Take
a Memo
Maybe
the Arrowhead mystique is back
Posted
9-08-03
by
CK Rairden
Landmark columnist
With 4:25 left in the second quarter, this one was over.
The Chiefs dominated and embarrassed the San Diego Chargers
in every facet of the game and had mounted a 24-0 lead.
Priest Holmes silenced the critics. The “X-Man”
Johnny Morten showed that he will be a part of this offense
this season. The defensive front seven created havoc and
brand new Chiefs defensive end Vonnie Holliday introduced
himself to Chargers QB Drew Brees.
Three times.
For those reviewing the Take-A-Memo format for the first
time, this is how it works. CK takes down observation
on his legendary memo pad as the game progresses and delivers
them in a quick hitting bullet column.
The thoughts for week one are on the memo pad—enjoy.
****
—The Chiefs first five possessions on offense. Touchdown
Priest Holmes. Punt. Touchdown Priest Holmes. Touchdown
Johnnie Morton. FG Morten Andersen.
—The Chiefs first five defensive efforts. Chargers
punt. Interception by Greg Wesley. Chargers punt. Chargers
punt. Chargers punt.
—Game over.
—Crow is now being served to those who doubted the
honesty, courage and tenacity of Priest Holmes.
—It should go down easy for the plump KC Star columnist
who wrote in July, “But if I had to bet, I’d
wager that [Priest Holmes is] done. No more Pro Bowls.
No more 1,000-yard seasons. No more Priest Holmes.”
—I guess one should consider the source on these
things.
—Although he shouldn’t do it, I never tire
of watching QB Trent Green lower his head for that extra
yard as he did in the second quarter to set up the Morten
Andersen 42-yard FG. I love this guy’s toughness
and leadership.
—Ryan Sims sure doesn’t look like he is playing
in only his seventh NFL game. He’s got a big chip
on his shoulder and feels he has something to prove. If
the pre-season and this game are any indication—he
is proving it.
—CB Dexter McCleon welcome to the starting lineup.
William Bartee, once you are healthy enough—welcome
to the nickel package.
—Trent Green had 21 completions to eight different
receivers. That’s the way this offense is designed
to work.
—And kudos to the architect of this week’s
offensive game plan, offensive coordinator Al Saunders.
His multiple formations and motion on offense blew the
young San Diego defenders away.
—For those who have yet to take notice, the front
seven of this defense are quick, mean and nasty. Even
with the questions in the secondary, if the guys up front
remain healthy—this will not be last year’s
32 defense.
—That was never more evident than with a little
over 9 minutes left to go into the game when San Diego
had recovered a Trent Green fumble and were on the Chiefs
14-yard line with a third and one looking to score.
—On the third down play by the Chargers, RB LaDainian
Tomlinson carried off right tackle where he was swarmed
under by a host of Chiefs for no gain.
—The Chargers had no choice but to go for it on
4th and 1 and in true Marty Schottenheimer fashion ran
nearly the same play. Tomlinson lost yardage on that one.
—That brought back memories of the mid-nineties
dominant defensive front line.
—Priest Holmes had runs of 27 and 14 yards called
back because of penalties. He still managed 85 yards on
the ground and 98 receiving yards to go along with two
touchdowns.
—Looks as if that signing bonus/ contract extension
was worth it.
****
This game was as dominating in the first half on both
sides of the ball that has been witnessed at Arrowhead
in a long time for the home team. It allowed the Chiefs
to coast through the second half and they probably will
need it as the Pittsburgh Steelers rolled over the Baltimore
Ravens and are in next week and they bring a bit more
to the table than the Chargers.
Unless of course this Kansas City Chiefs team shows up,
then it’s not going to matter who comes to Arrowhead.
If this kind of play continues or even a reasonable facsimile
of it—
Maybe, just maybe, the Arrowhead mystique is back.
(CK Rairden can be reached by email
at ckden@yahoo.com)
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