Both the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs entered the 2009 season facing nearly the same predicaments regarding major changes in management, coaching, systems, and on-field personnel. And yet, both teams couldn’t be any more different from each other, writes the Kansas City Star:

“Two teams that began this season with pressing questions and mounting concerns have since gone in far different directions. Both endured an offseason packed with change, turmoil and tested fan bases. Both have new general managers, head coaches, starting quarterbacks and defensive systems.

After that, the similarities are lost. The Broncos are 6-0, and the Chiefs are 1-5. One team started fast and hasn’t stopped, and the other was one loss from its worst start in franchise history.

As both teams move forward, there is one pressing question: How did one team get tangled in all that change, and how did the other win in spite of it?”

Other stories around the web on Wednesday:

• Pittsburgh Post-Gazette columnist Ron Cook says the Steelers aren’t fantasizing over facing Vikings RB Adrian Peterson, and the defense is intent on keeping alive its streak of 28 straight games — including postseason — without allowing a 100-yard rusher.

• Hall of Fame coach Don Shula is a big fan of the Dolphins’ Wildcat offense.

• Charlotte Observer columnist Tom Sorensen says QB Jake Delhomme and WR Steve Smith will have to start connecting, or else the Panthers will endure a miserable season, even with a solid ground game.

• The Jets offensive line is in a rush to take pressure off of rookie QB Mark Sanchez.

• Columnist Monte Poole of Bay Area News Group says 49ers CB Nate Clements has failed to live up to his lockdown hype and big contract.

• The Colts defense has responded strong after short turnarounds.

Posted in: Around The Web  | comments  |