Fate is on the side of the Chiefs...

The momentum was starting to shift - the Raiders score, the Chiefs go 3 and out, and boom, the Chiefs get a muffed punt and recover.

I think you're onto something Jeremy. Fate (or destiny) does seem to be on their side. Not to mention poor coaching by their opponents.

Kinda reminds me of the Patriots Super Bowl season.

Have you looked at their schedule?

They only have two tough games left - at Denver on 12/7 and at Minnesota on 12/20.

Even with this wacky season (and baring injuries to key players) a 14-2 record plus home field advantage throughout the playoffs is definitely possible.

The way they're playing (despite the gaudy record), I think they have a lot of tough games left, including next Sunday.

Fortune has favored the Chiefs all season. I think the Ravens, Packers, Broncos and now Raiders games could've easily been losses. But don't discount the intangibles DV's brought to 'em.

I think the Chiefs have shown that they have what it takes in both sides of each of the 3 phases of the game. I still haven't seen 'em put it all together for 4 quarters, but if they stay healthy, they're definitely on the right track (except on D, where they're still far too passive). So far they've been good enough to win, and as long as they stay healthy and keep the same attitude, they're only going to improve.

The main thing I don't really like is passive defense. The D (the DL) is on the field too much. But despite remarks by Madden et al before the game, Stills appears to be getting significant minutes (and having an impact), and I THINK I saw Truluck out there tonight, too. Not sure about Beisel, whom I can only recall seeing on the field with STs. But my point is, I think the Chiefs are rotating more DLs than they're given credit for doing. Part of this issue with the D is related to an offense that's talented, but not really consistent. They make eNOUGH big plays to win, but even when they don't score, they need to move the chains a time or three.

What's remarkable to me is the large # of Chiefs from MARTY's and Gun's tenure who are now playahs. I don't know whether to thank Marty/Gun or just thank DV for getting the best out of all his people (or credit King Carl for keepin' his eye on the ball). Jason Dunn, Gary Stills, Danté Hall... And darned if T-Rich didn't catch a pass on the run tonight.

More than I've ever seen, this is a TEAM. Players make mistakes, but they keep their eye on doing the RIGHT things instead of goin' into a shell because they did one wrong thing.

Saw quite a few Chiefs get dinged. But none seriously hurt. Barber 'n' Wesley both returned to the game after being shaken up on different plays. Things are still breaking the Chiefs way. It's almost like fate is on their side. Oh. Somebody already said that.

Agreed. I NEVER want to see a 3-man pass rush.

Just because the KC offense hurries the pass into coverage against the 3-man pass rush is no reason to conclude that other teams can't or won't FEAST against it. That's my biggest gripe against Trent Green (and the OL, in part). When the opposition sends 3 against your 5 (or 6), the QB should NEVER be in a hurry to get rid of the ball. Raiders got penetration a couple times with THEIR 3-man rush (mainly because Wiegmann can't hold his own without help against a good pass-rushing DT). That's a FAIRLY good excuse for Green, but I've still seen a tendency in him to force the ball even when he himself isn't being pressured. 'Happy feet.'

The only time I saw the Chiefs employ a three man rush (including that last drive) was when the Raiders emptied their backfield. And given their inconsistent pressure with four, five and six guys rushing the QB, that was probably wise, considering the extra coverage necessary.

You may be right Tarkus. But I did find it interesting that the SI.COM web site has as their instant poll 'How many games will the Chiefs lose this year?'

NONE 5% ONE 5% TWO 27% THREE 42% FOUR OR MORE 21%

SOURCE: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/ index.html

By the way, odds for Chiefs to win the AFC Championship 3 to 1.

Odds to win the 2004 Super Bowl 5 to 1. (Minnesota 6 to 1).

I'm glad one of us finds that interesting.

Your a bit of a smart ass aren't you?

Sometimes, though most people are smart enough to recognize the symbol to tell when you're just kidding. You know, a wink and a smile? Emoticons? Are you with me?

All kidding aside, my point was that online polls are pretty meaningless.