans for this organization. Many analysts predicted this team would be first in the AFC West but now stand in last place with little hope of recovery. What has happened to this team? Who is to blame for all the misfortune this team has had?
Oct 4, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid reacts from the sidelines in the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 36-21. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Many point the woes of the Chiefs to head coach Andy Reid. Most in the Chiefs Kingdom peg Reid as a coach that simply has lost his ability to call plays, due to questionable decisions made on the sideline. Fans have pointed to the fact that current quarterback Alex Smith, who has shown potential from time to time, has completely lost his ability to lead this team. His “lack” of moving the ball through the air is forcing many fans to call for the future of the position to be passed to either backup Chase Daniel, or even Aaron Murray.
The stinger to all of this is the loss of the team’s star playmaker Jamaal Charles who suffered his second torn ACL in the game against the Chicago Bears. The team is also getting old. Tamba Hali has seemed to slow down, and a secondary that was so unforgiving to opposing quarterbacks just a short year ago, is letting too many big plays happen. The entire team is in disarray. It really showed itself when star tight end Travis Kelce slammed his helmet into the ground, drawing a 15 yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct in frustration.
Most have given up. Calling 2015 the season of woe and simply being done with team until either some major changes occur or firings handed down. However, is this reaction that fans should have about this team? Is a round of firings and moving players in an out of positions really going to fix this team in its current state?
Teams have rough patches in their history. Yes, the Chiefs have had a few good teams only to see them fail in the post season, or completely blow up, much like the team in 2015. Not every franchise can be like the New England Patriots, which goes without saying. There will be ups and downs; there is no way around those moments. But one thing has remained the same for fans of the Chiefs, they are still there.
Next: Staying the course...