These Chiefs have shown something to fans that we haven’t seen for quite some time: some personality and attitude. That’s a good thing.
At times this preseason, the Chiefs have shown an attitude and personality that hasn’t been seen in Kansas City for over a decade. At other times, the Chiefs have shown no personality and lack the type of attitude found in a winning organization.
The attitude I’m talking about isn’t optimism. The Chiefs have been plenty optimistic in the last few years. That does count for something. Not too long ago the Chiefs were practically bottom dwellers. Determined isn’t the attitude I am referring to either. At this point of their football life, determination should be a given.
The attitude I’m looking for? There were signs in the first two preseason games of badassery, of a team that knew it was good. The Chiefs were tackling the opposition through the turf, hopping up and partaking in whatever celebration that came to mind. They were talking to each other between plays, encouraging each other. They possessed the attitude of an offense that couldn’t be stopped, a defense that was unforgiving. If they gave up 10 yards, they took back 5.
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This is personal to me. Last week I had an article all set, sealed, and ready to deliver. For whatever reason, I wasn’t happy with it. After more than a few rewrites, I trashed it. I haven’t been one to get writers block. It’s not hard to write about what you love. The name of that nonexistent article was “The Chiefs and their New Attitude”. Then the game against Seattle happened, and I knew the football demigods had saved me the embarrassment of jumping the gun.
Determination is not the same as purpose. The Chiefs showed no purpose against the Seahawks. Even in a preseason game, there should be some extent of purpose with the starters. The second string and third string are usually fighting for their jobs, yet there was not much emotion out there on the field. There is an obvious argument in it being just a preseason scrimmage. The counter to that can be found in the first two games.
Personality
The Chiefs have the personality on the roster, however having personality and showing personality are two separate things. In case you didn’t know who some of the personality on the team is, may I direct you to Chris Jones and Rakeem Nunez-Roches.
Chris Jones is a media favorite and is quickly becoming a fan favorite as well. He has the tools on and off the field that could perhaps make him a household name in the future. The smile of a young child and the brutal strength of a rhino make an attractive combination on the field. He has the skills and the potential to be a superstar in the league.
I’m not digging on his play against Seattle, since he was one of the few positives I took away from the game. The personality wasn’t obvious, though. After a really nice sack of the quarterback there was no celebration, no fist bump, not even a nod of the head. The sack is what mattered, but there must be some motivational aspect to what occurred.
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Rakeem Nunez-Roches brings a fierce personality to the team. It seems his mouth is always moving. On the sidelines you can always find someone near him smiling. On the field he’s a playmaker and he lets everyone know on the field and those watching when those plays are made. He is by far the most animated player the Chiefs have.
Attitude
The New England Patriots and the University of Alabama are two examples of teams that have the attitude. They have that certain swagger that even when they do lose, it’s kind of like they’re saying “This must be huge for you”. What do these teams have in common? Winning Championships.
When I search for those who have attitude on the roster, I go directly to Marcus Peters first. Months ago, he basically called out the Oakland Raiders, refusing to acknowledge their up and coming presence. He plays with attitude. He has the body language of a man who knows he is an All Pro.
Travis Kelce also has it all. Personality and attitude. Travis has so much of both on the field it even gets him in trouble at times. He’s vocal, animated, and has no problem walking the walk.
Getting to the point
The amount of players on this years roster with both attitude and personality seem to be more than in previous years. The question for K.C. is whether or not it can be contagious. The killer instinct is an acquired taste. The adrenaline one gets from seeing a teammate hop up after a ten yard sack or a pass batted away on 3rd and short should be contagious.
If the Chiefs believe they are a top contender to make the Super Bowl, they have to not only convince themselves, but they must convince their opponent as well. A simple observation during the preseason insisted I look back at a handful of team wins and losses from last year. Although it did not appear to be a definitive factor, early on in games against the Raiders and Broncos proved to me that when the attitude showed itself, it set the tone for the flow of the game.