All I want for Chiefs Christmas are these 5 gifts
By Ryan Tracy
Dear Mr. Kringle,
As 2015 winds down, I have a few things I want for Christmas. Not all toys, but definitely some important items that would make the holidays very special. I am writing a Christmas list of all the things I want this year (or early spring… I do have a birthday, too). There is nor particular order because I really want them all!! Here we go.
1. AFC West Division Championship
Between week two and seven this gift seemed about as far-fetched as any I could have thrown on my Christmas list. The wife said “good luck”. The kids ran into the other room laughing. Half a season later, it doesn’t sound so crazy. As the season comes down to the final two games of the regular season, Kansas City is in striking distance. Some may say “take the wildcard and an easy game against the AFC South”. Not me. I want a division Championship this year.
2. AA’s Verderame on New CWM Podcast episode
We got lucky this week, just before Christmas our Editor-in-Chief was able to join us on the show to talk some Chiefs! Listen to Matt Verderame on the new “Check with Me” podcast episode #3, hosted by Chris Clark and myself. For more on the Chiefs, the AFC West and the playoff picture, we hit our takeaways and insights from the Chiefs each week.
3. Re-sign four key free agents
The gift-giving season can stretch on into the spring. I understand that big guy. But, I need to see some progress here pretty soon. I knew Sean Smith was a long shot when I asked for him (to be re-signed), but I know there are only so many dollars North Pole Fort Knox. I guess I can’t get everything I ask for.
Here’s the gift I want. It has several pieces that make up the set. It starts from the back with Eric Berry. He’s the centerpiece and has to be the top priority to include in this set of re-signings. At the second level, you need to include Derrick Johnson. He can play another two years before he hits the wall. I need an up-front guy, so make sure to include Jaye Howard. He’s the guy to replace Mike DeVito. Now, this set can be a little offensive with Jeff Allen, but he is worth the time and effort to keep around.
If you can add some stocking-stuffer values like Tyvon Branch, Husain Abdullah, Frank Zombo and Jason Avant… that would be great. Oh! And maybe a special super-small contract for Tamba? Maybe? if you can swing it.
4. This I-formation running Game
I like running downhill. I like fullbacks. I really like grinding a defense into fatigue and eventual submission. So, the seldom-used, old-school I-formation rushing attack is my kind of thing. In Baltimore, the Chiefs used it with jumbo package that included double tight ends to one side and an eligible tackle on the other. It got Charcandrick West a 38-yard touchdown. Look at this play… I gotta have more of it! Maybe Andy Reid can deliver this one for you.
5. Send Tamba Hali Out with a Ring!
Tamba Hali has pushed himself to the limit. He has taken a pay-cut to stay with the team in 2015. He’s had to adjust his practice schedule so he can take it easy on his aging knees. That paid off well and he’s been rejuvenated in what looks like a surge at the end of his NFL career. This could be his last season in a Chiefs uniform.
Any team can get hot in the postseason. Why not the Chiefs? The defense is playing at an elite level and the offense has improved greatly in light of the injuries its sustained to Jamaal Charles, Ben Grubbs and others. Matchup possibilities are many, but there’s no scenario that this team is out of contention. The team is peaking at the right time and could go on a playoff run.
No one deserves that gift more than Tamba Hali. The eternal professional, his enthusiasm and energy have been exemplary as this season has gone on. Now, he has had to have his thumb surgically repaired. Just another sign of an aging veteran. If this is progressing toward the end of a standout career, a Super Bowl run isn’t too much to ask. You can pull this off. Come on Santa, I’ve been good!
Thanks St. Nick!
Have a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, Addicts!
Enjoy the game. Follow along on twitter @RyanTracyNFL for game observations.