A Chiefs fan here with some responses, for what they’re worth.

• 3rd Down Percentage: That was with the animal known at Jared Allen coming off the end. While Dorsey at DT from the draft will be a force in the future, he missed most of the preseason with a bum knee and can’t be 100% or know about life in the NFL yet. On the plus side, the Chiefs D line has a much more solid rotation of 6-8 guys. Should make our 4th quarter play much better this year.

• Gonzalez and Bowe: Spot on with this. They are not hype; they play as advertised. Rookies FB Mike Cox and RB Jamaal Charles (3rd down back basically, but behind Kolby Smith) add a lot to the mix this year. Herm won’t be shy about giving them the ball. None of the other wide receivers have distinguished themselves so far. Franklin — a promising rookie in the slot — is injured and will not play this Sunday. Note: Rookie injuries have been terrible so far. Just while practicing!

• Croyle. An unknown, but I don’t hang too much of that 0-6 on him. Larry Johnson was out for the season when Brodie took the reigns. And a big portion of the blame for offensive problems points to poor play calling and scheming by last year’s OC Mike Solari, who was promoted from O line coach where he had done an excellent job. Major O line problems last year. Our “no. 1” WR Kennison went out on the first play of the year. It would have been tough for even Brady to win games if they had switched places.

• Protect Brady. Yep. One of the keys for the Chiefs will be pressuring Brady. With the front four having 1, 1, 0, and 2 years experience (left to right), it will take more than the front four to mount a rush. That means some man to man coverage with yet another rookie — 2nd rounder Flowers — at one corner. He’s been good so far. But preseason is a slower speed. Expect to see the corners and LBs blitzing early and often. It’s probably not too strong to say… It’s our only chance.

• Special teams. Our blog has recently began calling for the head of special teams coach Priefer. Our return guys — not yet named for Sunday — tend to be tentative. And let’s admit that a special teams coach has an awful job, especially early in the year. Take the “leftovers” after the cut to 53 and make a cohesive web of guys to cover half the length of the field. The Chiefs do have the capability to block a punt. Don’t be surprised if that happens. ‘Course, we’d actually have to hold your offense to less than 10 yards in three plays first. Or we could just get turnovers, like the four times we intercepted Brady on November 27, 2005 – Patriots 16, Chiefs 26.

Oh, and by the way… Last coach to beat the Patriots in one of your home openers? Herm Edwards with the Jets. Stay dry and safe the next couple of days. Here’s hoping we can see the game through the rain! Go Chiefs!