| Team: | Kansas City Chiefs |
| Year: | 2007 |
| Record: | 4–12 |
| Division Place: | 3rd AFC West |
| Owner: | The Hunt family |
| General Manager: | Carl Peterson |
| Playoffs: | Did not qualify |
| Shortnavlink: | Chiefs seasons |
The 2007 season was the Kansas City Chiefs' 38th in the National Football League (NFL), their 48th overall, and their second under head coach Herm Edwards.
The team looking to improve on their 9–7 record in 2006 and attempting to secure the franchise's first back-to-back playoff berth since 1995. The season ended with a nine-game losing streak, the team's first since 1987 and a 4–12 record. It was the Chiefs' first season with twelve losses since 1978.
Considered a year of transition,[1] [2] the 2007 season marked the Chiefs' forty-fifth season in Kansas City, Missouri, and final before renovations began at Arrowhead Stadium.
Quarterback Trent Green was traded to the Miami Dolphins, leaving the door open for second-year quarterback Brodie Croyle or back-up quarterback Damon Huard to win the starting job. Huard was named starting quarterback on August 25 for the team's first game of the season,[3] but Croyle replaced him after Huard was injured in the game against Denver in Week 10.
Five different running backs were used after Larry Johnson was injured in Week 9 against Green Bay. The team also had no stability at quarterback with Croyle and Huard, who both nursed injuries throughout the season, while their offensive line depleted following the retirement of their former Pro Bowl guard Will Shields.
To honor their late team owner and founder Lamar Hunt, the Chiefs wore a special American Football League patch on their uniforms with the initials "LH" emblazoned inside the logo's football.
The Chiefs' off-season began with turmoil over the contract of Tony Gonzalez, and the long-term status of Trent Green in Kansas City.
For the first time in almost 20 years the Chiefs entered training camp with some doubt about their starting quarterback.[1]
| "It’s going to be open for competition and that’s what’s good about it. If Trent Green decides to come back, it’s going to be the same three guys and they are going to compete. You have to leave it at that; let them compete for the position and see who wins out." | |
| ~Herman Edwards, in March 2007.[4] |
Reserve quarterback Damon Huard was signed to a three-year contract in February and Trent Green was not only asked to restructure his contract, but also offered in trades to other teams. Quarterback Brodie Croyle, who was drafted in 2006, was in contention with Huard to succeed Green throughout the offseason. The Chiefs had said that Green would be welcome to return and compete for the job as well if he was not traded,[5] but Green refused. After the draft had passed, Trent Green was still listed on the Chiefs' roster, but Green's agent stated that Green would not return to the Chiefs for the 2007 season.[6] On June 5, the Chiefs traded Green to the Miami Dolphins.[7]
On August 25, Damon Huard was named the starting quarterback for the season opener against the Houston Texans.[3] Croyle was chosen to be the starter months later on November 12.
As rumors spread concerning the Chiefs' quarterback situation, more emerged concerning their starting running back, Larry Johnson. The Kansas City Star, without citing a source, reported that the team had offered Johnson up for trade in the weeks before the 2007 NFL draft.[1] [8] The 27-year-old Johnson participated in all of the Chiefs' off-season program, but was entering the final year of his contract. Johnson reportedly made it clear he wanted a deal worth more than the eight-year, $60 million contract San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson signed in 2005.[8] The Chiefs invited four running backs—California's Marshawn Lynch, Ohio State's Antonio Pittman, Florida State's Lorenzo Booker and Louisville's Kolby Smith—for interviews, and had said they were willing to draft a running back in the early rounds.[8] The Chiefs later selected Kolby Smith in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL draft.
On June 21, Johnson stated that he was willing to sit out the Chiefs' training camp unless he and the Chiefs reach an agreement on a new contract.[9] Johnson was absent at the start of training camp as contract talks were stalled. On July 25, reports surfaced of former starting running back Priest Holmes informing the team that he would arrive at training camp on the third day of practice (Saturday, July 28). Holmes was considered to be either acting as leverage to re-sign Johnson or even reclaim the starting position for himself if Johnson had decided to sit out.[10] Holmes had not played since the middle of the 2005 season after suffering a severe neck injury against the San Diego Chargers, but remained on the team's payroll and roster.[10]
On August 21, Johnson and the Chiefs agreed to a five-year contract extension that secured Johnson's status with the Chiefs through the 2012 season.[11] As a result of this extension, Johnson became the highest-paid running back in the NFL based on average salary per year. The contract is worth $45 million, with $19 million guaranteed. Of the guaranteed money, $12 million is the signing bonus and $7 million is guaranteed salary.[12]
On August 30, Johnson played his first pre-season game in the 2007 exhibition season, carrying the ball only 3 times in the first quarter of the Chiefs' match-up against the St. Louis Rams. Holmes officially retired in November.
On April 27, defensive end Jared Allen was suspended for the first four games of the 2007 season.[13] Also, despite earlier stating that he would seek a trade, Allen announced that he would return to the Chiefs,[13] and signed a one-year contract. On July 16, Allen's suspension was reduced to two games following an appeal.[14]
The Chiefs had nineteen free-agent players heading into the 2007 off-season.[15] [16]
| Position | Player | Tag | Date signed | 2007 team | Contract (with KC) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE | Jared Allen | RFA[17] | May 22 | Kansas City Chiefs | One year | |
| OT | UFA | March 8[18] | Houston Texans | |||
| RB | UFA | Released | ||||
| FB | ERFA | Released | ||||
| DT | UFA | March 15 | Kansas City Chiefs | Four years[19] | ||
| LB | RFA | N/A | Kansas City Chiefs | N/A | ||
| LS | UFA | Released | ||||
| TE | Tony Gonzalez | RFA | January 12[20] | Kansas City Chiefs | Five years | |
| LB | ERFA | May 23 | ||||
| QB | Damon Huard | UFA | February 27[21] [22] | Kansas City Chiefs | Three years | |
| LB | UFA | March 27[23] | New York Giants | |||
| WR | RFA | N/A | Kansas City Chiefs | N/A | ||
| DT | RFA | April 17[24] | Kansas City Chiefs | Three years | ||
| OT | RFA | N/A | Kansas City Chiefs | N/A | ||
| CB | RFA | April 17 | Kansas City Chiefs | One year | ||
| LB | RFA | N/A | Kansas City Chiefs | N/A | ||
| K | RFA | May 22[25] | New York Giants | |||
| CB | UFA | March 25[26] | St. Louis Rams | |||
| DE | UFA | March 17[27] | Kansas City Chiefs | One year | ||
| RFA: Restricted free agent, UFA: Unrestricted free agent, ERFA: Exclusive rights free agent | ||||||
In January, the Chiefs agreed to terms on a two-year deal with offensive tackle Ramiro Pruneda from Monterrey Tech in Monterrey, Mexico.[28]
In March, the Chiefs signed both offensive tackle Damion McIntosh and middle linebacker Napoleon Harris to six-year contracts.[29] [30] The team also signed long snapper J. P. Darche.[31] Insideside linebacker Donnie Edwards,[32] [33] defensive tackle Alfonso Boone,[34] and strong safety Jon McGraw.[35]
In May, the Chiefs signed 16 undrafted rookie free agents for OTA's. Among those signed were Tyron Brackenridge and Dimitri Patterson, both of whom remained on the Chiefs' 53-man roster throughout the season.[36]
In August, the Chiefs signed kick returner Eddie Drummond to a one-year contract.[37] The Chiefs also signed wide receiver Bobby Sippio to their practice squad.
Throughout the season, the Chiefs used three different kickers. Rookie Justin Medlock started only one game (at Houston) before his release the following day due to his poor performance in the game, as well as the pre-season. Dave Rayner was acquired through waivers from Green Bay, but later released after a Week 12 loss to Oakland. Lastly, Kansas City acquired John Carney after his release from Jacksonville, and remained on the active roster through the end of the season.
On March 21, strong safety Sammy Knight and offensive tackle Kyle Turley were released. Turley was subsequently re-signed on July 21 after contemplating retirement.[38]
On April 15, offensive guard Will Shields announced his retirement.[39] On April 25, the Chiefs traded wide receiver/kick returner Dante Hall to the St. Louis Rams for a fifth round pick, and both teams also swapped picks in the third round (Kansas City moved up two spots).[40]
In May, the Chiefs released defensive end Eric Hicks and linebacker Kris Griffin, and traded defensive tackle Ryan Sims to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for 2009 NFL draft selection.[41] Kansas City also traded kicker Lawrence Tynes to the New York Giants.[42]
In June, reports surfaced concerning safety Greg Wesley and a trade to the Denver Broncos.[1] The teams had agreed on terms of draft-choice compensation, but the Chiefs did not finalize the trade in fear of sending him to a division rival.[1] Wesley remained on the team throughout the entire season.
In October, the Chiefs traded running back Michael Bennett to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for two future undisclosed draft picks in 2008 and 2009.[43]
On November 21, running back Priest Holmes retired from the NFL.[44]
On March 6, Chiefs general manager Carl Peterson announced that quarterback Trent Green was asked to restructure his contract to remain with the team.[45] Green was also granted permission to explore options of a trade to another team.[45] [46] The February contract agreement with Damon Huard, who would have been an unrestricted free agent, was the first public indication that Green's job was in danger.[45] [47] The first team to have contacted the Chiefs' front office was the Miami Dolphins,[48] but Miami constantly disagreed in negotiations. The Dolphins offered a seventh round draft pick to the Chiefs, but the Chiefs declined, instead seeking a second round pick in exchange for Green.[5] The Detroit Lions, and Cleveland Browns were also interested in Green, who are both looking for a veteran quarterback.[5] Green had told the Chiefs that Miami was his preference being that he previously worked under both head coach Cam Cameron and quarterbacks coach Terry Shea.[5] On draft day, the Chiefs and Dolphins could not reach a deal to trade Green. The Chiefs changed their request to a fourth-round pick while the Dolphins offered a sixth round pick.[6] As weeks passed with some believing that Green would remain with the Chiefs, Green's agent reiterated that Green would not return to play for Kansas City.[6]
On June 5, the Chiefs agreed to trade Green to the Miami Dolphins for a conditional fifth round pick in the 2008 NFL draft, pending a physical from Green.[7] The pick can be upgraded to a fourth-round selection if Green were to reach certain predetermined playing time and performance levels.[7] Green was injured while playing with the Dolphins, and missed most of the season, resulting in a fifth-round selection for Kansas City for 2008.
See main article: article and 2007 NFL Draft.
Note: In 2006, the Chiefs traded their fourth round draft pick to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for running back Michael Bennett.
| 2007 Kansas City Chiefs draft | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round | Selection | Player | Position | College | Contract | |
| 1 | 23 | Dwayne Bowe | Wide receiver | LSU | Five years[49] | |
| 2 | 54 | Claude "Turk" McBride | Defensive end | Tennessee | Three years[50] | |
| 3 | 82 | DeMarcus "Tank" Tyler | Defensive tackle | North Carolina State | Three years[51] | |
| 5 | 148 | Kolby Smith | Running back | Louisville | Three years[52] | |
| 160 | Justin Medlock | Kicker | UCLA | Three years[53] | ||
| 6 | 196 | Herbert Taylor | Offensive tackle | TCU | Three years | |
| 7 | 231 | Michael Allan | Tight end | Whitworth College | Three years |
Obtained St. Louis' fifth round selection (#148) and swapped selections in the third round (Kansas City moved up from #84 to #82).
The Chiefs held their summer training camp at the University of Wisconsin–River Falls; their 17th consecutive year training at that location. The team departed for River Falls on July 26 with the first day of practice held on July 27. Kansas City held joint practice sessions with the Minnesota Vikings on August 3 in Mankato, Minnesota and on August 4 in River Falls.[54] The Chiefs honored Greensburg, Kansas and the town's high school football team by wearing special baseball hats to practice and also help raise money to help buy equipment for the Rangers football team and cheerleading squad[55] following a devastating EF-5 tornado that destroyed the city.
The Chiefs' training camp was featured on the NFL Films–HBO joint feature Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Kansas City Chiefs.[56] The series, returning for its third season, and first in over four years, premiered Wednesday, August 8. Hour-long episodes aired each week, concluding on September 5.[56]
Running back Larry Johnson and rookie wide receiver Dwayne Bowe were both absent at the beginning of training camp due to contract disputes.[53] Bowe signed his contract on August 5 after being absent for one week,[49] while Johnson agreed to his contract extension on August 21 after missing 25 days of practice.[12] Priest Holmes arrived at camp on July 28 and was placed on the physically unable to perform list. Damon Huard and Brodie Croyle battled for the starting quarterback position, and Huard was chosen on August 25.
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Recap | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | L 12–16 | 0–1 | Recap | ||||
| 2 | L 10–11 | 0–2 | Arrowhead Stadium | Recap | |||
| 3 | L 7–30 | 0–3 | Arrowhead Stadium | Recap | |||
| 4 | L 3–10 | 0–4 | Recap |
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Recap | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | September 9 | at Houston Texans | L 3–20 | 0–1 | Recap | ||
| 2 | September 16 | at Chicago Bears | L 10–20 | 0–2 | Recap | ||
| 3 | September 23 | Minnesota Vikings | W 13–10 | 1–2 | Arrowhead Stadium | Recap | |
| 4 | September 30 | at San Diego Chargers | W 30–16 | 2–2 | Qualcomm Stadium | Recap | |
| 5 | October 7 | Jacksonville Jaguars | L 7–17 | 2–3 | Arrowhead Stadium | Recap | |
| 6 | October 14 | Cincinnati Bengals | W 27–20 | 3–3 | Arrowhead Stadium | Recap | |
| 7 | October 21 | at Oakland Raiders | W 12–10 | 4–3 | McAfee Coliseum | Recap | |
| 8 | Bye | ||||||
| 9 | November 4 | Green Bay Packers | L 22–33 | 4–4 | Arrowhead Stadium | Recap | |
| 10 | November 11 | Denver Broncos | L 11–27 | 4–5 | Arrowhead Stadium | Recap | |
| 11 | November 18 | at Indianapolis Colts | L 10–13 | 4–6 | RCA Dome | Recap | |
| 12 | November 25 | Oakland Raiders | L 17–20 | 4–7 | Arrowhead Stadium | Recap | |
| 13 | December 2 | San Diego Chargers | L 10–24 | 4–8 | Arrowhead Stadium | Recap | |
| 14 | December 9 | at Denver Broncos | L 7–41 | 4–9 | Invesco Field at Mile High | Recap | |
| 15 | December 16 | Tennessee Titans | L 17–26 | 4–10 | Arrowhead Stadium | Recap | |
| 16 | December 23 | at Detroit Lions | L 20–25 | 4–11 | Ford Field | Recap | |
| 17 | December 30 | at New York Jets | L 10–13 | 4–12 | Giants Stadium | Recap | |
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.
The game started out slow for both the Texans and Chiefs, but with Kansas City poised to score first, rookie placekicker Justin Medlock missed a 30-yard field goal. The Texans used their second possession to advance to the red zone, but a pass from Matt Schaub intended for Andre Johnson was intercepted by Chiefs safety Jarrad Page in the end zone. Beginning the second quarter, Chiefs center Casey Wiegmann fumbled the ball, but it was recovered by quarterback Damon Huard. After a possession by the Texans, kick returner Eddie Drummond fumbled and the ball was recovered by Houston. The Texans capitalized on the turnover and scored first through a field goal. With just over six minutes left in the half, Matt Schaub completed a 77-yard pass to Andre Johnson, and the Texans secured their lead, 10–0. Beginning the third quarter, Chiefs fullback Kris Wilson appeared to have fumbled the football, although it was disputed whether or not he had possession. The fumble was recovered by Texans defensive end Mario Williams for a touchdown. The Chiefs finally scored, through a field goal, with thirty seconds remaining in the third quarter. For the first ten minutes of play in the fourth quarter, the Texans controlled the ball and kept the Chiefs' offense off the field. When the Chiefs received their first chance to score in the fourth quarter with just over five minutes remaining, they failed to capitalize on offense.
For only the second time in Texans history, the franchise won their opening day game as the Chiefs began their season at 0–1. The Chiefs' Eddie Kennison pulled his hamstring on the team's first possession, and Patrick Surtain injured his shoulder.
RB Larry Johnson was limited by the Texans defense to just 43 yards on 10 carries.
Following a road loss to the Texans, the Chiefs stayed on the road as they played the defending NFC champion Chicago Bears in a Week 2 interconference fight. After a scoreless first quarter, Kansas City got roasted in the second quarter with Bears QB Rex Grossman completed a 2-yard TD pass to OT John St. Clair, WR/PR Devin Hester returning a punt 73 yards for a touchdown, and kicker Robbie Gould getting a 47-yard field goal. The Chiefs got their score of the period with QB Damon Huard completing a 16-yard TD pass to rookie WR Dwayne Bowe. In the third quarter, Chicago increased its lead with Gould kicking a 38-yard field goal, while Kansas City tried to keep up with kicker Dave Rayner got a 45-yard field goal. However, with no score by any team in the fourth quarter, the score stood as it was.
With the loss, the Chiefs fell to 0–2.
RB Larry Johnson was only able to get 55 rushing yards on 16 carries, giving him a two-game total of only 98 rushing yards on 26 total carries.
Still searching for their first win of the year, the Chiefs went home to play a Week 3 interconference duel with the Minnesota Vikings. Very much a tale of two halves, Minnesota dominated through most of the first half. Larry Johnson of the Chiefs was ineffective against the Minnesota defense while Adrian Peterson rushed for 102 yards and a touchdown (mostly in the first half). After making changes during halftime, the Chiefs returned with a passing game and an amped up defense. The Chiefs' Jared Allen, back from suspension, led the defense with eight tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble, shutting down the Vikings' offense. Chiefs' rookie Dwayne Bowe, with one reception coming into the game, benefited from the second half passing game with five receptions, including a touchdown.
With the win, the Chiefs improved to 1–2.
Coming off of a win at Arrowhead that gave Kansas City their first win of the season, they headed to San Diego to take on the Chargers and their new head coach, Norv Turner. Much like their previous game, the Chiefs began with a weak showing offensively before getting a lot of use out of their rookie wide receiver Dwayne Bowe, and a touchdown catch by Tony Gonzalez (his record-tying 62nd). The TD by Gonzalez tied him with Shannon Sharpe for the most touchdown receptions by a tight end. After another TD catch by Bowe, cornerback Tyron Brackenridge ran back a fumble by San Diego to effectively win the game for Kansas City.
Late into the fourth quarter, fans at Qualcomm Stadium voiced their displeasure with Turner by chanting "Marty! Marty! Marty!" in reference to former coach Marty Schottenheimer who was fired by the Chargers after their 2006 season.
The win put the Chiefs 2–2 and tied them with the Denver Broncos and Oakland Raiders for first place in the AFC West. The win was also the 50th win in Herman Edwards' coaching career. Larry Johnson finally managed to get his first 100-yard game of the year with 123 yards on 25 carries.
Coming off their divisional road win over the Chargers, the Chiefs went home for a Week 5 intra-conference duel with the Jacksonville Jaguars. In the first quarter, Kansas City trailed early as Jaguars kicker John Carney got a 20-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Chiefs continued to struggle as Jags RB Maurice Jones-Drew got a 52-yard TD run for the only score of the period. After a scoreless third quarter, Jacksonville sealed the game with QB David Garrard completing a 3-yard TD pass to WR Dennis Northcutt. After that, QB Damon Huard, who struggled all game (19/30 for 196 yards and 1 Interception), was benched for Brodie Croyle. He would help Kansas City avoid a shutout by completing a 13-yard TD pass to WR Samie Parker on the very last offensive play of the game.
With the loss, the Chiefs fell to 2–3. The fourth-quarter touchdown was the first second-half touchdown by any Chiefs opponent since the Texans' touchdown in the third quarter of Week 1. Entering the game, the Chiefs' dominant second-half defense led the league with just an average 1.5 points allowed per game.[57]
Hoping to rebound from their loss to the Jaguars, the Chiefs stayed at home for their Week 6 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. In the first quarter, Kansas City drew first blood with kicker Dave Rayner getting a 32-yard field goal. The Bengals would take the lead with QB Carson Palmer completing a 42-yard TD pass to WR T. J. Houshmandzadeh. Fortunately, the Chiefs retook the lead with QB Damon Huard completing a 3-yard TD pass to TE Tony Gonzalez. With the touchdown, Gonzalez surpassed Shannon Sharpe's record for the most TD catches by a tight end with his 63rd career touchdown reception.
In the second quarter, Kansas City increased its lead with RB Larry Johnson getting an 8-yard TD run (which was the first rushing TD by a Chiefs RB this year), along with Rayner ending the half with a 20-yard field goal. At halftime, former Chiefs safety Albert Lewis was inducted into the team's Hall of Fame.
After a scoreless third quarter, Cincinnati began to fight back as kicker Shayne Graham got a 33-yard field goal. After Kansas City increased its lead with Huard hooking up with Gonzalez again on a 26-yard TD pass, the Bengals nearly managed to tie the game with Palmer hooking up with Houshmandzadeh again on a 30-yard TD pass, along with Graham kicking a 36-yard field goal. K.C. managed to recover the onside kick and get the victory.
With the win, the Chiefs improved to 3–3.
Coming off their home win over the Bengals, the Chiefs flew to McAfee Coliseum for a Week 7 AFC West duel with their arch-enemy, the Oakland Raiders. In the first quarter, Kansas City drew first blood with kicker Dave Rayner getting a 41-yard field goal in the first quarter and a 31-yard field goal in the second quarter. In the third quarter, the Raiders took the lead with QB Daunte Culpepper completing a 21-yard TD pass to WR Ronald Curry for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, K.C. regained the lead with RB Larry Johnson getting a 1-yard TD pass (with a failed 2-point conversion). Oakland managed to get within striking distance as kicker Sebastian Janikowski got a 37-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Raiders tried to get into position to win the game. Fortunately, Kansas City's defense eliminated any hope that Oakland had of winning.
With the win, not only did the Chiefs improve to 4–3 heading into their bye week, but it also marked their 9th-straight win over their hated rival.
Coming off of their bye week, the Chiefs were at home for a Week 9 interconference duel with the Green Bay Packers. After a scoreless first quarter, Kansas City trailed early on in the second quarter with Packers kicker Mason Crosby getting a 48-yard and a 36-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Chiefs took the lead with RB Larry Johnson getting a 1-yard TD run.
In the third quarter, K.C. trailed again as Green Bay QB Brett Favre completed a 13-yard TD pass to WR Greg Jennings for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Kansas City went back into the lead with QB Damon Huard completing a 30-yard TD pass to Johnson, yet the Packers went into the lead again as Crosby kicked a 32-yard field goal. Afterwards, K.C. went back to work as Huard completed a 17-yard TD pass to TE Tony Gonzalez (with RB Priest Holmes getting the 2-point conversion run). Unfortunately, Green Bay would pull away as Favre & Jennings hooked up with each other again on a 60-yard TD pass, along with Crosby nailing a 45-yard field goal, and CB Charles Woodson sealing the win by returning an interception 46 yards for a touchdown.
With the loss, the Chiefs fell to 4–4.
Hoping to rebound from their home loss to the Packers, the Chiefs stayed at home for an AFC West duel with the Denver Broncos. With RB Larry Johnson out with an injury, RB Priest Holmes would be making his first start in more than two seasons.
In the first quarter, Kansas City trailed early as Broncos kicker Jason Elam managed to get a 44-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Chiefs managed to tie the game with kicker Dave Rayner getting a 38-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Kansas City took the lead with Safety Bernard Pollard blocking a punt from deep within Denver territory. The ball would roll the back of the endzone for a safety. However, the Broncos went back into the lead with Elam getting a 50-yard field goal. The Chiefs would take the halftime lead as Rayner kicked a 36-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, K.C. trailed big as Denver RB Selvin Young got a 20-yard TD pass, while LB Nate Webster returned a fumble 17 yards for a touchdown. Even worse, starting-QB Damon Huard would leave the game on that play due to a concussion. Back-up QB Brodie Croyle took over the Chiefs offense for the remainder of the game. Later in the period, K.C. tried to rally as Rayner nailed a 39-yard field goal. Unfortunately, in the fourth quarter, the Broncos sealed the win with QB Jay Cutler completing an 18-yard TD pass to TE Daniel Graham.
With the loss, not only did the Chiefs fall to 4–5, but it ended their 8-game home winning streak against division opponents.
Priest Holmes, in his first start in over two years, ran 20 times for 65 yards, along with catching 2 passes for 14 yards.
Trying to snap a two-game losing skid, the Chiefs flew to the RCA Dome for a Week 12 intraconference duel against the defending Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts, in a rematch of last year's wildcard battle. This would be the game in which second-year quarterback Brodie Croyle would be given the start.
After a scoreless first quarter, Kansas City struck first with kicker Dave Rayner getting a 47-yard field goal. The Colts would tie the game before halftime as kicker Adam Vinatieri managed to get a 27-yard field goal. In the third quarter, Indianapolis took the lead as RB Joseph Addai got a 3-yard TD run. The Chiefs would respond and tie the game with Croyle completing a 19-yard TD pass to rookie WR Dwayne Bowe. Unfortunately, in the fourth quarter, the Colts sealed the win as Vinatieri nailed the game-winning 24-yard field goal.
With their third-straight loss, the Chiefs fell to 4–6.
The game was also the final outing of Priest Holmes, who suffered a neck injury in the fourth quarter. Holmes announced his retirement later into the week on November 21.[44]
Trying to snap a three-game skid, the Chiefs went home for a Week 12 AFC West rematch with the Oakland Raiders. In the first quarter, Kansas City trailed early as Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski managed to get a 25-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Chiefs regained the lead as rookie RB Kolby Smith managed to get a 10-yard TD run. In the second quarter, Oakland played catch-up as Janikowski kicked a 54-yard field goal. Kansas City improved its lead before halftime as kicker Dave Rayner nailed a 30-yard field goal.
In the third quarter, the Raiders regained the lead with RB LaMont Jordan getting a 5-yard TD run. The Chiefs would respond with Smith getting a 5-yard TD run. However, in the fourth quarter, Oakland regained the lead with RB Justin Fargas getting a 14-yard TD run. Kansas City tried to come back, but the Raiders held on for the win.
With their fourth-straight loss, not only did the Chiefs fall to 4–7, but it snapped their nine-game winning streak against the Raiders. This would be the first time since 2004 that Kansas City had dropped four-straight games.
Kolby Smith, in his first game starting in absence of Larry Johnson, had 31 carries for 150 yards on the day.
Trying to snap a four-game skid, the Chiefs stayed at home for a Week 13 AFC West rematch with the San Diego Chargers. In the first quarter, Kansas City took the early lead with newly acquired kicker John Carney getting a 38-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Chargers got on the board with kicker Nate Kaeding getting a 25-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Chiefs regained the lead with QB Damon Huard completing a 2-yard TD pass to DE Jared Allen. Afterwards, San Diego tied the game again as QB Philip Rivers completed a 38-yard TD pass to WR Vincent Jackson.
In the second quarter, the Chargers took the lead and the win with RB LaDainian Tomlinson getting a 31-yard TD run in the third quarter and a 28-yard TD run in the fourth quarter.
With their fifth-straight loss, Kansas City fell to 4–8. This also marked the first time since 2001 that the Chiefs have lost four-straight home games.
Trying to snap a five-game skid, the Chiefs flew to INVESCO Field at Mile High for a Week 14 AFC West rematch with the Denver Broncos. In the first quarter, Kansas City trailed early as Broncos QB Jay Cutler completed a 21-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Stokley, along with RB Travis Henry getting a 1-yard TD run. In the second quarter, the Chiefs would get their only score of the game as QB Brodie Croyle completed a 15-yard TD pass to TE Tony Gonzalez.
Afterwards, Denver took over as Cutler completed an 8-yard TD pass to WR Brandon Marshall, while kicker Jason Elam managed to get a 37-yard field goal. In the third quarter, the Broncos sealed the win with Elam nailing another 37-yard field goal, while Cutler completed a 2-yard TD pass to TE Daniel Graham, along with a 13-yard TD pass to Marshall.
With their sixth-straight loss (their longest losing streak since 1987), Kansas City fell to 4–9.
Trying to snap a six-game slide, the Chiefs went home for a Week 15 intraconference duel with the Tennessee Titans. In the first quarter, Kansas City trailed early as Titans QB Vince Young completed a 16-yard TD pass to WR Roydell Williams for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Chiefs tied the game with QB Brodie Croyle completed a 10-yard TD pass to WR Samie Parker. Tennessee would respond with kicker Rob Bironas getting a 37-yard field goal, yet Kansas City regained the lead before halftime as Croyle completed a 9-yard TD pass to FB Kris Wilson.
In the third quarter, the Titans crept close as Bironas kicked a 37-yard field goal, yet the Chiefs answered with kicker John Carney getting a 36-yard field goal. However, Tennessee retook the lead with Young and Williams hooking up with each other again on a 41-yard TD pass. In the fourth quarter, the Titans sealed the win as Bironas nailed a 40-yard and a 25-yard field goal.
With the loss, not only did Kansas City fall to 4–10, but it also marked the first time since 1987 that the Chiefs dropped seven-straight games.
Trying to halt a six-game losing streak, the Lions returned home to Ford Field for an interconference matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs, losers of seven games in a row. Detroit got on the board early with an 11-yard TD run from T. J. Duckett and a safety off a blocked Dustin Colquitt punt. In the second quarter, the Lions opened up a 19–0 lead with a Jason Hanson field goal and a Paris Lenon interception return for a touchdown. After the interception, Chiefs quarterback Brodie Croyle tried to stop Lenon in his return, but injured his wrist and sat out the remainder of the game. Damon Huard filled in, and nearly brought Kansas City back with its first win since October. A 3-yard run from RB Jackie Battle and a 1-yard pass from Huard to Jared Allen, whom made his second touchdown catch on offense this season, made the game 19–14. The Lions' Jason Hanson added two more field goals in the second half and the Chiefs could not convert a two-point conversion to Tony Gonzalez in the 3rd after a Dwayne Bowe receiving TD. Detroit held KC off, 25–20, ending their long skid. However, this would be the Lions' last win until week three of the 2009 season.
With their eighth consecutive loss, the Chiefs fell to 4–11, their worst record in 20 years.
Looking to end their season with a win, their first since October 21, the Chiefs played the New York Jets at Giants Stadium. Entering the game, both teams had only seven combined wins. A bigger storyline entering the game was Chiefs head coach Herman Edwards' first visit to the Meadowlands since his departure following the 2005 NFL season. This Chiefs and Jets game was also a "draft position game," with the loser moving ahead of the winner in the top ten of the 2008 NFL draft.
After a scoreless first quarter, the Jets took flight as QB Kellen Clemens completed a 15-yard TD to RB Thomas Jones. The Chiefs would get on the board with kicker John Carney getting a 40-yard field goal, followed by Jets kicker Mike Nugent getting a 27-yard field goal to end the half.
After a scoreless third quarter, Kansas City would tie the game in the fourth quarter with Brodie Croyle completing a 26-yard TD pass to Jeff Webb. In overtime, New York sealed the win and the season with Nugent nailing the game-winning 43-yard field goal. The Chiefs ended their season with their twelfth loss, the franchise's first 4–12 season since 1978.
Tight end Tony Gonzalez and defensive end Jared Allen were the only Chiefs players elected to the 2008 Pro Bowl in Honolulu, Hawai'i. Gonzalez will make his ninth consecutive appearance, while Allen will make his first appearance after leading the NFL in quarterback sacks (15.5). It was the fewest Chiefs to be selected to the Pro Bowl since former guard Will Shields was the team's only representative in 1998.
All statistics through the completion of the 2007 NFL season (December 30, 2007).
Yards per game: 276.8 (#31 in NFL)[58]
Total yards in season: 4,429 (#31 in NFL)[58]
Points per game: 14.1 (T-#31 in NFL)[58]
Points in season: 226 (#31 in NFL)[58]
Quarterback rating:
Rushing yards in season: 1248 (#32 in NFL—last place)[58]
Rushing yards per game: 78.0 (#32 in NFL—last place)[58]
Passing yards in season: 3,181 (#20 in NFL)[58]
Passing yards per game: 198.8 (#20 in NFL)[58]
Yards allowed per game: 319.4 (T-#13 in NFL)[60]
Rushing yards allowed per game: 130.6 (#28 in NFL)[60]
Passing yards allowed per game: 188.9 (#5 in NFL)[60]
Points allowed in season: 335 (#14 in NFL)[60]
Points allowed per game: 20.9 (#14 in NFL)[60]
Quarterback sacks: DE Jared Allen – 15.5 (#1 in NFL)
Tackles: LB Donnie Edwards – 87 (#7 in NFL)[61]