Week 1: Chiefs vs. Ravens

AJHawk50 · 09-08-2009, 06:45 PM

Kansas City Chiefs (0-0-0) vs. Baltimore Ravens (0-0-0)
Sunday, September 13th at 12:00 PM. (on CBS)

THE MATCHUP

Kansas City visits Baltimore on Opening Day for the first time in 30 years as the Chiefs commence their 50th anniversary season on Sunday. The Chiefs will visit M&T Bank Stadium, a site where Kansas City owns a pristine 3-0 regular season mark. With 21 new players on the roster, the Chiefs boast a discernibly different look this season under General Manager Scott Pioli and head coach Todd Haley.

Pioli is a four-time winner of NFL Executive of the Year honors and helped New England win three Super Bowl titles and claim four AFC titles over the past nine seasons with the Patriots. Haley helped guide the Arizona Cardinals to a berth in Super Bowl XLIII as that club’s offensive coordinator a year ago. He will be seeking to become the first Chiefs coach to win his debut with the club since Frank Gansz accomplished the feat with a 20-13 win vs. San Diego (9/13/87). The Chiefs are seeking to snap a three-game Opening Day losing streak as Haley attempts to guide Kansas City to a 1-0 start for the fi rst time since 2005.

Baltimore head coach John Harbaugh set the bar for rookie head coaches a year ago, leading Baltimore to an 11-5 regular season record and a berth in the AFC Championship Game. Even more impressive was the fact that the Ravens accomplished that feat utilizing rookie QB Joe Flacco, who started all 19 regular and postseason contests for the club. Meanwhile, Baltimore lived up to its high defensive standards in 2008, ranking second in the league in total defense (261.1 ypg).

Among the many new faces on the fi eld for the Chiefs in 2009 is QB Matt Cassel, who was acquired in an off-season trade with New England along with Pro Bowl LB Mike Vrabel. Seven-time Pro Bowl LB Zach Thomas has also joined Kansas City in 2009. Two-time Pro Bowl RB Larry Johnson and four-time Pro Bowl G Brian Waters headline a group of returning players for Kansas City. Next week the Chiefs return to Arrowhead for their home opener vs. Oakland (9/20), while Baltimore travels to San Diego (9/20).

T-RICH49 · 09-08-2009, 06:48 PM

I have BAL.their defense vs our OL = YIKES

AJHawk50 · 09-08-2009, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T-RICH49

I have BAL.their defense vs our OL = YIKES

Same here, as much as I'd like to say that we would go in there and kick some a's...it just shouldn't happen. As you said, their defense vs. our offensive line will be NASTY.

Splat · 09-08-2009, 06:53 PM

Haha.

It will be over at half time LJ will have no more then 30 yards all game we will have less then a 100 yards rushing as a team I can't even begin to think of how many QB's were going to use.

AJHawk50 · 09-08-2009, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Splat420

Haha.

It will be over at half time LJ will have no more then 30 yards all game we will have less then a 100 yards rushing as a team I can't even begin to think of how many QB's were going to use.

lol, we may need to start picking fans out of the crowd to throw for us by the time the game is over. :P

Splat · 09-08-2009, 07:02 PM

All joking a side I really think its going to be bad I would be down right shocked if we won.

AJHawk50 · 09-08-2009, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Splat420

All joking a side I really think its going to be bad I would be done right shocked if we won.

Yeah I mean, is it just me or does it seem like in week 1 there is always one or two surprise winners. Ya never know what can happen.

BmoreBlackByrdz · 09-08-2009, 07:17 PM

I'm not gonna say its going to be a crush, but Baltimore is certainly the favorites to win this game. There D-line is SO STACKED and deep and all I've heard about Kansas City's o-line is bad. When The Ravens have the ball, look for them to try and establish the run and get Ray Rice evolved early(pass and run game) but do not be surprised if they come out passing, they passed at least double the times they ran in preseason. I say the Ravens will win it and I would too, be shocked if the Chiefs come away with a win here, Baltimore just seems better in almost every aspect. Can't wait for the game though :) football's finally back :D

Splat · 09-08-2009, 08:00 PM

I'm still trying to figure out how the Chiefs can go 2-14 last year and their first five games look like this.

at Baltimore Ravens

Oakland Raiders

at Philadelphia Eagles

New York Giants

Dallas Cowboys

That would be rough for a playoff team but to be as bad as the Chiefs were last year and get handed that just doesn't seem right?

vidae · 09-08-2009, 09:17 PM

I picked KC. I am a gigantic homer here, but I love our defense against a decent offense and I think our offense is going to kick some ass if we sign Runyan to be our RT for a year or two.

nepg · 09-09-2009, 03:59 PM

I have KC winning 7 to 9 games this year, but this is probably the toughest, especially with the time Cassel missed (even if he's able to start)... I could see the Chiefs grinding one out here, but Baltimore is definitely the favorite.

vidae · 09-13-2009, 12:50 AM

Just a few hours until the game! Exciting!

Bosanac01 · 09-13-2009, 01:12 AM

Go chiefs!! I really want boe to stick around. It would be a shame if you guys lost.

AJHawk50 · 09-13-2009, 10:11 AM

WooHoo, maybe we can make an upset win today.

vidae · 09-13-2009, 10:37 AM

As per ESPN, Cassel is not playing today. Can't say I disagree with this decision much, but it sucks.

AJHawk50 · 09-13-2009, 10:39 AM

Yeah I just saw that, Brodie Croyle to start.

Shane P. Hallam · 09-13-2009, 10:49 AM

Interesting Tweet from an ex-Ravens scout, thought you would enjoy it:

RT @MoveTheSticks: Ironic, Brodie Croyle starts against BAL today. I was in BAL that year and KC took him 2 spots before we were taking him