Can the Chiefs eliminate mistakes this week against the Cowboys?

As the week has rolled on as bleak as things have been in the first four weeks of the season, there seems to be more of a feeling that the Chiefs have a chance against the Cowboys when they come Arrowhead on Sunday.  

Part of that is based on the perception that Dallas QB Tony Romo will somehow find a way to hand the game to the Chiefs.  One can only hope.  The truth of the matter is that despite the Cowboys 2-2 record, they are a significantly better team than the Chiefs and to date Kansas City has done little to prove that they can beat anyone who’s talent level is higher than their own.

The Kansas City offense is still struggling under the play calling of Todd Haley.  Is it based on the fact they’ve changed so much fundamentally in the offensive scheme since Haley took over as offensive coordinator or is it just the matter the talent can’t do what they’re being asked?

Haley says the talent is there.  But the mistakes that have consistently haunted the Chiefs in the first four weeks must be eliminated.  That starts with penalties and plays that lose yardage.  You can’t even hope to win when 19 percent of your offensive plays have produced negative yardage.  Sacks, runs for losses, penalties, oh and let’s not forget critical turnovers like the opening kickoff against the Giants.

I’ll be the first to say I believe Haley has the right overall approach to how to this team around.  It’s just a very painful process and doesn’t appear to be any easier this week for the Chiefs.  Still, they get a Dallas team at home coming off a disappointing loss in Denver.  The stage could be set for an upset.

To get it done, KC needs to come out physical from the outset, eliminate the penalties and missed assignments that have put them in the hole so often this season and the offensive line needs to give Matt Cassel time to throw.  Defensively, pressuring Romo is the key.  If you make him hurry, he makes mistakes.  Then you have to capitalize.

Will they do it?  Who knows.  Just when you think you know what you’re going to get from this team, they’ll probably surprise us.