Is this article extremely gutsy to write about? Probably. But, is it worth the chaotic, and ignorant feedback? Definitely. Week two of the regular season is a wrap, and only eight teams hold their own with a 2-0 record, including the Kansas City Chiefs. The first two weeks have not been a cake-walk for the franchise by any means. The Chiefs had to defeat the defending Super Bowl LI champions, the New England Patriots in week one, which of course, they did. Also, the Chiefs needed to show trending improvement by sending the Philadelphia Eagles back home with a loss; which they did. With these two wins, the Chiefs arguably have the best resumé in the NFL.
The Kansas City Chiefs have shown lately how proficient they are, and how they possess every weapon needed to bring home the Lombardi Trophy back to Kansas City – which would be the first time since 1970. It is probably a little early to be writing this, but it is happening. Hopefully, you have made it this far, so you might as well power through and read such a bold prediction casted upon the football realm. So, bite your lip, and keep cool, because who knows, maybe by the end of it all, you will be convinced on why the Kansas City Chiefs are legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
Why The Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl Threat is Real
The Depth
To break down a Chiefs roster and identify weak points in depth would create challenges throughout. Examples include the franchise’s quarterback being a former number one overall pick in Alex Smith, understudied by a gunslinging rookie in Patrick Mahomes II, and third string Tyler Bray, who is more than capable of playing number two behind any starting quarterback.
At running back lies obvious depth, as well as the wide receiver corps owning young and talented players yet to be unleashed for action, and so on and so forth.
Defensively behind the most talented edge rusher in the NFL in Justin Houston, is perhaps the most mesmerizing frame within the NFL in Tanoh Kpassagnon. Veteran Derrick Johnson and third year pro Ramik Wilson have a talented corps behind them with two former four star high school recruits in Reggie Ragland, and Ukeme Eligwe. Each position carries promising depth, and could easily be broken down with confidence.
Depth does not instantly count a team as Super Bowl contenders, but owning depth throughout helps the team succeed if the unexpected develops out of the blue. The Chiefs have strategically built a complex roster to fulfill the needs of a vigorous yet honorable Super Bowl visit.
The Right Head Coach
Andy Reid owns a record 175-144 record throughout his 19 colorful years as a head coach in the NFL. His .605 win percentage shows that he is more than due for his first trip to a Super Bowl. To put his record into perspective, a well known head coach in the NFL in Bill Belichick owns a .672 win percentage in 23 years of coaching. In those 23 years, Belichick has made it to seven Super Bowls.
No, these two coaches are not the same schematic wise, but they both have poured their heart and soul into the game of football.
Reid came into Kansas City with a mindset of rebuilding. Since his first season with the Chiefs, he has never lost more than 7 games. He created one of the best records in team history with a 12-4 record in a season, and has helped the team become threats again in the powerhouse AFC West Division.
Reid is set to make a Super Bowl again in his coaching career, so with the talent and versatility owned by the Chiefs this season, it may be perfectly fine for Chiefs Kingdom to daydream a little deeper, and realize a Super Bowl trip is more than possible. Having an experienced head coach, and a deep roster typically turns out successful. It is now time to hope Reid gets the chance he undoubtedly deserves.
The Appealing Offensive Strategies
Name a team who has the capability faking a handoff to their running back, followed by throwing a shuttle pass to their tight end that results in a 15 yard touchdown? What about a team that has two of the fastest, and arguably the best kick returners in college since special teams phenom Devin Hester, in Tyreek Hill, and De’Anthony Thomas? The list could go on and on, but the Chiefs own such a unique offensive powerhouse, that leaves defenses guessing, and never sure what the team will do next.
Head coach Reid’s West-Coast style offense has been a constant success in the NFL since he has owned head coaching duties. It seems Reid has created his own system for all of his years in the NFL, but has not possessed the weapons to perfect his vision. Though this season, the team seems to ideally gel with the offensive desires by Reid.
The opposing defenses cannot have their mind on only one skillset player to totally take out of the game. To the Chiefs advantage, opposing defenses have worry about the young running game, the quick receivers, the one-of-a-kind tight end, and a shifty quarterback all at once. Shuffling in all of that talent, along with trickery play-calling, raises hectic strategies to try and shut down a versatile offense for opposing defenses. So, if the team continues their offensive flow, expect the team to go above and beyond this season.
The Timing
January 11th, 1970, a date that should sound an alarm of sweet victory to any die hard Chiefs fan. A 1970 football game was the last time the Chiefs had something to do with a Super Bowl. Led by legendary Len Dawson, the Chiefs won Super Bowl IV. The Chiefs defeated the Minnesota Vikings in New Orleans 23-7, and brought back a championship to Kansas City.
Bittersweet emotions dwell in the kindred of Chiefs Kingdom. They have made the playoffs three out of the last four seasons, which is a new and exciting trend in the franchise. But, the team has been unable to get around the divisional round game to further their playoff run. To see the team fall short after successful seasons takes a toll on everyone connected to the franchise, leaving them wanting more and thoroughly breaking hearts.
The time is surely near for a visit to the Super Bowl for the Chiefs, so why not now? The team derailed an expected contender in the Patriots in Foxborough, and still have room to improve. In the next 14 regular season games, expect kinks to be fixed on the team, and even more superb production from this team.
This Article is Jinx Free (Knock On Wood)
Considering a 2-0 team an instant Super Bowl contender may be a stretch, but as a Chiefs fan who would love to see the Chiefs make it to one Super Bowl as soon as possible, it is exciting to think ahead and envision the full potential yet to be unlocked by the team. Andy Reid and company have some work to do, as do every other NFL team, but with the momentum carried by the Chiefs, anything is possible.
This article was not written to say “The Chiefs are automatic locks for a Super Bowl LII trip”, but more of a “It is definitely possible, and worth the “what if” scenarios to surface”. But, if the team does not make it, do not blame this article. This work is purely jinx free, but full of hope, and open mindedness, that this is the year the Chiefs make a trip to Disney World after a Super Bowl victory.
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