Any Chiefs For the Pro Bowl? … Tuesday Cup O’Chiefs
The NFL will announce the rosters for the Pro Bowl on Tuesday evening.
It figures to be a quiet evening for the Chiefs. Unlike baseball, where every team is guaranteed at least one player on the All-Star Game roster, in the NFL there is no regulation that requires all 32 teams have a Pro Bowler.
The Chiefs have had at least one player on the AFC team every year since after the 1978 season. They were without representation in 1977-78. The odds would indicate the Chiefs will have at least one player in the game.
In fact, the Chiefs have the second longest streak of consecutive Pro Bowls with a representative at 30 years. Only the San Diego Chargers have sent more guys to the all-star game in consecutive seasons, at 35 years. (Check the chart at the bottom of the story.)
Not that Todd Haley cares much about that streak or what comes down with Tuesday’s announcement.
“The Pro Bowl thing is for the players and I’m about trying to win games,” said the Chiefs head coach. “Right now we have three (victories) and we’re going on the road against Denver and have a chance to knock them out of the playoffs and that’s what I’d like to really get.
“That would be Pro Bowl material for me.”
When a team is 3-12, after a season when they were 2-14, there is concrete evidence of a dearth of all-star talents. Based on what the Chiefs have gotten done this year, there are only three players who may have gotten any type of votes from the players and coaches who make up 67 percent of the voting pool. The other 33 percent comes from the fans that ignored the Chiefs in their voting.
But RB Jamaal Charles, OLB Tamba Hali and CB Brandon Flowers deserve consideration. Whether they get it, is another question.
During those 30 consecutive seasons of Pro Bowl representation, there were Chiefs teams with bad records. That includes last season, when despite a 2-14 mark, TE Tony Gonzalez and G Brian Waters were named to the AFC team.
In 1982, the Chiefs were 3-6 in a strike-shortened season, but they had three Pro Bowlers: S Gary Barbaro, DE Art Still and CB Gary Green. The 1985 club finished with a 6-10 mark and sent only S Deron Cherry to the game. Despite a 4-11 record in 1987, Cherry, WR Carlos Carson, CB Albert Lewis and DT Bill Maas all went to Hawaii. The next season they were 4-11-1 and Cherry, Lewis and LB Dino Hackett made the all-star game.
Considering that in those 30 seasons of Pro Bowlers, the Chiefs had no Super Bowl victories, no AFC titles and only four division crowns. Obviously the Chiefs have enjoyed talented players over the years, just not enough of them together at one time.
Charles is ninth in the AFC with 861 rushing yards and 17th in yards from scrimmage, 10th among running backs. Tennessee’s Chris Johnson and Baltimore’s Ray Rice figure to be locks for the AFC backfield. Thomas Jones of the Jets and Maurice Jones-Drew of Jacksonville will get plenty of consideration as well.
Hali ranks 11th in the AFC with 7.5 sacks, but outside linebackers like Denver’s Elvis Dumervil (17 sacks), Pittsburgh’s Lamar Woodley (11.5) and James Harrison (10) and New England’s Tully Banta-Cain (9.5) area all ahead of him.
With four interceptions Flowers is eighth in the AFC. Rookie Jairus Byrd of Buffalo has led the conference all season in interceptions, but he’s gone to the injured-reserve list. Other cornerbacks ahead of Flowers are Darrelle Revis of the Jets (6), Cincinnati’s Johnathan Joseph and Leon Hall (6 each), and Leigh Bodden of the Patriots (5). All of those corners are either headed to the playoffs or still have a chance to make the post-season.
There’s no question that the Chargers will continue their streak and push it to 36 years. If the Chiefs move their streak to 31 years, it will be quite an upset and one of the few rays of light in the cloud covered 2009 season.
| Rank | Team |
Consecutive Seasons With a Pro Bowler |
Last Season Without A Pro Bowler |
| 1. | San Diego |
35 |
1973 |
| 2. | Chiefs |
30 |
1978 |
| 3. | Denver |
28 |
1980 |
| 4. | Minnesota |
25 |
1983 |
| 5. | Buffalo |
22 |
1986 |
| 6. | Dallas |
19 |
1989 |
| 7. | Washington |
15 |
1993 |
| 8. | Tampa Bay |
13 |
1995 |
| Baltimore |
13 |
na* |
|
| 10. | New York Giants |
12 |
1996 |
| 11. | Indianapolis |
11 |
1997 |
| Miami |
11 |
1997 |
|
| 13. | Philadelphia |
10 |
1998 |
| 14. | Chicago |
9 |
1999 |
| 15. | Pittsburgh |
8 |
2000 |
| New England |
8 |
2000 |
|
| Seattle |
8 |
2000 |
|
| 18. | Arizona |
6 |
2002 |
| 19. | Houston |
5 |
2003 |
| Oakland |
5 |
2003 |
|
| 21. | Tennessee |
4 |
2004 |
| 22. | Green Bay |
3 |
2005 |
| San Francisco |
3 |
2005 |
|
| 24. | Cleveland |
2 |
2006 |
| 25. | Atlanta |
1 |
2007 |
| Carolina |
1 |
2007 |
|
| New York Jets |
1 |
2007 |
|
| New Orleans |
1 |
2007 |
|
| 29. | Cincinnati |
0 |
2008 |
| Detroit |
0 |
2008 |
|
| Jacksonville |
0 |
2008 |
|
| St. Louis |
0 |
2008 |
CHIEFS OPPONENTS SET FOR THE 2010 SEASON
With their loss to the Bengals, the Chiefs are guaranteed to finish in fourth place in the AFC West.
Thus, we know the team’s opponents for the 2010 season.
- HOME – San Diego, Denver, Oakland, Jacksonville, Tennessee, Arizona, San Francisco and Buffalo.
- AWAY – San Diego, Denver, Oakland, Houston, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Seattle and Cleveland.
It will be the Chiefs first visit to Lucas Oil Stadium to face the Colts. Their last visit to Indy was the loss in the 2006 playoffs. It will be their first trip to Seattle since 2002. Their last trip to Houston was in 2007, and to Cleveland and St. Louis their visit came in 2006.
It’s the first visit to Arrowhead for the Cardinals since 2002. The 49ers were last in K.C. in the 2006 season, Jacksonville visited in 2007, Tennessee in 2008 and Buffalo this year.
SIGNINGS, INJURIES & MOVEMENT AROUND THE LEAGUE
- BEARS – placed DE Adewale Ogunleye on the injured-reserve list (leg); signed P Richmond McGee.
- BRONCOS – placed WR Kenny McKinley (knee) and G Russ Hochstein (knee) on the injured-reserve list.
- BUCCANEERS – placed DE Jimmy Wilkerson (knee) and RB Earnest Graham (toe) on the injured-reserve list; activated TE Ryan Purvis from the practice squad.
- EAGLES – have lost C Jamaal Jackson for the rest of the season because of a knee injury.
- RAMS – have lost G Mark Setterstrom for the rest of the season with a torn triceps muscle.
FROM THE PAGES OF CHIEFS HISTORY
On December 29, 1990, the Chiefs beat the Chicago Bears 21-10 on a Saturday afternoon game at Soldier Field. It was one of the coldest afternoons in franchise history as the Chiefs played the Bears in front of an announced crowd of 60,262 fans. Despite frozen field conditions and a strong wind, the Chiefs were able to move the ball through the air, as QB Steve DeBerg threw for 276 yards, or 100 yards more than the Bears had for their entire offensive output on the afternoon. Only problem was the offense had trouble pushing the ball into the end zone, scoring just one touchdown as RB Christian Okoye scored on a three-yard run. K Nick Lowery had five field goals. DeBerg completed 25 of 32 throws, with RB Todd McNair catching nine passes for 69 yards. RB Barry Word ran 18 times for 73 yards. The KC defense allowed 176 yards in total offense and six first downs. Chicago QB Mike Tomczak hit only five of 23 passes for 85 yards. LB Derrick Thomas and DT Dan Saleaumua each had a sack.
SAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY …
Born on December 29, 1958 in New York was DT Dino Mangiero. He joined the Chiefs as a rookie free agent out of Rutgers University in 1980. Mangiero played four seasons (1980-83) with the Chiefs, appearing in 47 games, with 12 starts. He had six sacks and one interception. Mangiero finished his NFL career with a season in Seattle and then two games with the Patriots in 1987.
Born on December 29, 1983 in Huntsville, Texas was RB Derrick Ross. He joined the Chiefs as a rookie free agent in 2006 out of Tarleton State University. He played that season with the Chiefs, appearing in seven games and running the ball three times for eight yards.
Is it just me or do Coach Haley deserve at least a little credit for the way he coached on sunday. In my opinion his best game of the season; with nothing but good decisions on 4th downs and excellent time management at the end of both halfs. First time he actually looked like a pro HC on gameday; nice to see some progress from the man himself!
Nice schedule next year by the way!
GO CHIEFS!
Hey Morten, I had the same thoughts about Haley.
I’d love to see at least one of the big 3 from the Chiefs go bowling. I kind of think Flowers has the best shot given the competition but, we’ll soon see. On another note, I don’t believe the Chiefs have EVER beaten the INDY Colts.
Not in the regular season or post season. Never. I might be wrong but I can’t recall a win over the ponies since 1984 when they made the move from Baltimore. A win over them would be a great feather in the Chief’s cap and a big blue monkey to get off their backs.
Will agree, Haley’s best game presence since hired. Maybe he is getting it. After 15 games, he must be a poor learner. But let’s see what he does next sunday, after all I know he will be here next year and improvement would be welcome.
As for next year’s schedule, looks like a losing one at home with winners on the road. Will not help fill Arrowhead unless a whole lot of activity in free agency and the draft.
Agreed on the 2010 schedule, looks much more Chiefs friendly than this years schedule. With some off season player aquisitions & a solid draft, I can realistically see us winning more games next year.
I would be pleasantly surprised if we have any pro bowl selections this year. Charles has the most potential, he just got a late start this year. Damn you LJ.
Finally, If the Chiefs defense can have another solid performance,(especially if Flowers is healthy) I expect a close game with the Donkeys.
Go Chiefs.
The Chiefs don’t have any players deserving of the Pro Bowl. That’s the best of the best…and I don’t think we have anyone at any position that qualifies. Sad, but true.
I like the look of next years schedule better than I did this years, anyway. Won’t matter, though…unless the team starts playing better.
As for the pro bowl, maybe the best of special teams. Probably Waters because he has been there before commonly happens. If Pioli had any integrity left, would not send anyone.
If any… Succop!
[...] Chiefs News Chiefs Update | Chiefs Football at BobGretz.comThe NFL will announce the rosters for the Pro Bowl on Tuesday evening. It figures to be a quiet evening for the Chiefs. Unlike baseball, where every team is guaranteed at least one player on the All-Star Game roster, in the NFL there is no regulation that requires all 32 teams have a Pro Bowler. [...]
Will not be Succop, a rookie and there are Kickers with better stats. If a body is necessary, Vrabel. He is what Pioli/Haley regard as what they want and was good earlier in the year. Still think Waters, many all pros are past their prime but still make the probowl.
this years pro bowl looks pretty doubtful for us, but next year I think flowers, charles, ect will have even a better shot. With the schedule being a little easier, and some of these players getting better, I think they will be more in the spotlights
I think if we didnt waste half the season on lj, charles could have made the pro bowl
At least you are consistent, gorillafan. We still have one more game to suffer thru and you are picking the pro bowlers for two pro bowls from not. Positive is one thing but that bright future you see??, does it come from meds or what?
The schedule for next year is wrong. The opponents are correct but the site of some of the games are wrong,. The NFL works on a rotation when it comes to playing other divisions each year. The Chiefs played the NFC West in 2006 and hosted the 49ers and Seahawks while traveling to the Cards and Rams. This means next year they will be doing the opposite so we get the Cards and Rams at home and travel to Seattle and San Fran. Same thing applies to the AFC South. In 2007 we hosted Jacksonville and Tennesee and traveled to Indy and Houston. Next year we get Indy and Houston at home and Jaguars and Titans on the road. Wild Card games do not apply for this rotation.
information on 2010 Chiefs opponents comes from page 18 of the NFL Record & Fact Book.
I apologize Bob….was not aware of the new rule being implemented after this season:
After the 2009 season, after all of the teams have cycled through playing against each other both home and away, the league will then implement a modified version of the 2002 scheduling formula, tweaked especially to relieve East Coast teams from having to travel to the West Coast multiple times during the same season. Under the original 2002 formula, those teams scheduled to play all the AFC West clubs had to travel to both Oakland and San Diego in the same season, while those clubs playing the NFC West had to make their way to both San Francisco and Seattle.[3] In the 2008 season, the New England Patriots and New York Jets each had to make cross-country trips to all four of the aforementioned West Coast teams. Under the 2010 modified formula, clubs would only have to visit one West Coast team (AFC West or NFC West), plus one western team from the same division closer to the Midwest. Specifically, those clubs traveling to Oakland would then instead play at Denver, while those playing at San Diego would instead just have a shorter trip to Kansas City. For those playing NFC West teams, some will travel to both San Francisco and Arizona in the same season, while others will instead make trips to Seattle and St. Louis.
Anyway, great site Bob. Keep up the great work and Go Chiefs.
el cid,
no meds here, just a positive outlook…eventhough its hard at times, we will just have to wait and see
[...] Any Chiefs For The Pro Bowl?-Bob Gretz.com Denver is 5,280 feet above sea level, meaning the Chiefs players may have to deal with altitude sickness. The term “playing at altitude” (or “playing at elevation”) is often bandied about, but what happens physiologically to the body? [...]
Boy next year schedule looks a lot better. Still Pioli and Haley has a lot of work to do this offseason . Those teams are not gimmes they also will be trying to improve for next year but still a lot easier than this years.
Haley is improving. If he would trust someone to be OC, he might be even better. He is trying to wear too many hats. Why doesn’t Pioli show his face once in awhile? We saw so much of Peterson, and Dayton Moore across the street. It seems like Pioli is afraid to attach his image to this team.
What about Colquitt for Pro Bowl?
ThunderChief says: I don’t believe the Chiefs have EVER beaten the INDY Colts.
Not in the regular season or post season. Never. I might be wrong but I can’t recall a win over the ponies since 1984 when they made the move from Baltimore.
In fact the Chiefs have beaten the Colts since their move to Indianapolis. Once in 1985 (20-7)and again in 2004 (45-35). Both games were in Kansas City.
Big Lee, for what ever reason, Colquitt’s stats have been dropping as the year wears on. Several punters in the league look better, sorry. He is one of my favorite Chiefs, possibly because the team is so bad at so many positions.
Pioli said since he hired Haley, Haley would be the face of the franchise. So be it. Just wanted someone better to lead the Chiefs, he may learn in the long run but for now it is tough to support much he has done to “improve” the Chiefs.
Thanks for the advisory RickyP. I stand corrected. Maybe it was those playoff losses that shaded my memory?
I remeber that 2004 colts game. The crowd went nuts when we forced the colts to punt on thier first possesion
el cid-thanks for note on Colquitt.
Pioli is the boss, so he doesn’t have to be visible. But all of these moves have his fingerprint as well. This hardass Patriot approach may or may not work, but Pioli knew he was hiring a newbie coach that would use this Patriot philosophy. Hard to throw Haley under the bus after one year unless the right coach falls into your lap. This is what Pioli hired Haley for. I don’t think Cowher or anyone of his ilk is coming to KC.
Have Chiefs come close to using cap space? I realize uncapped year is coming, but Pioli didn’t bring in much talent that could make a difference.
I agree Coach…you looked good. BUT, I want a complete evaluation on Pioli and his draft. For crying out loud…how hard is it…GET OFFENSIVE LINEMEN!!!!!!
Maybe we will draw the Colts for the last game of the season when they will be resting their player and we get the win!
Is there anyone on this roster who would truly warrant a discussion for a Pro Bowl selection besides the punter Mr. Colquitt? Charles is talented, but has to play a full season and hold onto the ball a bit more consistently. Hali and Flowers…possibly in the category of “good” players, but Pro Bowl caliber? I don’t see anyone making comments about being isolated on “Flowers Island.”
This is somewhat of an empty discussion.
Right SG, no skill guys on roster worth pro bowl consideration. Much as I dislike Pioli/Haley, they did not have much to work with. Still, it would have been nice to at least to argue we were shafted, oh, well, 31 years went by quickly.