Perfect Match
The year was 1986 and thanks to the Los Angeles Dodgers and Fernando Valenzuela, I started to develop an affinity towards L.A.-based teams. Two calendars later, Magic and the Lakers came along. In ‘92, the Wayne Gretzky-led L.A. Kings carried me to an unforgettable run to the Stanley Cup finals and soon after the Tinseltown-whirlwind introduced me to the cheering side of the UCLA Bruins.
But somehow, I survived being dragged to the Dark Side.
When I began following football as a Broncos’ supporter, the games against the Los Angeles Raiders came and went without much fanfare. Being a casual fan, I cared more about division as a math operation, than I did for division games. I can’t recall a single thing that could rile me up when facing the Silver and Black, whether they called L.A. or Oakland home.
By the time I joined the Chiefs’ bandwagon, Marty Schottenheimer had put on his boots to kick-start one of the most lopsided dominances in pro football history. From 1989 through 1998, an astounding 18-3 mark versus the Raiders was elaborated with such memorable moments as the Todd Marinovich-Meltdown in Arrowhead Stadium’s first game in the playoffs. That completed a three-game season-series sweep in ‘91.
Mark Collins’ pick-six of Jeff Hostetler just before halftime of the season finale in ‘94 that resulted in Hostetler getting leveled by Derrick Thomas and Kansas City getting into the playoffs. There was Tim Brown running into the referee to give James Hasty perfect position to record the game-ending interception in ‘95; and of course, Elvis Grbac’s last-second TD pass to Andre Rison in the ‘97 Monday Night victory.
And yet, because of that overwhelming supremacy, I never felt it like a real rivalry. Sure, I had taken notice of their AFL background and I was well aware of the great battles of the late 60’s. But winning all the time caused me to take for granted any matchup involving the Chiefs and the Raiders. I expected a win every single time. To the victors go the spoils and yes, I was spoiled. Until 1999.
One of my favorite Kansas City triumphs of all time was registered in November of that year. Visiting the Bay Area with a heavy three-game losing streak on their backs, the Chiefs at 5-5 faced an Oakland squad that was equally stationed with a 5-5 record. A victory was imperative for both teams to stay in contention in the AFC West. Starting with Marvcus Patton’s destruction of Tyrone Wheatley at the line of scrimmage; continuing with Cris Dishman’s INT and fumble returns for touchdowns; and ending with Pete Stoyanovich’s game-winning FG at the gun, the Chiefs came back from a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter to absolutely take the life out of whatever the name of the stadium in Oakland was/is.
Those heroics gave Kansas City the chance to make a run for the Western crown, and to this day, it remains one of the most precious highlights I’ve ever recorded. Nonetheless, it pales in comparison to what took place later in that season.
On the second day of 2000, the Chiefs were controlling their destiny. A Seattle defeat had cleared the way for them to advance to the playoffs as the Occidental representative. All they needed was one additional takedown of the Raiders, and the just mentioned prologue led everybody to believe that minutes were the only obstacles that could delay the Chiefs from getting to their destination. Or so we thought.
It wasn’t blowing the 17-0 early lead what brought me down; it wasn’t watching the Chiefs’ D get shredded by draws and shovel passes what exasperated me; it wasn’t Tyrone Wheatley dragging Donnie Edwards what nearly pushed me to break my remote; it wasn’t Pete Stoyanovich’s missed FG that made me curse; it wasn’t Joe Nedney’s game-winning FG in OT what ripped my heart out, and it wasn’t the sight of Jon Gruden running around like he won the Super Bowl what made me get down on my knees in disbelief.
IT WAS ALL OF IT. When Gunther Cunningham said two days after the game that Tony Gonzalez was so distraught that he could not even make it to the final season meeting, I believed him. I was trapped in that same prison.
However, immersed in all that combination of rage, frustration and denial, something amazing rose up one week after the gigantic letdown: I couldn’t wait for the hour to get back at the Raiders. I remember vividly counting the days for that to happen and with that, to me, a rivalry finally was born.
Rivals are necessary. Due to their opposite nature, they will corral you, they will defy you and they will fight you. But in the end, they will make you better. There’s no doubt that they will help drive you because they will push you to do your best in order to outlast them, if not for self-pride, just to irritate them. It’s only called balance. The Raiders are the National Football League’s most-hated entity and they have done a magnificent job to earn that reputation. Starting with Al Davis — the League’s ultimate maverick — they have achieved success while pushing the envelope in doing so. They have been ruthless, dirty, nasty, and for the most part, (their three Lombardi Trophies have declared them) winners. That’s what pisses everybody off. They have played the bad guys and they have relished that role. It’s their identity. To the Raiders’ fan base, traced all the way back to the pre-NFL days, Kansas City constitutes every single component that is contrary to what they stand for. And to the Chiefs’ fandom, the feeling is mutual.
At this time, the Chiefs and the Raiders are sunk in a dismal state. The Raiders are an absolute mess; they are featuring a QB that is hapless, they are lead by a head coach that is relevant for police investigations, and about the only thing that they have going on for them are their special teams. But the Chiefs cannot call the kettle black. Their O-Line is in a constant state of flux, the defense is prone to giving up the big play, and yes, about the only thing that they have going on for them are their special teams.
But there’s one HUGE difference. Already this season, the Raiders — playing one of their weakest games of the year — defeated a Kansas City team that had one of his best outings to date. That was mind-numbing to say the least.
Indeed, that is the reason why I want the Raiders to bring their “A” game this Sunday. Don’t get me wrong, I still despise Oakland. Nowadays, when these games are on the horizon, I always remember Harvey Williams mimicking Neil Smith’s George Brett homage; I regret that Albert Lewis ended up as a Raider; I rejoice that Marcus Allen reinvented his career as a Chief; I torture myself with the painful recollection that KC picked Grbac over Gannon; and I happily reminiscence that my first live game in K.C. was a victory over those same Faders.
I’m hopeful that Todd Haley will finally let his football genome take over and enjoy making life miserable for Oakland just like his father did back in the day as a member of the Steelers. This time, I want payback and I want the Raiders to be at full-strength so they can’t feel cheated.
I can’t think of a better rival to get back on track and I can’t come up with a better surrounding than that Twilight Zone enclave in California. Needless to say, the occasion is the best to snap out of the funk, and one thing’s for sure… I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Yeah this should be a win for the Chiefs. However I think we’re alot closer to getting things turned around than the Raiders though. I do hope someday both franchises can return back to their winning ways. Though for the Raiders it want happen till Al Davis is dead and gone though. Thats unfortunate.
Do not expect this to post but:
I do not expect much from the 09 Chiefs and Haley is living up to it. To win the Chiefs must find an offense that has not shown itself all season long. We cannot expect the defense or special teams to score all the points. For whatever reason we do not have an offense. Because of that I do not see another win this year (I know I am wrong, even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while). This team has to make us believe, hope by fans is not going to get it done.
I think they can win tomorow as well Ed.If they can establish a running game and torment Russell and not let the raiders recievers get behind our weak spot our safeties it should be a win. I like the fact the chiefs went downfield only because they had to because they were behind.But with Charles running to the outside and a couple of dive plays in between Waters and Alberts they should be sucessful. And make the raiders fall asleep and throw the homerun ball on them. Now that I think about it is it me but doesn’t the chiefs look more crisp on offense with a hurry up.I mean with this major weight loss the team endured during the offseason you would think hurry up instead this normal slow set they have been doing.I hope as hell they go out and get a coordinator.Weis might be available he is from the NEW ENGLAND WAY! As Pioli would put it. But I have a feeling it’s going to be Maurice Carthon as the new coordinator which in general means Haley will still be calling the plays. Oh boy ! I hope it does not happen.
Very well-written article, I remember one of my earliest experiences watching the Chiefs was against the Raiders, and all the above events, especially the James Hasty INT and the loss to the miss the playoffs in ‘99 ouch. Or how about the muddy mess that was a 24-0 defeat back in ‘02? But I think as much as I hate the Raiders, I despise the Denver Broncos even more, especially the John Elway jerk. Still, the most painful loss for me, hands down, was the ‘97 playoff loss at home. And the fact that Neil Smith became a Bronco and won a Super Bowl with them instead of with us. And Shannon Sharpe being an arrogant (insert explicative here) I could go on and on, but I definitely think those of us Chiefs fans who grew up watching them in the 90’s would agree that maybe the Raiders is the greater rivalry, but Denver the more hated opponent. Lets get a win tomorrow though, should be a good one!
With last week being the week Colquitt caught a DB from behind, im feeling a win, if that cant get your defense to tackle, I dont know what can. The release of LJ can only motivate Kolby and Jamaal that much more. I think KC must win this game. Obvious statement? yes, but this is one that many will walk away from more than disgusted if we lose…last time Cassel and the O had a lot of chances and controlled field position most of the game. This time chambers/long should help push that, as well as fewer penalties on our OL/TE(Pope, go away Sean Ryan!)
The D also let us down but really, one drive, had one breakup into a pick or on one down just a breakup, from probably a win. This time the O should be at least adequate and score 20 points, the D should like like the great Ravens D that beat the giants..Its Jamarcus Russell…cmon.
Historically the Chiefs have always made poor or backup QBs look like all pros. Do not know why but it has seem to be that way since forever.
For you guy who want a running game or going downtown with a pass, have you been watching any games this year? What magic fairy is going to fix this? They do not throw down field until the end of the game. Running game, where has it been all year. Do not want to rain on anyones parade but they have to find an offense, any offense. Do not get me started on the defense. Sorry