The common urban legend perpetuated amongst Chiefs fans is that we would have won that 1997 playoff game with Rich Gannon because he was clearly so much better than Grbac when in reality, that wasn't at all the case.
Again, this cross section points to them being remarkably similar. They ran fewer pass plays with Gannon at the helm so therefore appeared to be slightly more efficient but overall, the offensive output was very similar, regardless of who was under center.
Now, let's look at a couple of key defensive stats, since I think we all agree that the 1997 team was driven largely by the defense. This is where things get interesting.
It's pretty clear what drove the Chiefs winning streak down the stretch - the defense got A LOT better as the season went on. In fact, the defense allowed LESS THAN 300 yards in only 2 of Grbac's starts, whereas that same defense allowed only one team to gain more than 300 yards while Gannon was under center. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Pam Oliver's Forehead:
What about points per game?
With Grbac, 19.3/game points scored, 14.3/game against.
With Gannon, 28.5/game points scored, 10.83/game against.
That's just raw points. Grbac was the starter for the 19-3 loss at Denver to start the season and Gannon was the starter for 44-9 game against SF. Those are the two statistical outliers really. [Reply]
Originally Posted by wazu:
I'm looking forward to your next thread: "Why the kicker that shall go unnamed deserves zero blame".
My dad is definitely what most here would call "True Fans". But THAT game and the "damn barefoot kicker" (Jon Baker) are the only two I recall my dad literally cussing a Chief player on the field. I still remember the ride home him asking why the **** would a guy kick the ball barefoot.
I recall after the game watching the players come out of the tunnel various players from each team would sign autographs for the kids. Jon came from the tunnel and walked over toward the crowd and literally nobody asked for his autograph. he just stood there for a few seconds, then turned around and went back in the tunnel. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Chiefaholic:
My dad is definitely what most here would call "True Fans". But THAT game and the "damn barefoot kicker" (Jon Baker) are the only two I recall my dad literally cussing a Chief player on the field. I still remember the ride home him asking why the **** would a guy kick the ball barefoot.
I recall after the game watching the players come out of the tunnel various players from each team would sign autographs for the kids. Jon came from the tunnel and walked over toward the crowd and literally nobody asked for his autograph. he just stood there for a few seconds, then turned around and went back in the tunnel.
If only Marty had stuck with the 1st half game plan.
That kicker would have never even had a chance to fuck up the game. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Chiefaholic:
My dad is definitely what most here would call "True Fans". But THAT game and the "damn barefoot kicker" (Jon Baker) are the only two I recall my dad literally cussing a Chief player on the field. I still remember the ride home him asking why the **** would a guy kick the ball barefoot.
I recall after the game watching the players come out of the tunnel various players from each team would sign autographs for the kids. Jon came from the tunnel and walked over toward the crowd and literally nobody asked for his autograph. he just stood there for a few seconds, then turned around and went back in the tunnel.
Originally Posted by wazu:
I'm looking forward to your next thread: "Why the kicker that shall go unnamed deserves zero blame".
That loss was completely on Schottenheimer. He had Steve Bono air it out and throw three interceptions in the process when Marcus Allen was averaging almost five yards a carry. Not to mention, Lake Dawson dropped an easy TD pass right before the final FG attempt.
Does that pardon Elliott? No, but you can't place that loss solely on him when Bono and Marty also fucked us over. [Reply]
Grbac hadn't played in weeks and the team seemed to be hitting their stride at the right time. Grbac gets healthy and a huge change was made. I still contend that if Gannon played that game we go on to win the whole thing. [Reply]
Originally Posted by KCFaninSEA:
Grbac hadn't played in weeks and the team seemed to be hitting their stride at the right time. Grbac gets healthy and a huge change was made. I still contend that if Gannon played that game we go on to win the whole thing.
I knew Marty fucked up when he made the change Gannon was hot and the team was with him
I will always believe it was the wrong choice [Reply]
Originally Posted by theelusiveeightrop:
17years later and we are still debating this. Time to (mercifully) move on.
You'd think so, but apparently not.
Originally Posted by KCFaninSEA:
Grbac hadn't played in weeks and the team seemed to be hitting their stride at the right time. Grbac gets healthy and a huge change was made. I still contend that if Gannon played that game we go on to win the whole thing.
