Finally, after 8 months of depression, sad times, busting my ass to pass the time, it is my absolute favorite part of the year aside from Christmas and New Years. I'll give you 3 guesses and a hint. Its a sport. Still stumped? Its time I tell you.
THE KANSAS CITY CHIEFS SEASON IS UNDERWAY!
After the super bowl ended, I was upset football was over, but the draft followed, then OTA's, then training camp, and the preseason. Now it is time for my boys to do battle for 16 weeks in order to find out if they will make a run for the ultimate pinnacle in team sports:
The Vince Lombardi Super Bowl Trophy.
My Chiefs will wage their first battle at Arrowhead Stadium against the Atlanta Falcons, and we have some factors in today's game for both teams. The chiefs of course playing at home will have natural home field territory, so the pressure is on the falcons to silence the crowd early and put momentum on their side. The last time these two teams met it was 2007, where the falcons landed a 37-3 smack-down on the chiefs. It was Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan's first year in the league after being drafted 3rd overall, and it was a horrible season for the chiefs, having to go through 3 different quarterbacks and finishing a disastrous 4-12 season.
Keys for the Chiefs:
Get the run game going early-The chiefs have dangerous speedster Jamaal Charles back after a torn ACL last year ruined his year during week 2. With the free agent signing of Peyton Hillis, look for the chiefs to try and establish the ground game early and keep Atlanta's defense out for periods of time.
Minimizing Injuries-Season ending injuries to Tony Moeaki, Jamaal Charles, Eric Berry, and Matt Cassel derailed the chiefs, and it will be up to them to prevent these injuries from happening again if they want to find success.
Defense plays strong-With star pass rusher Tamba Hali serving a one game suspension, and with safety Kendrick Lewis likely out(shoulder), the defense will have to stand up and rely on Andy Studebaker and John Mcgraw to play at a high tempo. Cornerbacks Brandon Flowers(foot) and Jalil Brown(groin), also Linebacker Derrick Johnson(ankle) and Jevon Belcher(foot) are all game time decisions, but are expected to play. In a pass heavy offense like Atlanta, it will be up to the secondary to shut down start receivers Roddy White and Julio Jones and make the day tough for quarterback Matt Ryan
Keys for the Falcons:
Storm the Cassel- If they can shut down the pass attack, the falcons could force Matt Cassel to make plays with his feet.
Shut down the run- The chiefs could very well have a top rushing attack in the league, and the falcons have had problems with stopping the run. They will have to be ontop of their game if they stand a chance at stopping Jamaal Charles and Peyton "the White Rhino" Hillis.
Get the pass game airborn- If the run is established, Matt Ryan will be looking for his receivers to make big plays for him. With pro bowler Roddy White and freakish athlete Julio Jones, plus future hall of fame tight end(and former chief) Tony Gonzalez, Ryan could have a field day if he can pick apart a young but stiff Kansas City defensive unit.
With those keys in mind, I expect a hard fought battle for a good opening weekend of football. GO CHIEFS!
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