A New Era Begins

Okay…busted! I took last week off. We’ll technically, I didn’t take it off - I just didn’t get my work done. Please, please…I’m begging, don’t tell my kids.

My initial thought was to write about how painful the last minute loss to San Diego was. But yesterday as I was watching film, people began to walk briskly down the halls of the Chiefs Offices. After news of Carl Peterson’s resignation broke, things got a bit hectic…and…we’ll….let us just say, I didn’t get my work done again!

I also had a witty prediction all set for the next 5 years based on the AFL decision to cancel the 2009 season. But after reading it, it really sounded more like a psychotic break than vision. So, I’m going to reflect about … you guessed it … Carl Peterson.

CARL PETERSON
First, let me just say: I know fans are extremely emotional about this. It is part of what makes this a great town for sports. There is passion! I still remember traveling to Los Angeles for Raiders games and thinking - does anyone here care? (BTW - the answer was, no!) But there is a piece of me that will forever feel indebted to what Carl Peterson did in this city.

IMHO, Carl showed an unbelievable loyalty to Lamar Hunt and the culture of this city and club. I realize it was a five year plan, and I’m sure no one is more disappointed in it not reaching a Super Bowl conclusion than Carl. I believe he was deeply hurt, not realizing a personal goal of presenting the Lamar Hunt Trophy to Lamar before Mr. Hunt's passing. And I truly believe, he loves this franchise and would do anything for it…including resigning his position.

Carl has always been gracious, loyal, and sincere to me personally. I can accept that change is a part of the game. And with change comes excitement. An excitement for the future and a renewed faith in possibilities.

But I WILL miss him. Just as I miss Marty. They did something special here…and we owe them gratitude for it.

Giddy!

Seriously, I was light-headed. It was a physiological response to winning after a long list of ...well...not winning. Okay, maybe not - but still it felt good to "just win baby!"


It seems Plaxico Burress was not the only one to shoot themselves in their NFL game last week. I honestly don't know why any coach would risk getting the best placekicker in the league hurt when a game IS NOT YET on the line. Probably the same coach that would come out throwing against the Chiefs 2008 Defense.

But before you credit the Raiders defeat as self-inflicted, you should know...the Chiefs read the fake. It was no accident that Maurice Leggett was there to pick up the fumble. Raiders punter Shane Lechler usually sits down (with his butt on his angle or very near the ground). But suddenly, his form changed - and the Chiefs saw it.

As Marty Schottenheimer used to say, "Luck is what happens when preparation & opportunity come together." (Well...close anyway).

The Chiefs Special Teams were well prepared for the Raiders game. It was GREAT to see them capitalize on their opportunity. It was GREAT to see them contribute.

Congrats to Mike Priefer and his men!

Gunny's men did good stopping the run as well, learning from Septembers 300 plus yard tromp.

Next up! THE DONKEYS. Expect Jay Cutler to provide amble opportunity for the Brandon's to show their preparation. And expect Tyler Thigpen to get some bootleg payback.

Len Dawson believed in an Oakland victory. So, this week - I'm going to believe. After all, we won once in Denver - 2000 wasn't it? (Sorry...my bad) What I meant to say was - we beat them here...we can beat them there.