How Talented Is This Chiefs Roster?

November 1, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel (7) during the second half against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chargers won 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-US PRESSWIRE

At 1-8 there is no debating the fact that the Chiefs are a bad football team. In fact, they passed bad about a month ago and plowed right on into the embarrassing zone. That having been said, I still believe there is a pool of talent on this roster that a winning team could be built from. My opinion is that the two things holding this team back are bad QB play and bad coaching. Are there other areas of the roster that need to be upgraded? Sure, but you can say that about several playoff teams.

Now I’ve been called a “Homer” and “Kool Aid Drinker” on more than one occasion. I believed in Scott Pioli. I even believed that this team was good enough to overcome the mediocre QB play of Matt Cassel. So I don’t trust my own judgement anymore. So I want your help. You can be my own personal “Recovering Homer” support group.

Am I wrong to still believe in the core talent of this team?

I look at other “bad” teams like the Jaguars and Browns and think, “we have so much more talent than they do.” Is that true? Or am I too biased because of my love of this team?

I look at guys like Jamaal Charles, Dwayne Bowe, Branden Albert, Tamba Hali, Justin Houston, Derrick Johnson, Brandon Flowers, and Eric Berry and think that we have as many big-time talented players as most playoff teams. Am I wrong about that?

Would you trade rosters with any of the other teams that are already out of the playoffs?

Is it wishful thinking that I think we’re a new coaching staff and a first round QB away from being right back in the mix?

Again, I’m not saying the rest of the roster is set. Yes, upgrades can be made, but they seem more like minor tweaks than a major overhaul. I want Pioli fired as much as anyone. I think the fact that he’s completely failed at finding a head coach and a quarterback when those are the two most vital spots to fill make his firing completely justified. His draft record in KC is uninspiring, but the QB and HC are the dagger to the heart. He should go, ASAP. However, I feel like some people are afraid to say anything about the team being talented out of fear that it will somehow sound pro-Pioli.

So, do I need a bucket of cold water thrown in my face to snap me out of my latest blind homer loyalty?

Or was that game against the Steelers proof that when the team is motivated and the QB doesn’t turn the ball over the team is talented enough to hang with anyone?