Sometimes during the best of times, it’s important to recall the worst of times.
At one point in the past decade, the Chiefs were a hapless, directionless franchise. They’d hired and fired coaches and general managers, they’d failed to draft a franchise quarterback in decades and when they did claw their way into the playoffs, it almost certainly meant defeat.
USA TODAY recently put together a list of 100 worst teams in NFL history and they had the 2012 Chiefs as the No. 27 team on their list. It was truly one of the lowest points in Chiefs franchise history.
Here’s a look at what they had to say about that season for Kansas City:
Easily the least-competitive team this proud franchise has ever fielded. Despite Jamaal Charles’ brilliance, the Matt Cassel era ended with a thud … which included 12 losses in the final 13 games — and a four-game skid to end the season when K.C. was thrashed 103-23 collectively.
The play on the field in 2012 was atrocious, save for Jamaal Charles and a few more players scattered across the offense and defense. If you didn’t know that quarterback Matt Cassel wasn’t “it” before 2012, this season ended any hope you had left. Romeo Crennel was a very nice guy and well-liked by the players, but he was in over his head as a head coach. Scott Pioli had proved to be equally as clueless as a general manager. Banners were flown over Arrowhead Stadium with the phrase “Save Our Chiefs.”
The Chiefs franchise has come a long way since then. They’ve found an incredible leader and head coach in Andy Reid, they’ve found a franchise quarterback in Patrick Mahomes and they’ve found success on the field, with a 69-32 regular-season record since 2012. They’ve found success in the playoffs ending a dreaded home playoff drought. They’ve found success within the greater Kansas City community.
When you look back at that 2012 season it gives you a greater appreciation for where the Chiefs are now and what they’re capable of achieving.
