Kansas City Chiefs

GRADE
Date	Current	Previous
12/29/11	B-	D
The only demerit is on style points, because the 7-3 decision over Denver was as ugly as it gets. QB Kyle Orton got his revenge, sort of, on the team that dumped him. He led the Chiefs to one single touchdown and a victory but his ex-teammates still slipped into the postseason. The Chiefs, especially defensively, played like a team that wants to keep Romeo Crennel as head coach. And after wins over previously unbeaten Green Bay and playoff-hungry Denver, he's got a true shot at the full-time gig. -- Lee Rasizer, RapidReports Correspondent
12/22/11	D	A
With a faint hope of a spot in the playoffs, the Chiefs showed up like they are looking forward to ending the season next week. Give the defense credit for making Oakland work. But the offense continued to be non-productive the closer they get to the end zone. Special teams had problems as well, giving up a 91-yard kickoff return and allowing a blocked punt. -- Bob Gretz, RapidReports Correspondent
12/15/11	A	D
What other grade could be given to a team that did what no other team had done in the previous 19 games. The K.C. defense was nothing short of sensational as they kept up the pressure on QB Aaron Rodgers with a variety of defenses and good pressure from OLB Tamba Hali with three sacks. The offense moved the ball but could score just one TD. But that was enough to give new head coach Romeo Crennel the victory. -- Bob Gretz, RapidReports Correspondent
12/08/11	D	C+
It was a long day for the Chiefs, whose defense was unable to stop the Jets' running game, especially in the first half. Tyler Palko was only 16 of 32 in the passing game and was sacked five times by the Jets defense. With coach Todd Haley alluding, following the game, to a possible QB change for the final three games, Kansas City has a lot to get fixed. -- Lisa Zimmerman, RapidReports Correspondent
12/01/11	C+	D
Tyler Palko looks more like Richard Dawson than Len Dawson, but the Chiefs offense finally managed to put together a touchdown drive. OK, it was a Hail Mary pass, but it still counted for 6. The Chiefs running game was a big factor in time of possession, and the defensive scheme of blitzes, zone blitzes and man-to-man pass coverage confused Caleb Hanie. -- Gene Chamberlain, RapidReports Correspondent
11/24/11	D	D+
The Chiefs' defense actually played a pretty darn good game, allowing Pittsburgh only one touchdown. As good as the Chiefs' defense was, the offense was at the opposite end of the spectrum. QB Tyler Palko turned the ball over three times with two ugly interceptions and a fumbled snap. The were not able to get into the end zone, giving them two straight games without a TD and only 25 points in the last four games. -- Bob Gretz, RapidReports Correspondent
11/17/11	D+	F
What did you expect? QB Tyler Palko played well at times, but threw three interceptions at the end of drives. The defense couldn't find a way to defend Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski, and gave up a punt return touchdown. This is where the Chiefs are right now. They pulled out all the stops (read-option, onside kick, blitzes) and didn't come close to executing well enough. -- Greg Bedard, RapidReports Correspondent
11/10/11	F	F
It was nothing fancy facing the K.C. defense, but they were unable to stop the Broncos running game, even after both Willis McGahee and Knowshon Moreno left the game with injuries in the first quarter. Offensively, the Chiefs were able to sustain a possession only once and special teams provided no spark. It was a drubbing across the board. -- Bob Gretz, RapidReports Correspondent
11/03/11	F	B-
After winning four straight, the Chiefs laid a huge egg. They were dominated at the line of scrimmage as the offense could not find the end zone and the defense could not stop the passing of Miami QB Matt Moore or the running and receiving of RB Reggie Bush. Mental mistakes and penalties killed any chance the Chiefs had of staying in this game after halftime. -- Bob Gretz, RapidReports Correspondent
10/27/11	B-	B
It was a sloppy night, with too many turnovers and penalties. But the defense played tough, holding the Chargers offense in check most of the game. They also pressured Philip Rivers and kept him in turnover mode with two interceptions and a key fumble. Not the prettiest of victories, but it was a division-tying win for Todd Haley and his team. -- Bob Gretz, RapidReports Correspondent
10/20/11	B	B+
The Chiefs' defense dominated from start to finish. Kansas City intercepted Kyle Boller and Carson Palmer three times apiece, returning one against each for a touchdown. The Chiefs jumped to a 14-0 first-quarter lead and were never threatened as they won their third straight game and moved to within a game of first-place San Diego in the AFC West. -- Eric Gilmore, RapidReports Correspondent
10/13/11	B-	B-
The Chiefs played a complete game for three-and-a-half quarters until an offensive flurry by the Texans spurred a late comeback. Despite the loss, Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones nearly became the first Chiefs duo to rush for 100 yards each in 20 years. Dwayne Bowe had his best game of the year with 108 yards and two TDs. -- Matt Rybaltowski, RapidReports Correspondent
10/06/11	B+	B
After falling behind 17-0 in the second quarter, the Chiefs rallied with a strong second half. QB Matt Cassel got untracked and found WRs Steve Breaston and Dwayne Bowe open in the Indy secondary. The Kansas City running game got untracked and provided a big boost. -- Tom James, RapidReports Correspondent
09/29/11	B	C-
Sunday's game was easily the Chiefs' best performance of the season. They protected the ball on offense, took it away on defense and made very few of the mistakes that had filled their performances in an 0-3 start. QB Matt Cassel threw the ball much better. Defensively, the Chiefs were able to contain Adrian Peterson. The hero was K Ryan Succop, who made all five FG attempts, including a career high 54-yarder. -- Bob Gretz, RapidReports Correspondent
09/22/11	C-	D-
While the Chiefs fell to 0-3 on the season they did not turn the ball over against San Diego until less than a minute to go in the game when FS Eric Weddle intercepted QB Matt Cassel. The offense, however, still has to do a much better job moving the ball. QB Matt Cassel was held to just 18 first-half passing yards and the Chiefs didn't convert a first down before the break. Cassel, however, did lead the Chiefs to 17 second-half points. -- Dan McLellan, RapidReports Correspondent
09/15/11	D-	F
Already crippled by the loss of S Eric Berry, the injury to RB Jamaal Charles may be more than Todd Haley's team can take. What's disturbing is the lack of resistance the Chiefs offered Detroit after halftime. Their effort was a complete and total collapse. Kansas City is a team in turmoil. -- John Kreger, RapidReports Correspondent
09/08/11	F	-
A complete failure from top to bottom by the Chiefs. Offensively, they turned the ball over twice, both leading to scores. Ryan Fitzpatrick picked apart the Chiefs defense. On special teams, they turned the ball over on the opening kickoff. There's nothing good to come out of this for the Chiefs. -- Bob Gretz, RapidReports Correspondent

GPA Key
A = 4.0	A- = 3.7	B+ = 3.3
B = 3.0	B- = 2.7	C+ = 2.3
C = 2.0	C- = 1.7	D+ = 1.3
D = 1.0	D- = 0.7