8B
Thursday, May 2, 1996
UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
Local support won't make Royals better
Last week, a student wrote in Sports Rap that the Cleveland Indians were helped by local support in becoming the power they are today. I disagree.
While it may be true that the Indians were downright terrible for decades, fan support did not rescue the team from anything on the field. Likewise, the Royals have found themselves in the same situation — no one can help the team get better except for its members.
SPORTS RAP
Today, the Indians are good enough to sell out all 81 home games less than two months after losing the World Series (Jacobs Field holds 42,000 people). Ask Albert Belle or Carlos Baerga whether they had much, if any, support in the early 1990s. I can guarantee they would say no.
They were the woeful Indians. Who was going to spend the time and money to see a perennial loser make another bid for 100
The lack of fan support for the Indians earlier in this decade did nothing to hamper the chemistry that now surrounds this epic team. If anything, 54 years of fan misery surrounding the team only brought their local feeding frenzy to an unprecedented level of devotion.
losses in a season? Nobody, except for the true diehards.
the Royals are lucky enough to have a team that can flourish into a real contender during the next couple of years, perhaps the author of the original letter might be content. Otherwise, he might keep pleading for us to go see a product that we either do not appreciate or simply don't care for, much like the woeful Indians of years past.
Chiefs problems aren't at quarterback
Tommy Gallagher Olathe junior
Many are upset that the Chiefs have not
traded or drafted for a new quarterback. Apparently, fans feel that Steve Bono is incapable of leading the Chiefs to the promised land. But the past has shown that the reason the Chiefs can't reach a Super Bowl is poor play calling, not poor quarterbacking.
From 1992 to 1994, the Chiefs had two of the best quarterbacks in the game, but they failed to win the AFC championship.
In 1992, Kansas City acquired three-time All-Pro Dave Krieg to take it to the next level. With a powerful running game and Krieg's deep ball, the Chiefs walked all over NFC powerhouses like Philadelphia and Washington.
They beat San Diego twice in the regular season with a balanced attack, but forgot all that in the playoffs when they relied on the running game and failed to score.
In 1993, Kansas City had the best quarterback situation in the league since free agency. The Chiefs had in Joe Montana the highest-rated quarterback as their starter and the tenth best in Krieg. Two come-from-behind victories against Pittsburgh and Houston
advanced the Chiefs to the AFC championship game.
But a struggling Montana went down with a concussion, and the defense failed to stop Buffalo running back Thurman Thomas.
The pressure was put on Bono, and it showed when he threw three interceptions
The Chiefs probably had their strongest team last season. Bono, despite looking shaky at times, did an adequate job in his first year as starter. He struggled in the playoffs against the Colts. However, no adjustments were made in play calling.
The Chiefs took a step backward in 1994, finishing 9-8 after losing a Wild Card playoff game against Miami. Kansas City's offense was the NFL's fifth-best in yardage and produced more yards than any other team in history.
slowed with he drew three interceptions. The Chiefs have had some fantastic quarterbacks. Play calling has kept them from post-season glory.
Matt Woodruff Olathejunior
Red Lyon Tavern
944 Mass.
832-8228
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