Denny Medley-US PRESSWIRE

As a Chiefs fan, I can vividly remember two instances where the loss of a player has provoked a large emotional response from me. Now don’t get me wrong, there are a series of wins and losses by our boys in Red and Gold that have either left me grinning from ear to ear or ready to punch a wall. However, there are two days in Chiefs’ history where the loss of a player has left me nearly speechless.

The first day in memory was February 8, 2000. It had been nearly two weeks since the news of Derrick Thomas’ accident. However, the incident still seemed surreal. Fellow fans and I had prayed for Derrick’s health and even convinced ourselves that he would be able to rebound from his injuries and play next season, regardless of what the new was telling us. To my friends and me, Derrick was Superman. He was the first true hero we had growing up. We remembered when he was drafted and how our dads were so excited about his prospects. I was personally in attendance when he gained nearly semi-permanent residence in Dave Kreig’s kitchen on Veterans Day in 1990. I had seen Derrick turn the tide of a game with one big play. We just knew that on any given Sunday he would blow past the offensive tackle and knock the ball away from the quarterback. We kept telling ourselves that Derrick would pull through and we would be able to see him ransack opposing backfields once more.

Then the news came. For me it was local sports radio. I was in college at the time and was on the debate team at Wichita State. I was just leaving for campus to prepare for the next weekend’s tournament when I heard the news. I had to pull over. I couldn’t believe what I had just heard. When I finally made it to campus and walked into the squad room there, my friend Brian was there as well. Words didn’t need to be spoken. We both knew the magnitude of the loss. We not only lost a Chief, but we lost a hero and a role model to so many. Those effected by his charity, especially those children who were given help through the Third and Long foundation, as well as the rest of our heroes in Red and Gold would be dramatically affected. While developing this story I spoke to another friend who is a lifelong Oilers/Titans fan. He too was able to remember where he was when the news broke on Sports Center. He can almost recall it as visibly as when he found out about the death of Steve McNair.

Carl Peterson said it just right in 2004: “…our defense has never been the same since we lost him…Time and new players have not been able to make the Chiefs whole.” This sentiment was not lost on the Kansas City faithful as the city has never been the same. However, ol’ Carl was able to say it right once again when he spoke at Derrick’s Hall of Fame induction: “For all Derrick Thomas fans, the light has gone back on.” I can’t even imagine the list of what Chief’s fans would give just to have Derrick back with us and to be able to see him even as an ambassador at Chiefs’ games. Even if Derrick was unable to play football after the accident, his leadership and presence would mean the world to everyone in Kansas City.

On April 23, 2009 I was watching ESPN when the news of the Tony Gonzalez trade came across the screen. I had heard rumors before the announcement but once again I dismissed them like I did with the negative possibilities of Derrick Thomas after his accident. I felt there was no way that the Chiefs could let Tony go. To me it would have been the same as trading Derrick away when he just had a few seasons left. There was no way that number 88 could show up in any other color other than those of the Chiefs. I didn’t think much of Haley and the jury was still out on Pioli but there was no way that they could be dumb enough to let the leader of the team and the greatest offensive player the Chiefs had ever had go to anyone, even an NFC team. What were they thinking when they even entertained the idea?

I was in denial for months. Even when I made my way to the stadium for the first preseason game the next season I was still donning my Gonzalez jersey. Something in the back of my mind told me that it was all a bad dream and when the team came out of the tunnel, Tony would still be there. But quickly my denial turned to despair. Tony Gonzalez was a Falcon and we may never again see him in a Chiefs uniform.

But I was talking to a fellow sports reporter today and the question came up. What if Tony G. hadn’t been traded? What if he was allowed to finish his career in Kansas City? How would the team be different if our leader was still on the field? Let’s take a look and see how things may be different.

First, I wanted to take a look at other offensive talent and see if we would be in the same place. There are a few players that I believe would be directly affected if Tony was still a Chief. In no particular order, they are:

Dwayne Bowe: Now Dwayne was limited to eleven games in 2009, Tony’s first year with Atlanta. But for Bowe, his true breakout year was 2010. He had 1162 yards, 15 touchdowns and 55 first downs. Last year he was only three yards short of his previous total, but was ten touchdowns short of 2010. Some of the decrease in scoring can be attributed to the quarterback issues, some to play-calling and some to Dwayne being lazy. Call me a fool, however, but I think his performance would have been similar with a few additional touchdowns with Tony G. in the lineup. Remember that Gonzalez would take the attention of more than just a linebacker. In some cases, the number one cornerback would be on Tony G. Gonzalez caused defensive coordinators to make drastic changes in some of their schemes. With both Bowe and Gonzales on the same side of the ball, and assuming the rest of the personnel at the receiver position was the same, Bowe would be able to get open on a few more scoring plays and gain a few more first downs.

Tony Moeaki – The question would be whether or not Moeaki would still be drafted by the Chiefs. My gut tells me that Pioli would have been smart enough to know that Tony G. only had a couple more years left in the tank and that with Moeaki’s physical ability and Gonzalez leadership, he would be drafting a more than suitable replacement. Now granted his rookie production would be lower. Moeaki may have benefited from Gonzalez being in the lineup by not being in the same situation where he was injured. He would have most likely had another great two years of learning behind the future hall of famer. Not that Moeaki’s future isn’t bright now, but imagine the benefit of having Tony G. as a mentor for three years.

Jamaal Charles – As with Bowe you could argue that Jamaal would have less of an opportunity for production with Gonzalez in the lineup. However, I see two potential benefits for Charles with Tony G. in the lineup. First, Gonzalez is a great blocker as a tight end. He was great when the Chiefs ran the ball and was just as great down-field on passing plays. I would say that Jamaal may have a slight reduction in carries, but his yards per carry would be the same if not slightly better and we would see very similar production from JC.

Matt Cassel – You can’t argue that Cassel would be more successful with Gonzalez in the lineup. One of the benefits of having Tony G. in the lineup is his big body that is beneficial in traffic as well as a great football mind that can make the decisions when reading defenses and making adjustments. Having this additional option as well as another leader on the field would most definitely help relieve some of the pressure of off Matt and help him mature as a quarterback.

As with Moeaki, there would also be the chance that the Chiefs would not acquire either Steve Breaston or Jonathan Baldwin. However, as I mentioned before, the need for each position would still exist even with Tony G. in the lineup. My belief is that those most affected in terms of production would be the third, fourth and fifth wide receivers and the third tight end position. Dexter McCluster would have a reduced role, primarily used in the running game. In terms of current personnel, we may not have seen the arrival of Kevin Boss. Otherwise, I believe that the Chiefs would look very similar on offense.

For Gonzalez, his production on the field has been slightly lower with the Falcons than it was with the Chiefs. Over the past three years, he has averaged 77 receptions, 799 yards and six touchdowns per season. His yards per reception have also been slightly lower than during his heyday with the Chiefs. Now, there are a few potential reasons for the decline in production. First, it could be an issue of Gonzo’s age. However, remember that he went to his 12th Pro Bowl last year. Yahoo Sports proclaimed that even with his age that Gonzalez is still a top five tight end. The Bleacher Report claims that Tony G. is one of the four players that the Falcons cannot lose to injury this year and the Atlanta Journal Constitution says that Gonzo shows no signs of slowing down.

Secondly, and most likely, Gonzalez’s reduced statistical production is due to the many weapons available in Atlanta. The Falcons have Michael Turner in the backfield along with Julio Jones and Roddy White in their receiving corps. Even the young Harry Douglas had significant production last year. On the other side of the coin, you could argue that the Chiefs have had similar weapons available.

So what difference, if any, would Tony G have made with the Chiefs over the past few years? He would have definitely been a welcome help during the AFC Championship season two years ago, being the difference in close games. I can’t say that the win total would have increased dramatically. However, games such as the overtime loss in Oakland or the overtime thriller against the Bills are times when Tony could have definitely made things easier for the Chiefs. I doubt the playoff picture would have changed much and even Gonzalez couldn’t have helped us beat the Ravens that day.

Last season could have been a different story. The Chiefs were literally two field goals away from the playoffs, even with the injuries. However, overcoming the start led by Todd Haley’s choices would have taken a superman-like effort. There was a three point loss to the Chargers, with the now infamous screen pass. I’m not sure if even Tony G. would have been able to help the team overcome the lethargic first half or the miscues that ultimately gave the game to the Chargers. The same can be said for the loss at home against the Broncos where the Chiefs were literally dominated during the first half of football. The Steelers game would be another tough bet as the quarterback play ultimately killed the team. The only loss that may have been averted was the overtime loss to the Raiders. The Chiefs would still have been one game short of the playoffs.

Now a colleague of mine raised an interesting point. Would the play-calling been different if Gonzales was in the lineup to where Moeaki, Charles and Berry wouldn’t have been in the situations that caused their injuries? It is quite possible. However, the coaching staff did not have the Chiefs ready to play football those first three games. Tony G. couldn’t have made that much of a difference and may have been in harm’s way, just like Moeaki was. Even the man who treats his body like a temple could have still suffered the same fate.

Overall, it would be amazing to have Tony Gonzales still in the Red and Gold. His presence alone could help the team succeed, especially this season, as it may be Gonzo’s last. The extra motivation to get Gonzalez to his only Super Bowl in his final season would be a great story for the Chiefs. Alas, we may never see Tony in a Chiefs uniform again. I’m sure he will be inducted into the Chiefs Hall of Fame. When he makes it up the hallowed steps in Canton, he will be there as a Chief. Maybe we can talk Scott Pioli and the coaching staff into signing Gonzales for one game next year. Bring him in for a few plays in the red zone and try to get that one last slam dunk over the goal posts. That would be a fitting end to the career of Tony Gonzalez.

What do you think Addicts? Has there been a loss of another player that affected you like the loss of DT and Gonzalez? Would the presence of Tony G. been enough to get the Chiefs to the playoffs last year? Would Tony make enough difference in his last season that he could get the boys in Red and Gold to the Super Bowl?

John Rieger-US PRESSWIRE

Greetings, Addicts! If you are anything like me, the dead period before the start of training camp can be unbearable. Aside from waiting for news about franchise players and preparing for fantasy drafts, there isn’t much else for us fans to do except for comb over the schedule repeatedly, trying to figure out where our Chiefs will be at come the end of the regular season. I’ve analyzed each game on the schedule over and over again trying to come up with the best prediction possible for our boys in red. Each attempt at predicting the season has come up with a different result. I’ve had the Chiefs anywhere between 8-8 and 13-3. However, there seems to be one common denominator to how any team will finish their season. That denominator is how they fare against their common opponents.

Last season, each of the division winners in the NFL finished with an even or better record against their division opponents. Six of the eight division winners finished with a 4-2 record or better. Now, of course, there are anomalies to any statistic. Two years ago, the Raiders finished their season with a division record of 6-0 and still missed the playoffs. However, a winning record against your division gives any team a few distinct advantages. First, each of those division wins translates into a loss for your division foe. Secondly, each division win also counts as a conference win, a very important tiebreaker. Finally, each win against a division foe gives a team more of a margin for error against their non-division opponents.

When combing over the Chiefs schedule this season, I find at least six games in which the Chiefs have a better than even chance of winning. These games are against Buffalo, Tampa Bay, Cincinnati, Carolina, Cleveland and Indianapolis. There are four games where I think the Chiefs will come out with less than even odds of winning. These games are against Atlanta, New Orleans, Baltimore and Pittsburgh.

When it comes to our division foes, the Chiefs have been very inconsistent in recent years. The Chiefs have not had a winning record against the AFC West in any of the past five seasons. In fact, the Chiefs were 2-4 against the division during the conference championship run two years ago. A losing record against your division is hardly what “division champions” should be made of.

In my eyes, the key to this season for the Chiefs will be obtaining that elusive winning record against the West. With six fairly winnable games on their schedule outside of the conference, it will take six to seven more wins in order to get a first round bye and home field advantage for at least one game during the playoffs. The best way to get six of those games would be to sweep the division. With the uncertainty that each of the other division teams has, combined with the Chiefs having the most talented roster in the division, a full sweep is not very far-fetched. There are four keys for the Chiefs against the other teams in the division. Here they are:

Against the Raiders:

1. Make them Raiders of old: The Raiders are notorious for two things: stupid penalties and turnovers. History shows that when the Chiefs come out and punch the Raiders in the mouth early, the turnovers and stupid penalties are almost sure to follow.
2. Make special teams a non-factor: The Raiders may just have the best kicker and punter in the league. Additionally, it was two special teams plays last year against the Raiders that kept the Chiefs out of the playoffs. The Chiefs need to score touchdowns against the Raiders. When the Raiders are within three points, Janikowski will be the difference in games. When you are able to march down the field against the Raiders and put the ball into the end zone, Janikowski and Lechler become non-factors.
3. Win the ground game: The Raiders’ secondary will not be as good as they have been in the past. The Chiefs will be able to pass the ball, and the Raiders will expect that and game plan to prevent it. To ensure that the Chiefs have the upper hand they must get both Charles and Hillis on a roll while forcing the Raiders to pass the ball.
4. Make Carson Palmer feel his age: When you force the Raiders to pass the ball, you will be successful. If you can create pressure on Carson Palmer and knock him down a few times early, you will be even more successful. Both Houston and Hali need to get to know Palmer personally and visit him often.

Against the Broncos:

1. Don’t let the offense get comfortable: Aside from Brandon Stokley, the Broncos have a relatively young receiving corps. It will take some time for Manning and his receivers to get comfortable with each other. If the Chiefs secondary can press the Broncos receivers at the line and cover them like a blanket, it will prevent Manning and company from getting comfortable, leading to mistakes and turnovers.
2. Make them one dimensional: The Chiefs were great against the run last year. Additionally, the running game required in the Peyton Manning offense is going to be new to the Broncos, who are learning yet another offensive system. Forcing the Doinks to run the ball plays right into the strength of the Chiefs.
3. Keep the pressure off Cassel: The Broncos can create tons of pressure with their front seven. Even if Dumervil is suspended due his off-the-field issues, the Broncos could still get pressure on Cassel. The Chiefs need to run the ball successfully, get their receivers open and block well. If Cassel can get on a roll, the Broncos secondary doesn’t stand a chance against the multitude of threats the Chiefs have in the passing game.
4. Win the big play battle: When the Chiefs have beaten the Broncos recently, especially at Invesco, big plays have been prevalent. Who can forget Charles’ long scamper to the end zone or either of Johnson’s interception returns for touchdowns? Big plays like those energize Chiefs fans and silence Broncos fans.

Against the Chargers:

1. Give Philip Rivers another “Worst day ever:” Against the Chiefs (especially at Arrowhead), the Chargers go as Philip Rivers goes. I still remember his first game at Arrowhead. He ran around like a chicken with his head cut off before either calling timeout or getting called for delay of game. Last year, it was a seemingly routine exchange from the center that he couldn’t handle. When the Chiefs and the crowd get to Philip Rivers, the Chiefs win.
2. Hit the board first: Even though the Chargers are getting up there in age, they still have threats to score. If the game turns into an arena football style shootout, the Chiefs need to be ahead so that they don’t have to worry about interceptions being thrown on routine screen passes. If the Chiefs keep composed in high scoring games, they come out on top.
3. Make splash plays to gain momentum: We will forever remember the return for a touchdown on Monday night two years ago. Plays like that take the wind out of the Chargers’ sails and are an immediate momentum switch. If the special teams or defense can make a big play that ends up in a score, not only does the momentum switch, but the Chargers lose composure.
4. Keep Cassel comfortable: I’ve already mentioned the screen pass that should never again be mentioned. However, it’s important to remember that even though there is stellar talent around Matt, he handles the ball on every play. If Matt is cool, calm and collected, then he can out duel Rivers and the Chiefs can win in San Diego.

I firmly believe that the Chiefs can run the table in the division. They’ve shown they can win in Denver and have been close on a few occasions recently in San Diego. A 6-0 record in the division means that KC only needs four more wins to take the division title and two or three more wins above that to get a bye in the playoffs. If the Chiefs can sweep the six teams I mentioned at the start and take two of the four tougher games, they would be looking at home field advantage all the way to the Super Bowl.

What do you think, Addicts? Is my bright future for the Chiefs a pipe dream or can the Chiefs sweep the division and take 12 or 13 overall?

Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

Greetings Addicts! First off, let me introduce myself. My name is Tony Nation. I’m a native of Wichita, KS and for as long as I can remember; I’ve bled the red and gold of our beloved Chiefs. Some members of the Chiefs’ Nation know me as “SuperChief.” Part of my Arrowhead experience each game during the season involves donning my alter-ego, complete with cape and mask (but we’ll get to that a little later.)

As we all know, the experience at Arrowhead is second to none. From the moment that you approach the parking lot, you can sense the excitement and friendship. When you get into the lot, the tailgating fog and smell will make anyone’s mouth water. When you step out of your car, truck or even bus (complete with Jacuzzi) you are greeted to tens of thousands of dedicated Chiefs fans, all ready to be your best friend (for those is red and gold) or good-natured enemy (if you’re in any other color.) Even every day disagreements tend to melt away once you arrive at the complex. Jayhawks and Tigers fans even bury the hatchet in order to support one common goal.

The magic is never complete, however, until you walk through that tunnel from the concourse and take your seat among the 70,000-80,000 rabid Chiefs faithful. The Tomahawk Chop will forever give me chills and it takes a special talent to get everyone in the stadium to yell “FIRST DOWN” in unison. When the Chiefs are on defense, every fan knows that they can have an impact on the game by getting as loud and boisterous as possible. Young NFL quarterbacks have commented that they were not prepared to handle the noise on their first trip to Arrowhead. Phillip Rivers still has issues when he comes to town. The Star, ESPN, Sports Illustrated and many other media outlets have compared the noise in Kansas City to an airliner flying directly overhead.

I can remember my first Chiefs game like it was yesterday. I had the amazing luck to be able to go to Arrowhead on Veterans Day in 1990. Dave Kreig and the Seahawks were in town. Of course, I had been glued to my television set on Sunday afternoons or Monday nights for as long as I could remember. However, even with warnings from my dad that it would be loud, I was not prepared for the thundering roar that came when the Chiefs took the field. As the game progressed, things seemed to get even louder. Every time that Kreig was taken down and the sack total got larger, everyone seemed to realize that they were in for a magical afternoon. I remember at one point in the fourth quarter that my younger brother was covering his ears because of the noise. We all know that the day ended with our boys coming up one point short. But I knew that Arrowhead was magical place and I could not wait to go back.

Another fond memory of my times at Arrowhead was December 1, 2002. This was the first time that I attended a game with my friend Brian. We were 29 rows up in the upper deck and it was cold outside. However neither the Chiefs nor the Arrowhead faithful let us down that day. Trent Green and company ran over the Cardinals. The Chiefs scored 49 and the Cardinals managed not a single point. During the second quarter it was definitely looking like a blowout. However the fans at Arrowhead would not let up. In order to hear Brian (who was sitting right next to me) he had to yell directly in my ear. I remember him saying “I can’t hear myself think!” Since that game, we have been nearly inseparable at Chiefs games. We’ve made the pilgrimage from Wichita too many times to count since that day. A few years later, Brian even purchased a limo to transport us to and from games.

One of the most special memories I have at Arrowhead was on December 20, 2009. It was Coach Haley’s first year with the Chiefs and we were taking on the Browns. About a week before the game, Brian called me up and let me know about a contest that was being held before the game to name the next Chiefs’ “Super fan.” I had been going to games for a couple of seasons as SuperChief so I thought that I should give it a try. I send in a picture and a short summary about the “origins” of SuperChief. The Thursday before the game I received an email from the Chiefs letting me know that I was a finalist in the contest and to show up at the KCFX stage before the game. Some of the most passionate fans I’ve ever met were in that contest. There was a Chiefs priest, a newborn baby, Santa Claus, a family with custom head dresses and many more rabid fans. The current super fans were the judges. I was up on stage in front of X-Factor, Red Extreme and First Down Elvis (among many others.) The winners were announced at halftime of the game so all of the finalists and current super fans were able to go down on the field during the second quarter. I was able to shake the hand of a few players and I was just awestruck when I was down on the sidelines. Not only was the sea of red just amazing to look at, but even though there were only about 60,000 fans at the game, whenever the Chiefs scored or the Browns had the ball, it was just deafening. I finally understood how difficult it has to be on the field for an opposing team. Three of us were separated from the group and we walked out on the field for the final announcement. When it finally came, I was named the winner and the newest Chiefs’ super fan! I received a round of applause from the faithful that weren’t out getting a hot dog. As long as I live, I will never forget that experience.

One of the discussions that Brian and I have had in recent years has to do with the fans at Arrowhead. Over the last few seasons, we haven’t sold out as much as we did in the 90’s and there have been games where the fans haven’t had the same magic as in recent years. We haven’t been the only people to notice. We have spoken to other season ticket holders and they seem to agree. There was even an article in the KC Star before that Browns game in 2009 due to the television blackout. Now the Chiefs may have not been as successful as they were in the 90’s, but we cannot afford to lose the magic of 80,000 screaming fans.

Chiefs’ fans are in for a very exciting season. Our roster is solid from top to bottom. The Chiefs are one of the most talented teams in the NFL and should be the favorites coming into this season. If this team is able to gel, they can grab that first playoff win since 1993 and make a run for the Super Bowl. However, in order for the team to realize that level of success, they need our help! There are plenty of season tickets still available; I picked mine up just last week. We need to sell out every game. We need to be loud. We need to be rowdy. We need to be passionate. We need to be heard on the other side of town!

Chiefs fans, it’s time to make our impact. We must band together and make Arrowhead shake once more. The fans in Kansas City always have and always will be the greatest and most impactful in the NFL. Let’s make this season one to remember and help our boys in red and gold make it all the way to the Super Bowl!