2008 Kansas City Chiefs season

Infobox NFL season
team = Kansas City Chiefs
year = 2008
record = 1-4
division_place = 4th AFC West
coach = Herman Edwards
stadium = Arrowhead Stadium
playoffs = TBD
The 2008 Kansas City Chiefs season is the franchise's 49th season, and third with head coach Herman Edwards at the helm. The Chiefs will attempt to improve on their 4-12 record from 2007 with the youngest team in the NFL as part of their "youth movement."

Thanks to a potentially strong draft class, Kansas City will be a team to watch in the coming years.Williamson, Bill. [http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=williamson_bill&id=3448409 Several '08 picks should make immediate impact] "ESPN.com", 18 June 2008.] The Chiefs still don't know if injury-prone quarterback Brodie Croyle can be their quarterback of the future, especially after his injury in Week 1.

Following the Chiefs' dismal 2007 season, head coach Herman Edwards and general manager Carl Peterson could be on the hot seat. Peterson and Edwards should be safe unless absolutely zero progress is made this season. However, Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt has expressed his expectations of a winning team in 2008.Associated Press. [http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3201970 Hunt expects Chiefs to challenge for playoffs in 2008] "ESPN.com", 17 January 2008.]

Beginning with the 2008 season, the team's Lamar Hunt/American Football League tribute patch which was introduced in the 2007 season will become a permanent part of the Chiefs' uniform. [ [http://kcchiefs.com/news/2008/01/31/lamar_hunt_patch_becomes_a_permanent_part_of_the_chiefs_uniform/ Lamar Hunt patch becomes a permanent part of the Chiefs' uniform] "KCChiefs.com", 28 January 2008.]

chedule

The 2008 NFL season schedule was released on April 15. The Chiefs were reportedly one of the four teams being considered to play an international regular season game in London, England in 2008. Among the Chiefs, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New Orleans Saints, and Seattle Seahawks were in consideration.Mortensen, Chris. [http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3205488 Sources: Bills likely to get OK to play game in Toronto] "ESPN.com", 20 January 2008.] The Chargers and Saints were later chosen instead.

"*: Pending the NFL's Flexible scheduling formula."

Notes::note label|Minnesota|a|a Obtained Minnesota's first round selection (#17), and two third round selections (#73, #82) in exchange for DE Jared Allen. The teams also swapped sixth round selections (Kansas City moved from #187 to #182).:note label|Miami|b|b Obtained Miami's fifth round selection (#136) in exchange for QB Trent Green. The selection was later traded to Detroit.:note label|Tampa Bay|c|c Obtained Tampa Bay's sixth round selection (#187) in exchange for RB Michael Bennett. The selection was later swapped with Minnesota.:note label|New York|d|d Obtained New York's seventh round selection (#239) in exhange for K Lawrence Tynes.:note label|Detroit|e|e (Draft day trade) Obtained Detroit's first round selection (#15) and third round selection (#76) in exchange for the Chiefs' first round selection (#17), third round selection (#66) and fifth round selection (#136). [http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/2008/04/27/2008_kansas_city_chiefs_draft/ 2008 Kansas City Chiefs Draft] "KCChiefs.com", 27 April 2008.]

Roster

Coaching staff

Pre-season

Training camp

The Chiefs departed for training camp at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls on July 24 and broke camp on August 15. The 2008 training camp session marked the Chiefs' 18th season in River Falls, Wisconsin. Prior to the start of the season, Kansas City named Patrick Surtain, Pat Thomas, Brian Waters, and Jon McGraw as team captains. [ [http://kcchiefs.com/news/2008/09/04/chiefs_elect_2008_season_captains__waters_thomas_surtain_mcgraw/ Chiefs elect 2008 season captains: Waters, Thomas, Surtain, McGraw] "KCChiefs.com", 4 September 2008.]

Exhibition games

The Chiefs played the Chicago Bears on August 7 and their offense was very consistent. They won the game 24–20 and had their first victory in the pre-season since August 2006. The team lost to the Arizona Cardinals by a score of 27–17 at Arrowhead Stadium on August 16. The Chiefs were shut-out by the Miami Dolphins at Dolphin Stadium by a score of 24–0 on August 23. Kansas City played its final pre-season game against the St. Louis Rams on August 28 at Arrowhead Stadium for the Missouri Governor's Cup. The Chiefs won the game 21–17.

Regular season

Week 1: at New England Patriots

AFB Game Box Start
Visitor = Chiefs
Host = Patriots
V1 = 0 | V2 = 3 | V3 = 0 | V4 = 7
H1 = 0 | H2 = 7 | H3 = 7 | H4 = 3
Date = 2008-09-07
Location = Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachussetts
StartTime = 1:02 PM EDT / 12:02 PM CDT
ElapsedTime = 2:49
Attendance = 68,756
Weather = Sunny skies; 75°F (23.9°C); Wind NW at 15 mph
Referee = Carl Cheffers
TVAnnouncers = Greg Gumbel (play-by-play) & Dan Dierdorf (color commentator)
TVStation = CBSAFB Game Box Scoring Entry
FirstEntry = yes
Quarter = Q2 | QuarterEntries = 2
Time = 11:45 | Team = NE | Event = Randy Moss 10 yd TD pass from Matt Cassel (Stephen Gostkowski kick) | Score = NE 7-0AFB Game Box Scoring Entry
Time = 00:17 | Team = KC | Event = Nick Novak 40 yd field goal | Score = NE 7-3AFB Game Box Scoring Entry
Quarter = Q3 | QuarterEntries = 1
Time = 03:01 | Team = NE | Event = Sammy Morris 5 yd TD run (Gostkowski kick) | Score = NE 14-3AFB Game Box Scoring Entry
Quarter = Q4 | QuarterEntries = 2
Time = 13:06 | Team = KC | Event = Dwayne Bowe 13 yd TD pass from Damon Huard (Novak kick) | Score = NE 14-10AFB Game Box Scoring Entry
Time = 02:26 | Team = NE | Event = Gostkowski 37 yd field goal | Score = NE 17-10
LastEntry = yes

The Chiefs played the defending AFC Champion New England Patriots, and were 16 ½-point underdogs entering the game. With 7:20 left in the first quarter, safety Bernard Pollard hit quarterback Tom Brady in his left leg.Associated Press. [http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d80aa5bd5&template=with-video&confirm=true Chiefs safety Pollard regrets Brady's injury] "NFL.com", 8 September 2008.] Brady went down, clutching his left knee and would not return to play in the game. Back–up quarterback Matt Cassel entered the game, and his first pass of the game went 51 yards to wide receiver Randy Moss. Cassel continued to excel as he was 5-6 on the drive. It ended on a 10 yard touchdown pass to Moss, giving the heavily favored Patriots the early lead in the second quarter. Five drives later the Chiefs got on the scoreboard after a 13-play drive that ended on a 40 yard field goal from kicker Nick Novak. However, New England replied with their second touchdown of the day, this time a 5 yard run by running back Sammy Morris. Chiefs quarterback Brodie Croyle was hurt when he was sacked and slammed to the turf on his shoulder.Associated Press. [http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d80aa747b&template=with-video&confirm=true Chiefs QB Croyle out for this week] "NFL.com", 8 September 2008.] With around 50 seconds on the clock and down by a touchdown in the fourth quarter, the Chiefs had the ball near the Patriots goal line. Kansas City had a chance to score but Dwayne Bowe dropped a pass in the end zone on fourth down, leading the the Patriots victory. The loss also gave them a franchise-worst 10-straight losses, dating back to last season.e tried to throw on the sideline, but immediately indicated he was through for the day. Damon Huard substitued for Croyle and had the Chiefs on the 5-yard line when they ran out of downs. The Patriots won the game 17–10, and the Chiefs fell to an 0–1 start.

Week 2: vs. Oakland Raiders

AFB Game Box Start
Visitor = Raiders
Host = Chiefs
V1 = 6 | V2 = 0 | V3 = 7 | V4 = 10
H1 = 0 | H2 = 0 | H3 = 0 | H4 = 8
Date = 2008-09-14
Location = Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
StartTime = 1:00 PM EDT / 12:00 PM CDT
ElapsedTime =
Attendance = 74,480
Weather = 61°F (Cloudy)
Referee = Walt Anderson
TVAnnouncers = Kevin Harlan & Rich Gannon
TVStation = CBSAFB Game Box Scoring Entry
FirstEntry = yes
Quarter = Q1 | QuarterEntries = 2
Time = 05:13 | Team = OAK | Event = Sebastian Janikowski 56 yd field goal | Score = OAK 3-0AFB Game Box Scoring Entry
Time = 01:19 | Team = OAK | Event = Janikowski 25 yd field goal | Score = OAK 6-0AFB Game Box Scoring Entry
Quarter = Q3 | QuarterEntries = 1
Time = 08:22 | Team = OAK | Event = Darren McFadden 19 yd TD run (Janikowski kick) | Score = OAK 13-0AFB Game Box Scoring Entry
Quarter = Q4 | QuarterEntries = 3
Time = 06:53 | Team = OAK | Event = Janikowski 40 yd field goal | Score = OAK 16-0AFB Game Box Scoring Entry
Time = 04:04 | Team = KC | Event = Tony Gonzalez 2 yd TD pass from Tyler Thigpen (Thigpen pass to Mike Cox for 2-point conversion) | Score = OAK 16-8AFB Game Box Scoring Entry
Time = 00:51 | Team = OAK | Event = Michael Bush 32 yd TD run (Janikowski kick) | Score = OAK 23-8
LastEntry = yes

Hoping to rebound from their tough road loss to the Patriots, the Chiefs hosted their AFC West rival, the Oakland Raiders. In the first quarter, Kansas City trailed early as Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski got a 56-yard and a 25-yard field goal. Chiefs quarterback Damon Huard suffered a neck injury in the first quarter and Tyler Thigpen substituted as quarterback for the remainder of the game.Associated Press. [http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3587431 Chiefs' Huard replaced by Thigpen after injury] "ESPN.com", 14 September 2008.] Huard was in for Kansas City's first two series, but didn't return after throwing an interception late in the second quarter. Marques Hagans, who was listed on the Chiefs' roster as a wide receiver, checked in as quarterback for several draw plays. The Chiefs announced at the end of the third quarter that Huard sustained "mild head trauma," a move deemed controversial as Huard never sought medical attention in the following days.Horing, Ari. [http://bleacherreport.com/articles/58610-do-the-chiefs-have-a-conspiracy-looming-in-kansas-city Do the Chiefs have a conspiracy looming in Kansas City?] "Bleacher Report", 17 September 2008.]

Under Thigpen, the Chiefs' offense struggled to move the ball down the field. In using three quarterbacks, the Chiefs had only 65 net yards at halftime. Raiders RB Darren McFadden got a 19-yard TD run in the third quarter. Oakland increased its lead with Janikowski nailing a 40-yard field goal in the fourth quarter. The Chiefs would respond with rookie QB Tyler Thigpen completing a 2-yard TD pass to TE Tony Gonzalez, Kansas City executed a two-point conversion pass to rookie FB Mike Cox to make them within 8 points with just over five minutes remaining. The Chiefs' two-point conversion was the team's first in two years. Kansas City lost its opportunity to tie the game as the Raiders pulled away with RB Michael Bush getting a 32-yard TD run.

The Chiefs' defense allowed the third-highest total yards on offense in franchise history. [http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=280914012 Despite firing reports, Kiffin, McFadden lead Raiders over Chiefs] "ESPN.com", 14 September 2008.] JaMarcus Russell completed only 6 of 17 passes for 55 yards and led the Raiders to a 15-point victory.West, Joe. [http://nwanews.com/nwat/Sports/69190/ Chiefs hit rock bottom at Arrowhead] "Northwest Arkansas Times", 14 September 2008.] Following the game, Chiefs RB Larry Johnson voiced his displeasure with the Chiefs' offense and his role with the team.Associated Press. [http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3587787 Chiefs RB Johnson unhappy with reduced role in offense] "ESPN.com", 14 September 2008.] With the loss, the Chiefs fell to an 0–2 record for the third consecutive year. Kansas City's 11-game losing streak (2007–2008) is the longest in franchise history. The Chiefs also lost their second consecutive game to the Raiders for the first time since 2001.

Week 3: at Atlanta Falcons

AFB Game Box Start
Visitor = Chiefs
Host = Falcons
V1 = 0 | V2 = 7 | V3 = 7 | V4 = 0
H1 = 14 | H2 = 10 | H3 = 7 | H4 = 7
Date = 2008-09-21
Location = Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia
StartTime = 1:00 PM EDT / 12:00 PM CDT
ElapsedTime =
Attendance = 62,434
Weather = Domed stadium
Referee = Scott Green
TVAnnouncers = Gus Johnson & Steve Tasker
TVStation = CBS

Trying to snap a two-game losing skid, the Chiefs flew to the Georgia Dome for a Week 3 interconference duel with the Atlanta Falcons. With Damon Huard still recovering, second-year quarterback Tyler Thigpen was given the start.cite web | title=Chiefs QB Thigpen to start vs. Falcons | work=Associated Press | url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3593861 | date=2008-09-17 | accessdate=2008-09-17]

In the first quarter, Kansas City's struggles continued as Falcons RB Michael Turner got a 4-yard TD run, along with QB Matt Ryan completing a 70-yard TD pass to WR Roddy White. In the second quarter, Atlanta increased its lead with kicker Jason Elam getting a 27-yard field goal, along with Turner's 1-yard TD run. The Chiefs would close out the first half with Thigpen completing a 15-yard TD pass to WR Dwayne Bowe.

In the third quarter, Kansas City drew closer as RB Larry Johnson got a 1-yard TD run. However, the Falcons replied with Turner's 2-yard TD run, and a fourth quarter interception sealed the win when CB Chris Houston returned it 10 yards for a touchdown.

With their twelfth consecutive loss, the Chiefs fell to 0-3.

Week 4: vs. Denver Broncos

AFB Game Box Start
Visitor = Broncos
Host = Chiefs
V1 = 0 | V2 = 10 | V3 = 3 | V4 = 6
H1 = 6 | H2 = 7 | H3 = 3 | H4 = 17
Date = 2008-09-28
Location = Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
StartTime = 1:00 PM EDT / 12:00 PM CDT
ElapsedTime =
Attendance = 74,623
Weather = 74°F (Mostly Sunny)
Referee = Mike Carey
TVAnnouncers = Greg Gumbel & Dan Dierdorf
TVStation = CBS

The Chiefs hosted the 3–0 Broncos in hopes of winning their first game of the season.Associated Press. [http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=280928012 Johnson rushes for 198 yards, two TDs as Chiefs' 12-game losing streak ends] "ESPN.com", 28 September 2008.] The Chiefs' offense, averaging fewer than 11 points a game, turned early touchdown opportunities into short field goals.

In its first two possessions, Denver's league-leading offense had a turnover, a sack and a shanked punt. Larry Johnson ran a career-long 65-yard run to the 21 yard line on the game's second play. Kansas City had first-and-goal from the 9, but only managed a field goal. The field goal gave Kansas City their first lead in 22 quarters, since the team's lead against the Titans on December 16, 2007.

With QB Damon Huard at the helm, the Chiefs' offense allowed no turnovers and scored more points in one game (33) than their first three games of the season combined (32). Denver's running defense was noticably weak and allowed Chiefs RB Larry Johnson to fun for 198 yards. Johnson also tallied his first 2 touchdown game in over two years. Denver allowed four turnovers, which the Chiefs capitalized on three. Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez scored one touchdown and finished the game within three yards shy of tying Shannon Sharpe's all-time receiving record (10,060).

The win was Kansas City's first since a victory over Oakland on October 21, 2007. Johnson tallied his 29th career 100-yard rushing game and his fifth against Denver.

Week 5: at Carolina Panthers

AFB Game Box Start
Visitor = Chiefs
Host = Panthers
V1 = 0 | V2 = 0 | V3 = 0 | V4 = 0
H1 = 7 | H2 = 14 | H3 = 10 | H4 = 3
Date = 2008-09-07
Location = Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
StartTime = 1:00 PM EDT / 12:00 PM CDT
ElapsedTime = 2:51
Attendance = 72,319
Weather = 80°F (Sunny)
Referee = Terry McAulay
TVAnnouncers = Kevin Harlan & Rich Gannon
TVStation = CBSComing off their stunning home win over the Broncos, the Chiefs flew to Bank of America Stadium for a Week 5 interconference duel with the Carolina Panthers. In the first quarter, Kansas City trailed as RB DeAngelo Williams got a 10-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Chiefs continued to trail as Williams caught a 25-yard TD pass from QB Jake Delhomme, along with getting a 32-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Chiefs' struggles continued as kicker John Kasay missed a 32-yard field goal, along with Delhomme completing a 47-yard TD pass to WR Muhsin Muhammad. In the fourth quarter, the Panthers sealed the win with Kasay nailing a 43-yard field goal.

With the shutout loss, the Chiefs fell to 1-4.

One positive from the game, TE Tony Gonzalez (3 receptions for 17 yards) became the NFL's all-time leader in career receiving yards for a tight end with 10,063 yards.

References