2007 Kansas City Chiefs season

Infobox NFL season
team = Kansas City Chiefs
year = 2007
record = 4-12
division_place = 3rd AFC West
coach = Herman Edwards
stadium = Arrowhead Stadium
playoffs = "did not qualify"
The 2007 Kansas City Chiefs season began with the team looking to improve on their 9-7 record in 2006 and attempting to secure the franchise's first back-to-back playoff berth since 1995. The season ended with a nine game losing streak, the team's first since 1987 and a 4-12 record. It was the Chiefs' first season with twelve losses since 1978.

Considered a year of transition,Teicher, Adam. [http://www.kansascity.com/sports/chiefs/story/160458.htm It's summer, but no KC vacation] "Kansas City Star", 22 June 2007.] Teicher, Adam. [http://www.kansascity.com/sports/story/207206.html Transition marks start of training camp] "Kansas City Star", 27 July 2007.] the 2007 season marked the Chiefs' forty-fifth season in Kansas City, Missouri, and final before renovations began at Arrowhead Stadium.

Quarterback Trent Green , leaving the door open for second-year quarterback Brodie Croyle or back-up quarterback Damon Huard to win the starting job. Huard was named starting quarterback on August 25 for the team's first game of the season, [http://www.kansascity.com/sports/story/247259.html Huard named starting quarterback] "Kansas City Star", 25 August 2007.] but Croyle replaced him after Huard was injured in the game against Denver in Week 10.

Five different running backs were used after Larry Johnson was injured in Week 9 against Green Bay. The team also had no stability at quarterback with Croyle and Huard, who both nursed injuries throughout the season, while their offensive line depleted following the retirement of their former Pro Bowl guard Will Shields.

To honor their late team owner and founder Lamar Hunt, the Chiefs wore a special American Football League patch on their uniforms with the initials "LH" emblazoned inside the logo's football.

chedule

The Chiefs' 2007 schedule was announced on April 11, 2007. [Teicher, Adam. [http://www.kansascity.com/385/story/66669.html Chiefs open, close season with road games] "Kansas City Star", 11 April 2007.] [Teicher, Adam. [http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/sports/17015594.htm Chiefs on national TV in preseason home game] "Kansas City Star", 2 April 2007.] [ [http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/2007/04/02/chiefs_preseason_dates_set_for_2007/ Chiefs preseason dates set for 2007] "KCChiefs.com", 2 April 2007.]

The Chiefs' December 30th game against the Jets was originally scheduled to air on "NBC Sunday Night Football", but the game was moved to CBS in favor of a Titans-Colts matchup with playoff implications.

Reserve quarterback Damon Huard was signed to a three-year contract in February and Trent Green was not only asked to restructure his contract, but also offered in trades to other teams. Quarterback Brodie Croyle, whom was drafted in 2006, was in contention with Huard to succeed Green throughout the offseason. The Chiefs had said that Green would be welcome to return and compete for the job as well if he wasn’t traded,Teicher, Adam. [http://www.kansascity.com/159/story/51754.html Browns may go for Green] "Kansas City Star", 29 March 2007.] but Green refused. After the draft had passed, Trent Green was still listed on the Chiefs' roster, but Green's agent stated that Green would not return to the Chiefs for the 2007 season.Teicher, Adam. [http://www.kansascity.com/159/story/88739.html Trent Green still a Chief] "Kansas City Star", 30 April 2007.] On June 5, the Chiefs traded Green to the Miami Dolphins.Pasquarelli, Len. [http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2894600 Green goes to Dolphins from Chiefs in trade] "ESPN.com", 5 June 2007.]

On August 25, Damon Huard was named the starting quarterback for the season opener against the Houston Texans. Croyle was chosen to be the starter months later on November 12.

Running back drama

As rumors spread concerning the Chiefs' quarterback situation, more emerged concerning their starting running back, Larry Johnson. The "Kansas City Star", without citing a source, reported that the team had offered Johnson up for trade in the weeks before the 2007 NFL Draft. [http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/KC/10151540 Chiefs deny they're trying to trade RB Johnson] "NFL.com news wire", 26 April 2007.] The 27-year-old Johnson participated in all of the Chiefs' off-season program, but was entering the final year of his contract. Johnson reportedly made it clear he wanted a deal worth more than the eight-year, $60 million contract San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson signed in 2005. The Chiefs invited four running backs—California's Marshawn Lynch, Ohio State's Antonio Pittman, Florida State's Lorenzo Booker and Louisville's Kolby Smith—for interviews, and had said they were willing to draft a running back in the early rounds. The Chiefs later selected Kolby Smith in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft.

On June 21, Johnson stated that he was willing to sit out the Chiefs' training camp unless he and the Chiefs reach an agreement on a new contract.Whitlock, Jason. [http://www.kansascity.com/sports/columnists/jason_whitlock/story/158912.html Larry Johnson says training camp holdout is possible] "Kansas City Star", D1, 21 June 2007.] Johnson was absent at the start of training camp as contract talks were stalled. On July 25, reports surfaced of former starting running back Priest Holmes informing the team that he would arrive at training camp on the third day of practice (Saturday, July 28). Holmes was considered to be either acting as leverage to re-sign Johnson or even reclaim the starting position for himself if Johnson had decided to sit out.Teicher, Adam. [http://www.kansascity.com/sports/story/204520.html Priest Holmes tells the Chiefs he wants to come to camp] "Kansas City Star", 25 July 2007.] Holmes had not played since the middle of the 2005 season after suffering a severe neck injury against the San Diego Chargers, but remained on the team's payroll and roster.

On August 21, Johnson and the Chiefs agreed to a five-year contract extension that secured Johnson's status with the Chiefs through the 2012 season. [http://www.kansascity.com/sports/story/240697.html LJ ends holdout, joins Chiefs at practice] "Kansas City Star", 21 August 2007.] As a result of this extension, Johnson became the highest-paid running back in the NFL based on average salary per year. The contract is worth $45 million, with $19 million guaranteed. Of the guaranteed money, $12 million is the signing bonus and $7 million is guaranteed salary.Clayton, John. [http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2984649 Johnson, Chiefs work out five-year contract extension] "ESPN.com", 21 August 2007.]

On August 30, Johnson played his first pre-season game in the 2007 exhibition season, carrying the ball only 3 times in the first quarter of the Chiefs' match-up against the St. Louis Rams.

uspensions

On April 27, defensive end Jared Allen was suspended for the first four games of the 2007 season.Teicher, Adam. [http://www.kansascity.com/116/story/86441.html Chiefs' Allen will miss first four games of the season] "Kansas City Star", 27 April 2007.] Also, despite earlier stating that he would seek a trade, Allen announced that he would return to the Chiefs, and signed a one-year contract. On July 16, Allen's suspension was reduced to two games following an appeal.Teicher, Adam. [http://www.kansascity.com/sports/story/191487.html Suspension of Chiefs' Allen reduced to two games] "Kansas City Star", 17 July 2007.]

Free agency

The Chiefs had nineteen free-agent players heading into the 2007 off-season. [ [http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/sports/football/nfl/kansas_city_chiefs/16815017.htm Chiefs free agents] "Kansas City Star", 3 March 2007.] [ [http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/fa?oldTeamId=12&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fnfl%2ffa%3foldTeamId%3d12 2007 Kansas City Chiefs free agents] "ESPN.com", retrieved 26 March 2007.]

The game started out slow for both the Texans and Chiefs, but with Kansas City poised to score first, rookie placekicker Justin Medlock missed a 30-yard field goal. The Texans used their second possession to advance to the red zone, but a pass from Matt Schaub intended for Andre Johnson was intercepted by Chiefs safety Jarrad Page in the end zone. Beginning the second quarter, Chiefs center Casey Wiegmann fumbled the ball, but it was recovered by quarterback Damon Huard. After a possession by the Texans, kick returned Eddie Drummond fumbled and recovered by Houston. The Texans capitalized on the turnover and scored first through a field goal. With just over six minutes left in the half, Matt Schaub completed a 77-yard pass to Andre Johnson, and the Texans secure their lead, 10-0. Beginning the third quarter, Chiefs fullback Kris Wilson appeared to have fumbled the football, although it was disputed whether or not he had possession. The fumble was recovered by Texans defensive end Mario Williams for a touchdown. The Chiefs finally scored, through a field goal, with thirty seconds remaining in the third quarter. For the first ten minutes of play in the fourth quarter, the Texans controlled the ball and kept the Chiefs' offense off the field. When the Chiefs received their first chance to score in the fourth quarter with just over five minutes remaining, they failed to capitalize on offense.

For only the second time in Texans history, the franchise won their opening day game. The Chiefs' Eddie Kennison pulled his hamstring on the team's first possession, and Patrick Surtain injured his shoulder.

RB Larry Johnson was limited by the Texans defense to just 43 yards on 10 carries.

Week 2: at Chicago Bears

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Chiefs
R1=0
R2=7
R3=3
R4=0
RT=10
Home=Bears
H1=0
H2=17
H3=3
H4=0
HT=20"at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois"
* Game time: 4:15 PM EST/3:15 PM CST [http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/29223/CHI_Gamebook.pdf 2007 Week 2: Kansas City Chiefs at Chicago Bears gamebook, 16 September 2007] .]
* Game weather: 70°F (Clear skies)
* Game attendance: 62,095
* Referee: Mike Carey
* TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz (play-by-play) and Phil Simms (color commentator)

Coming off of a win at Arrowhead that gave Kansas City their first win of the season, they headed to San Diego to take on the Chargers and their new head coach, Norv Turner. Much like their previous game, the Chiefs began with a weak showing offensively before getting a lot of use out of their rookie wide receiver Dwayne Bowe, and a touchdown catch by Tony Gonzalez (his record-tying 62nd). The TD by Gonzalez tied him with Shannon Sharpe for the most touchdown receptions by a tight end. After another TD catch by Bowe, cornerback Tyron Brackenridge ran back a fumble by San Diego to effectively win the game for Kansas City.

Late into the fourth quarter, fans at Qualcomm Stadium voiced their displeasure with Turner by chanting "Marty! Marty! Marty!" in reference to former coach Marty Schottenheimer who was fired by the Chargers after their 2006 season.

The win put the Chiefs 2-2 and tied them with the Denver Broncos and Oakland Raiders for first place in the AFC West. The win was also the 50th win in Herman Edwards' coaching career. Larry Johnson finally managed to get his first 100-yard game of the year with 123 yards on 25 carries.

Week 5: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Jaguars
R1=3
R2=7
R3=0
R4=7
Home=Chiefs
H1=0
H2=0
H3=0
H4=7"at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri"
* Game time: 1:00 PM EST/12:00 PM CST [http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/29258/KC_Gamebook.pdf 2007 Week 5: Jacksonville Jaguars at Kansas City Chiefs gamebook, 7 October 2007] ]
* Game weather: 78°F (Overcast)
* Game attendance: 76,916
* Referee: Jeff Triplette
* TV announcers (CBS): Gus Johnson (play-by-play) and Steve Tasker (color commentator)

Coming off their home win over the Bengals, the Chiefs flew to McAfee Coliseum for a Week 7 AFC West duel with their arch-enemy, the Oakland Raiders. In the first quarter, Kansas City drew first blood with kicker Dave Rayner getting a 41-yard field goal in the first quarter and a 31-yard field goal in the second quarter. In the third quarter, the Raiders took the lead with QB Daunte Culpepper completing a 21-yard TD pass to WR Ronald Curry for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, K.C. regained the lead with RB Larry Johnson getting a 1-yard TD pass (with a failed 2-point conversion). Oakland managed to get within striking distance as kicker Sebastian Janikowski got a 37-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Raiders tried to get into position to win the game. Fortunately, Kansas City's defense eliminated any hope that Oakland had of winning.

With the win, not only did the Chiefs improve to 4-3 heading into their bye week, but it also marked their 9th-straight win over their hated rival.

Week 9: vs. Green Bay Packers

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Packers
R1=0
R2=6
R3=7
R4=20
RT=33
Home=Chiefs
H1=0
H2=7
H3=0
H4=15
HT=22"at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri"
* Game time: 1:00 PM EST/12:00 PM CST [http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/29314/KC_Gamebook.pdf 2007 Week 9: Green Bay Packers at Kansas City Chiefs gamebook, 4 November 2007] ]
* Game weather: 61°F (Clear skies)
* Game attendance: 78,988
* Referee: Walt Anderson
* TV announcers (FOX): Joe Buck (play-by-play) and Troy Aikman (color commentator)

Trying to snap a two-game losing skid, the Chiefs flew to the RCA Dome for a Week 12 intraconference duel against the defending Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts, in a rematch of last year's wildcard battle. This would be the game in which second-year quarterback Brodie Croyle would be given the start.

After a scoreless first quarter, Kansas City struck first with kicker Dave Rayner getting a 47-yard field goal. The Colts would tie the game before halftime as kicker Adam Vinatieri managed to get a 27-yard field goal. In the third quarter, Indianapolis took the lead as RB Joseph Addai got a 3-yard TD run. The Chiefs would respond and tie the game with Croyle completing a 19-yard TD pass to rookie WR Dwayne Bowe. Unfortunately, in the fourth quarter, the Colts sealed the win as Vinatieri nailed the game-winning 24-yard field goal.

With their third-straight loss, the Chiefs fell to 4-6.

The game was also the final outing of Priest Holmes, who suffered a neck injury in the fourth quarter. Holmes announced his retirement later into the week on November 21.

Week 12: vs. Oakland Raiders

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Raiders
R1=3
R2=3
R3=7
R4=7
RT=20
Home=Chiefs
H1=7
H2=3
H3=7
H4=0
HT=17"at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri"
* Game time: 1:00 PM EST/12:00 PM CST [http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/29363/KC_Gamebook.pdf 2007 Week 12: Oakland Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs gamebook, 25 November 2007] ]
* Game weather: 43°F (Sunny)
* Game attendance: 76,210
* Referee: Ron Winter
* TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle (play-by-play) and Solomon Wilcots (color commentator)

Trying to snap a five-game skid, the Chiefs flew to INVESCO Field at Mile High for a Week 14 AFC West rematch with the Denver Broncos. In the first quarter, Kansas City trailed early as Broncos QB Jay Cutler completed a 21-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Stokley, along with RB Travis Henry getting a 1-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Chiefs would get their only score of the game as QB Brodie Croyle completed a 15-yard TD pass to TE Tony Gonzalez.

Afterwards, Denver took over as Cutler completed a 8-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Marshall, while kicker Jason Elam managed to get a 37-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the Broncos sealed the win with Elam nailing another 37-yard field goal, while Cutler completed a 2-yard TD pass to TE Daniel Graham, along with a 13-yard TD pass to Marshall.

With their sixth-straight loss (their longest losing streak since 1987), Kansas City fell to 4-9.

Week 15: vs. Tennessee Titans

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Titans
R1=7
R2=3
R3=10
R4=6
RT=26
Home=Chiefs
H1=0
H2=14
H3=3
H4=0
HT=17"at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri"
* Game time: 1:00 PM EST/12:00 PM CST [http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/29407/KC_Gamebook.pdf 2007 Week 15: Tennessee Titans at Kansas City Chiefs gamebook, 16 December 2007] ]
* Game weather: 22°F (Clear)
* Game attendance: 74,976
* Referee: Bill Leavy
* TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle (play-by-play) & Solomon Wilcots (color commentator)Looking to end their season with a win, their first since October 21, the Chiefs played the New York Jets at Giants Stadium. Entering the game, both teams had only seven combined wins. A bigger storyline entering the game was Chiefs head coach Herman Edwards' first visit to the Meadowlands since his departure following the 2005 NFL season. This Chiefs and Jets game was also a "draft position game," with the loser moving ahead of the winner in the top ten of the 2008 NFL Draft.

After a scoreless first quarter, the Jets took flight as QB Kellen Clemens completed a 15-yard TD to RB Thomas Jones. The Chiefs would get on the board with kicker John Carney getting a 40-yard field goal, followed by Jets kicker Mike Nugent getting a 27-yard field goal to end the half.

After a scoreless third quarter, Kansas City would tie the game in the fourth quarter with Brodie Croyle completing a 26-yard TD pass to Jeff Webb. In overtime, New York sealed the win and the season with Nugent nailing the game-winning 43-yard field goal. The Chiefs ended their season with their twelfth loss, the franchise's first 4-12 season since 1978.

Pro Bowl

Tight end Tony Gonzalez and defensive end Jared Allen were the only Chiefs players elected to the 2008 Pro Bowl in Honolulu, Hawai'i. Gonzalez will make his ninth consecutive appearance, while Allen will make his first appearance after leading the NFL in quarterback sacks (15.5). It was the fewest number of Chiefs to be selected to the Pro Bowl since former guard Will Shields was the team's only representative in 1998.

eason statistics

All statistics through the completion of the 2007 NFL season (December 30, 2007).

Offense

Yards per game: 276.8 (#31 in NFL) [http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/statistics?stat=team&sort=ppg&pos=off&league=nfl&season=2&year=2007 NFL 2007 statistics: Offense] , retrieved 5 January 2008.]

Total yards in season: 4,429 (#31 in NFL)

Points per game: 14.1 (T-#31 in NFL)

Points in season: 226 (#31 in NFL)

Quarterback rating:
*Damon Huard – 76.8 in ten games started [http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/statistics?stat=pass&sort=rat&league=nfl&season=2&year=2007 NFL 2007 statistics: Quarterback ratings] , retrieved 5 January 2008.]
*Brodie Croyle – 69.9 in six games started

Rushing yards in season: 1248 (#32 in NFL—last place)

Rushing yards per game: 78.0 (#32 in NFL—last place)

Passing yards in season: 3,181 (#20 in NFL)

Passing yards per game: 198.8 (#20 in NFL)

Defense

Yards allowed per game: 319.4 (T-#13 in NFL) [http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/statistics?stat=team&sort=ypg&pos=def&league=nfl&season=2&year=2007 NFL 2007 statistics: Defense] , retrieved 5 January 2008.]

Rushing yards allowed per game: 130.6 (#28 in NFL)

Passing yards allowed per game: 188.9 (#5 in NFL)

Points allowed in season: 335 (#14 in NFL)

Points allowed per game: 20.9 (#14 in NFL)

Quarterback sacks: DE Jared Allen – 15.5 (#1 in NFL)

Tackles: LB Donnie Edwards – 87 (#7 in NFL) [http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/statistics?stat=def&sort=tack&league=afc&season=2&year=2007 NFL 2007 statistics: Individual defense] , retrieved 7 October 2007.]

References