Look, I have been sitting in front of my computer for the better part of 12 hours now. I have made my usual rounds to many threads here on Homeofthechiefs.com. I have made my rounds to the “other” discussion forums as well. I have been reading other people’s views, and processing about as much information as my brain can handle. I have felt the excitement, and I too, have felt the anguish that all of us felt yesterday as we watched our beloved Chiefs take on what Todd Haley called earlier in the week, “A three headed monster”.

Will the Baltimore Ravens put up 500 yards of offense in every game? Not likely. On the other hand, will the Ravens visit the playoffs again in 2009? My money says the odds are pretty good for them. I’m sure you agree. They are a well rounded football team.

What the Chiefs did yesterday was by design, you can write that down. Take a listen to coach Haley’s post game press conference. Listen to what he has to say. Many beat writers in, and outside of the Kansas City area want you to take your medicine, and like it. They don’t need to push the Doom and Gloom button that often anymore. They know that you will continue to subscribe to their efforts, and I hope that you can find the time to subscribe to mine. I am not here to make you feel bad this week. I am here to pat you on the back, and say I’m proud to be a Chiefs fan. Progress is painful folks. We all know this to well.

Allow me to offer a little positive thought process to all of you right here, and right now for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2009, and beyond.

First, and foremost,..
You can not keep your defense on the field for 40 minutes, and then not expect to have nightmares about Greg Robinson when you go to sleep that night. You just can’t do it, and that includes having a Brandon Flowers on the field. He too, would have gotten tired. The defense had to be on the field for 84 plays. 84 plays folks. This is why you have to lose almost 400 lbs in training camp. This is why this team has to continue to get in shape, and improve.

Second, the Kansas City Chiefs had two flags thrown against them for the entire Baltimore game, and yes, It was an away game. I don’t have the time or energy to look this up, but I wonder when the last game was that the Chiefs had only two flags like yesterday. I consider this a step forward. Vast improvement over a very shaky, vanilla preseason.

Thirdly, the Chiefs did not turn the football over. They won the turnover battle, and still lost the game. This is two steps forward, although as Todd Haley said yesterday, it was not the result they wanted. I feel very good about this particular achievement for this young football team. This could pay dividends as early as the home opener against those low down, dirty, cheating, rotten Faiders.

Fourth, and I mention this with a smile on my face. The special teams. Our return efforts are better, and they scored six points yesterday on a blocked punt. John McGraw played a heck of a game yesterday. I think everyone here would agree.

Now, I am sure that many of you are thinking about many things right now. Your thinking that the offense needs to get better. Your thinking that Mark Bradley needs to get a first down on BOTH third down plays yesterday. Your thinking that the offensive line must continue to improve. ( Although they got a pretty good test in game one. )

I’m sure your thinking Larry Johnson could have done better, but how? He has to be on the field right? Heck, even myself am thinking that I sure would like to ask Todd Haley why they didn’t give the ball to Jackie Battle yesterday? This game had number 26 written all over it.

I’m sure your thinking that Jamaal Charles could be better. Or maybe you think Brandon Albert had an average game at best yesterday. I might be inclined to agree. Maybe you think Brian Goff just isn’t getting it done at RG, or maybe you think we will never find a competent right tackle for this billion dollar quarterback we have now.

Here is what I am thinking.

What better way to start the season than the Ravens? They just conditioned the Chiefs for their home opener, and they are going to be that much better just for taking on the three headed monster. I think minimal penalties, and no turnovers against the Raiders is exactly what we need. Maybe a Matt Cassel, or a Brandon Flowers would help. Sure they would. But if they aren’t available, I still say Brodie could win it this Sunday anyway. I think some of you might be inclined to agree. Finally.

This team is getting better. This team is finding it’s identity. This team is going through a painful process for us fans to see. I say we can win with a coach like Todd Haley. I say he has reminded us that it was going to be painful at times. I say Todd Haley is doing an excellent job as the head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs. Write that one down too for me while you’re at it.

Quick note to everyone. I think Nathan has landed himself in the hospital again. I don’t have any details, but I just want to say, get better Nathan. We are a team here too, and we don’t need our 60 million dollar man down either. That’s what you are brother. Just like me.