Chiefs Buzz

There are two exciting new stories revolving around the Kansas City Chiefs this week:

1. Herman Edwards to replace Dick Vermeil.

We're not even sure that this is his last year, but he is 70 and likely only to stick around if they look in contention for a Super Bowl. Since they really aren't close to that, it would seem likely that he might retire. But Herman Edwards would be about as good as a replacement that would be available. He got the Jets to the playoffs 3 out of his first 4 years there. And he plays to win the game.

But will he come? It's still a rumor, but he is very close to both Dick Vermeil and the president Peterson. When he was a player on the Eagles he was coached by Vermeil, and continues to talk on the phone every Tuesday. And at his Wednesday press conference, he did little to squash the rumors. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

2. Kansas City awarded Super Bowl

This is contingent on major renovations to the stadium, including a rolling roof, and are not exactly guaranteed to happen. A year ago, while Jackson County (metro Kansas City) voted to support raising taxes to fund needed stadium improvements, the surrounding counties killed the measure.

Although watching a Super Bowl played on the grass of Arrowhead would be cool, I am more interested in the ramifications for the team. Even though the franchise has not been talked about in terms of danger of moving or folding, I recognize that it is a smaller market with a older stadium. The owner is loyal, but renovating the stadium and hosting a Super Bowl, would make sure that the Chiefs remained in Kansas City for decades without worries.

As for Arrowhead Stadium, it is very much a part of the history and charm of the team and everyone wants to maintain that integrity. An artist's rendering of the roof can be seen here, and I'm not too thrilled about it. At least it doesn't affect the unique shape of the upper deck. But the other renovations are severely neccesary to make sure that Arrowhead is a facility that continues to not only be of use, but a star in a league full of cookie-cutter fields.

As for the NFL and the media's interest in holding a Super Bowl in Kansas City itself, I'm not convinced it's a good idea. Kansas City is a great football enviorment because the people are loyal to the team, and passionate enough to make Arrowhead considered the loudest stadium in the league. And the tailgating atmosphere is out of this world. But as far as holding the World's biggest sporting event, it's a smaller city without the hotel infrastructure and excitement to pacify the grumbling reporters who should consider themselves lucky that they have a job, and that it is to cover the Super Bowl. So we'll hear lots of complaining in the weblogs of reporters. But it definetly is full of hard working midwestern people without the exciting nightlife of New Orleans and Miami.

Personally, I don't think the Super Bowl needs to be played in warm weather cities or in a dome at all. The whole spirit of football that is so attractive in the first place, is the attitude of you must play in whatever conditions exist. No tarps. If Foxboro is covered in snow, you better have a Vinatieri that can kick it 40 yards on a white field. If the Windy City is windy, you better have a Vasher that can return it 108 yards and hopefully you don't have a Gould that kicks a field goal into a pylon. If it rains in Seattle, and I don't really need the 'if', you better have an running back in his contract year. It seems the road to super bowl always runs through cold weather enviornments so why should they tough it out all year, and then in the biggest game of the year, get some turf under a roof?