As we dazzle back to view some of the highlights of the Chiefs we see in 2002, the Chiefs defense would struggle allowing 431 points on the season as the Chiefs posted a mediocre 8-8 record.
As they enter 2003 though the Chiefs came pounding out of the gates winning their first 4 games easily as they entered an early season showdown with the Denver Broncos who were also 4-0 at Arrowhead Stadium. The game would be called by Dante Hall who had his fourth straight game with a kick return Touchdown setting a new NFL record as the Chiefs improved to 5-0 with a 24-23 win.
Nevertheless, down the stretch the Chiefs would weaken causing their final four games to finish with a 13-3 record, which would lose, them home field advantage through out the playoffs. Despite the late season struggle, Priest Holmes was able to set a new single season record with 28 Touchdowns. Wow!
After a first round bye, the Chiefs faced the Indianapolis Colts in the divisional round of the playoffs. The Chiefs found themselves behind the 8-ball early as the Colts scored 14 first quarter points on two long TD drives. However, the Chiefs would respond back scoring 10 points on their first two drives. However, the Colts would answer back with another TD on their third possession of the first half while the Chiefs 3rd possession resulted in a missed Morten Andersen Field Goal.
With the Colts leading 21-10, the Chiefs needed a score to start the second half, but when Priest Holmes' fumble led to a Colts Field Goal and a 14-point deficit. The Chiefs would answer back, only to have the Colts score again. Needing a jump-start Dante Hall delivered one with a 92-yard kick return for a TD to cut the deficit to 7 points. The Colts would answer back with another TD. The Chiefs needing to score quickly were able to strike back, but it took 7 minutes and they would never see the ball again as the Colts advanced to the AFC Championship with a 38-31 win, as the Colts never punted in the game.
In 2004, there would be no repeat of the Chiefs 9-0 start as they stumbled out of the gate dropping their first three games as the Chiefs defense continued to be their Weakness. After splitting their next two games, the Chiefs erupted for 101 points in the next two games beating the Atlanta Flacons and Indianapolis Colts at Arrowhead Stadium.
It would be an abrasion as the Chiefs lost their next four games falling to 3-8 and out of the playoff picture. With the playoffs out of reach, the Chiefs shut down Priest Holmes who was hampered all season with an ailing knee. With Holmes sitting out the Chiefs turned to backup Larry Johnson who would score 11 Touchdowns while the Chiefs climbed back towards respectability with four straight wins. However, with a chance to finish .500 the Chiefs would lose to the division champion San Diego Chargers in their final game as they finished in third with a 7-9 record.
Now in 2005, The Chiefs will bounce back off their poor last place finish from last year. However, they will fall just short of the playoffs as their defense still has several holes, and the durability of RB Priest Holmes is still a big question mark.
