Appendicitis Won’t Stop The Kansas City Chiefs Superbowl Run

Mark my words, this is the dream season for the Kansas City Chiefs. Some may say that they are in a weak division…others may say they haven’t played any real competition. Most experts even claim that the Kansas City Chiefs are just a “cinderella team” and that the San Diego Chargers will still win the AFC West.  Now, with Matt Cassel (likely) out for the big game against the Chargers this Sunday due to appendicitis, the betting line is bound to jump several points when Brodie Croyle leads the team into Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego.  Are the bookies justified, or are they also underestimating the Chiefs?

Here is why they are ALL wrong, and Kansas City will win the Superbowl…

Coaching – Todd Haley

Todd Haley is the man.  This season he has made gutsy call after gutsy call.  He has chosen to go for it on 4th down on several occasions instead of taking the sure 3 points.  He has tried onside kicks.  He has even thrown the red flag to challenge calls just to “swing the momentum” of the game or at least halt it.  I like his passion for taking chances as well as his confidence that the defense and the offense can do their jobs.

When you take chances on a 4th down play when you are in field-goal range, you are sending a direct message to your team:  ”I believe in you (even if it doesn’t work out)!”  Knowing that your leader is willing to take a risk and is not afraid to do so, is a huge adrenalin boost in the middle of the sport of football.

The Running Game – Charles and Jones

Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones are the best 1-2 punch at running back in the game.  No other team can claim this statement.  They are a true 2-headed monster in the backfield.  Jones is like the “sugar” – sweet and dependable, while Charles is the “spice” – fiery and captivating.  The way these two workhorse running backs are being used, there is no doubt they can not be shut down.  Call them what you will, Jones and Charles can slice and dice any defense in the NFL.

Veteran Thomas Jones packs a punch at the line of scrimmage with his driving running attack.  Jones rarely fumbles and almost always picks up 2 or more yards.  He is truly dependable in short-yardage situations.

Young Jamaal Charles on the other hand is all about speed and quick cuts.  If he finds a hole, he usually rips off 10 yards or more.  Charles is always a threat to break one for a touchdown.  And, as a change of pace, Charles can also be a devastating threat in short situations because he can catch the ball really well on short dump-offs.

This amazing combo will be a force to be reckoned with in bad-weather games in January when the passing game is limited.

Leadership at Quarterback – Matt Cassel

Matt Cassel is putting together a phenomenal year.  Cassel is 5th in touchdowns after 12 games with 23 and he has the 3rd fewest interceptions with 4.  These are incredible numbers (23:4 ratio), that only 3-time Superbowl winner Tom Brady is out-pacing.  The bottom line when it comes to winning football games is ball control and Cassel has been doing a superb job of knowing when to throw the ball away, or take a sack or just run for a couple of yards when in danger.  And trust me, he has got a strong arm as Dwayne Bowe can attest to with his league-leading 14 touchdowns in just 12 games.  It will be nice to see Matt Cassel lift the Lombardi trophy in Dallas in February.

Stingy Defense

The Chiefs have allowed the 7th fewest points in the league to date in 2010.  Their defense has been respectably solid thus far.  Led by Derrick Johnson and Brandon Flowers, this has been the staple of Kansas City’s 8 wins this year.  They have been outstanding in the turnover ratio department this season, tied for the league lead with New England.  With a mix of veterans like Mike Vrabel and Jon McGraw as well as young defenders like Jovan Belcher and Brandon Carr, the Chiefs have the perfect combination of youth and experience to compete and win the Superbowl.

Arrowhead Stadium and The Fans

Kansas City is undefeated at home this year (6-0).  That is more games than they won in the entire 2009 season.  They have not allowed over 20 points at home even once this season. In fact, they are averaging under 13 points allowed at home so far.  Astounding!  They owe it all to the presence of the “Big Red Machine” known as Arrowhead Stadium and the awesome fans who are amongst the loudest in the league.  Wait until they realize they are in the playoffs and have a good shot at winning it all…can you say “decibel meter”?  With real grass and open air, Arrowhead has and will always be known as an intimidating place to play.  Get ready for a battle if you are a visiting team coming to Kansas!

So, there you have it…5 solid reason why the Kansas City Chiefs will win the Superbowl this season.  I just can’t see who is as well-rounded to stop them?  Maybe New England?  Possibly Pittsburgh?  What about Michael Vick and the Eagles?  Where will you be when they win it all?

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