2012 Kansas City Chiefs season

Last updated

2012 Kansas City Chiefs season
Owner The Hunt family
General manager Scott Pioli
Head coach Romeo Crennel
Home stadium Arrowhead Stadium
Results
Record2–14
Division place4th AFC West
PlayoffsDid not qualify
Pro Bowlers
All-Pros
1
  • RB Jamaal Charles (2nd team)
Team MVP Jamaal Charles
Team ROY Dontari Poe
Uniform
Kc chiefs uniforms.png

The 2012 season was the Kansas City Chiefs' 43rd in the National Football League (NFL), their 53rd overall and their first and only full season under head coach Romeo Crennel, who had served as the interim head coach for the final three games of the 2011 season following Todd Haley's termination. The Chiefs failed to rebound from their 7–9 record in 2011, and were eliminated from playoff contention in Week 12. Although they shared the same 2–14 record as the Jacksonville Jaguars for the worst record of the season, the Chiefs had a lower strength of schedule, so they were awarded the first pick in the 2013 NFL draft. The Chiefs went 0–12 against AFC opponents in 2012; their only wins of the season were from NFC teams, against the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints. In 2017, ESPN.com named the 2012 season the Chiefs’ worst in franchise history. [1]

Contents

On December 1, 2012, the day before the Chiefs' week 13 game against the Carolina Panthers, linebacker Jovan Belcher murdered his girlfriend then drove to Arrowhead Stadium where he killed himself in front of Crennel and general manager Scott Pioli. The Chiefs held a moment of silence for domestic violence victims and the teams met for a prayer on the field prior to the game.

As of the 2024, this season remains the most recent season the Chiefs finished at or below .500, as well as the most recent time they finished last in the AFC West.

Season summary

The 2012 team tied the 1977 (2–12) and 2008 (2–14) teams for the franchise worst seasons in terms of fewest wins. The 2008 and 2012 seasons were the worst in terms of win percentage (.125) in franchise history.

They tied with the Jacksonville Jaguars for the NFL's worst record. The Chiefs had the number 1 pick in the 2013 National Football League Draft based on strength of schedule. [2] It was the second time in franchise history the Chiefs have had the #1 pick. [3]

Kansas City suffered from quarterback controversy all season. The Chiefs were tied with the Arizona Cardinals for most interceptions (20) with Matt Cassel throwing 12 and his late season replacement Brady Quinn throwing 8. [4]

The Chiefs started the season tying the 1929 record of Buffalo Bisons for most games without ever leading in regulation (8 games). The Chiefs did defeat the Saints in week 3, but didn't lead until their game winning field goal in overtime. The Chiefs broke the streak in Week 10 against the Pittsburgh Steelers when they led 10–0 in the second quarter before losing the game 16–13 in overtime. [5] In Week 4, the Chiefs had six turnovers in a loss to San Diego. [6] Chiefs tackle Eric Winston claimed Kansas City hometown fans cheered the injury of quarterback Matt Cassel in a Week 5 loss to the Baltimore Ravens calling it "Sick", however fans claim it was because Brady Quinn was seen coming onto the field and were cheering for him. [7] [8] Fans formed the "Save Our Chiefs" organization. They wore black to games to protest and hired an airplane to fly over Arrowhead Stadium on game days towing a banner that read, "Restore Hope: Fire Pioli." [9] When asked why running back Jamaal Charles carried the ball only 5 times in a week 8 loss to the Oakland Raiders, Romeo Crennel responded "Now, that I'm not exactly sure, either." [10] In Week 15, the Chiefs didn't have a first down until the third quarter in a loss against Oakland. [11] In Week 16, the team rushed for a franchise record of 352 yards against the Colts and still lost the game. [12] In Week 17, the Chiefs matched the 1981 Baltimore Colts season record of losing 9 games by 14 points or more in one season as the Chiefs lost to Denver. [3]

The Chiefs finished near the bottom of the league in most major statistical categories. They were 23rd in total offense, 32nd in points scored, [13] and 37 giveaways, tied for worst in the NFL. [14] The Chiefs were 20th in total defense and 25th in points allowed. The Chiefs tied for the fewest takeaways with the Eagles. Their low forced turnovers and giveaways led the Chiefs to finish tied for the worst turnover differential in the NFL with a −24. [15]

Roster changes

Free agency

[16] [17]

Kansas City Chiefs free agency
PositionPlayerStatus*2011 team2012 team
CB Mikail Baker UFASt. Louis RamsKansas City Chiefs
RB Jackie Battle UFAKansas City ChiefsSan Diego Chargers
TE Anthony Becht UFAKansas City ChiefsNone
LB Jovan Belcher RFAKansas City ChiefsKansas City Chiefs
TE Kevin Boss UFAOakland RaidersKansas City Chiefs
WR Dwayne Bowe UFAKansas City ChiefsKansas City Chiefs
CB Brandon Carr UFAKansas City ChiefsDallas Cowboys
CB Travis Daniels UFAKansas City ChiefsKansas City Chiefs
DE Wallace Gilberry UFAKansas City ChiefsTampa Bay Buccaneers
NT Amon Gordon UFAKansas City ChiefsKansas City Chiefs
NT Kelly Gregg UFAKansas City ChiefsNone
LB Cory Greenwood ERFAKansas City ChiefsKansas City Chiefs
RB Peyton Hillis UFACleveland BrownsKansas City Chiefs
RB Thomas Jones UFAKansas City ChiefsNone
S Reshard Langford UFAKansas City ChiefsDetroit Lions
FB LeRon McClain UFAKansas City ChiefsSan Diego Chargers
S Jon McGraw UFAKansas City ChiefsNone
OT Ryan O'Callaghan UFAKansas City ChiefsNone
TE Jake O'Connell RFAKansas City ChiefsKansas City Chiefs
QB Kyle Orton UFAKansas City ChiefsDallas Cowboys
QB Tyler Palko UFAKansas City ChiefsNone
S Sabby Piscitelli UFAKansas City ChiefsNone
DE Ropati Pitoitua UFANew York JetsKansas City Chiefs
TE Leonard Pope UFAKansas City ChiefsPittsburgh Steelers
QB Brady Quinn UFADenver BroncosKansas City Chiefs
CB Jacques Reeves UFAFree AgentKansas City Chiefs
OT Barry Richardson UFAKansas City ChiefsSt. Louis Rams
CB Stanford Routt UFAOakland RaidersKansas City Chiefs
WR Jerheme Urban UFAKansas City ChiefsNone
C Casey Wiegmann UFAKansas City ChiefsNone
OT Eric Winston UFAHouston TexansKansas City Chiefs
*RFA: Restricted free agent, UFA: Unrestricted free agent, ERFA: Exclusive rights free agent, Franchise: Franchise tag

Draft

2012 Kansas City Chiefs draft
RoundPickPlayerPositionCollegeNotes
111 Dontari Poe  *  DT Memphis
244 Jeff Allen   OT Illinois
374 Donald Stephenson  OT Oklahoma
4107 Devon Wylie   WR Fresno St
5146 DeQuan Menzie   CB Alabama
6182 Cyrus Gray   RB Texas A&M
7218 Jerome Long  DT San Diego St
7238 Junior Hemingway  WR Michigan Pick from NE [a]
      Made roster        Pro Football Hall of Fame     *   Made at least one Pro Bowl during career

Notes

^[a] Acquired via trade with the New England Patriots for S Jarrad Page.

Staff

2012 Kansas City Chiefs staff

Front office

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning

Final roster

2012 Kansas City Chiefs roster
Quarterbacks (QB)

Running backs (RB)

Wide receivers (WR)

Tight ends (TE)

Offensive linemen (OL)

Defensive linemen (DL)

Linebackers (LB)

Defensive backs (DB)

Special teams (ST)

Practice squad

Reserve

Rookies in italics
53 active, 12 reserve, 6 practice squad

Preseason

Schedule

WeekDateOpponentResultRecordVenueRecap
1August 10 Arizona Cardinals W 27–171–0 Arrowhead Stadium Recap
2August 18at St. Louis Rams L 17–311–1 Edward Jones Dome Recap
3August 24 Seattle Seahawks L 14–441–2Arrowhead Stadium Recap
4August 30at Green Bay Packers L 3–241–3 Lambeau Field Recap

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Arizona Cardinals

Week 1: Arizona Cardinals at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Cardinals037717
Chiefs1433727

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

  • Date: August 10
  • Game time: 7:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Sunny, 82 °F (28 °C)
  • Game attendance: 64,212
  • Referee: Ken Roan
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Week 2: at St. Louis Rams

Week 2: Kansas City Chiefs at St. Louis Rams – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Chiefs0100717
Rams1437731

at Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, Missouri

  • Date: August 18
  • Game time: 7:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 53,372
  • Referee: Matt Nicks
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Week 3: vs. Seattle Seahawks

Week 3: Seattle Seahawks at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Seahawks61721044
Chiefs070714

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

  • Date: August 24
  • Game time: 7:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 85 °F (29 °C)
  • Game attendance: 63,870
  • Referee: Craig Ochoa
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Week 4: at Green Bay Packers

Week 4: Kansas City Chiefs at Green Bay Packers – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Chiefs30003
Packers0147324

at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

  • Date: August 30
  • Game time: 7:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Clear, 87 °F (31 °C)
  • Game attendance: 67,999
  • Referee: Wayne Elliott
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Regular season

Schedule

WeekDateOpponentResultRecordVenueRecap
1 September 9 Atlanta Falcons L 24–400–1 Arrowhead Stadium Recap
2 September 16at Buffalo Bills L 17–350–2 Ralph Wilson Stadium Recap
3 September 23at New Orleans Saints W 27–24 (OT)1–2 Mercedes-Benz Superdome Recap
4 September 30 San Diego Chargers L 20–371–3Arrowhead Stadium Recap
5 October 7 Baltimore Ravens L 6–91–4Arrowhead Stadium Recap
6 October 14at Tampa Bay Buccaneers L 10–381–5 Raymond James Stadium Recap
7 Bye
8 October 28 Oakland Raiders L 16–261–6Arrowhead Stadium Recap
9 November 1at San Diego Chargers L 13–311–7 Qualcomm Stadium Recap
10 November 12at Pittsburgh Steelers L 13–16 (OT)1–8 Heinz Field Recap
11 November 18 Cincinnati Bengals L 6–281–9Arrowhead Stadium Recap
12 November 25 Denver Broncos L 9–171–10Arrowhead Stadium Recap
13 December 2 Carolina Panthers W 27–212–10Arrowhead Stadium Recap
14 December 9at Cleveland Browns L 7–302–11 Cleveland Browns Stadium Recap
15 December 16at Oakland Raiders L 0–152–12 O.co Coliseum Recap
16 December 23 Indianapolis Colts L 13–202–13Arrowhead Stadium Recap
17 December 30at Denver Broncos L 3–382–14 Sports Authority Field at Mile High Recap

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Atlanta Falcons

Week 1: Atlanta Falcons at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Falcons101014640
Chiefs3140724

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

Game information

Week 2: at Buffalo Bills

Week 2: Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Chiefs0031417
Bills71414035

at Ralph Wilson Stadium, Orchard Park, New York

Game information

Week 3: at New Orleans Saints

Week 3: Kansas City Chiefs at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
Quarter1234OTTotal
Chiefs33711327
Saints73140024

at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

  • Date: September 23
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: None (indoor stadium)
  • Game attendance: 72,226
  • Referee: Don King
  • TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel and Dan Dierdorf
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Week 4: vs. San Diego Chargers

Week 4: San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Chargers171001037
Chiefs067720

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

Game information

Week 5: vs. Baltimore Ravens

Week 5: Baltimore Ravens at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Ravens30609
Chiefs03036

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

Game information

Week 6: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 6: Kansas City Chiefs at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Chiefs030710
Buccaneers70141738

at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

Game information

Week 8: vs. Oakland Raiders

Week 8: Oakland Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Raiders31010326
Chiefs063716

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

  • Date: October 28
  • Game time: 3:05 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: Sunny, 50 °F (10 °C)
  • Game attendance: 74,730
  • Referee: Bill Vinovich
  • TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan and Solomon Wilcots
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Week 9: at San Diego Chargers

Week 9: Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Chiefs033713
Chargers7302131

at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

Game information

Week 10: at Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 10: Kansas City Chiefs at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary
Quarter1234OTTotal
Chiefs7303013
Steelers01003316

at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Game information

Week 11: vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Week 11: Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Bengals7140728
Chiefs33006

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

  • Date: November 18
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Sunny, 59 °F (15 °C)
  • Game attendance: 63,336
  • Referee: Gene Steratore
  • TV announcers (CBS): Marv Albert and Rich Gannon
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Week 12: vs. Denver Broncos

Week 12: Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Broncos077317
Chiefs60309

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

  • Date: November 25
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Sunny, 52 °F (11 °C)
  • Game attendance: 74,244
  • Referee: Jerome Boger
  • TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel and Dan Dierdorf
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Week 13: vs. Carolina Panthers

Week 13: Carolina Panthers at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Panthers770721
Chiefs1077327

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

Game information

Week 14: at Cleveland Browns

Week 14: Kansas City Chiefs at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Chiefs70007
Browns37101030

at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

Game information

Week 15: at Oakland Raiders

Week 15: Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland Raiders – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Chiefs00000
Raiders363315

at O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California

  • Date: December 16
  • Game time: 3:25 p.m. CST/1:25 p.m. PST
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 54 °F (12 °C)
  • Game attendance: 51,446
  • Referee: Tony Corrente
  • TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan and Solomon Wilcots
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

With the loss the Chiefs dropped to 2-12 and secured a last place finish in the AFC West. This would be the last time the Chiefs were shut out until 2024.

Week 16: vs. Indianapolis Colts

Week 16: Indianapolis Colts at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Colts760720
Chiefs3010013

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

  • Date: December 23
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Sunny, 25 °F (−4 °C)
  • Game attendance: 62,938
  • Referee: Ron Winter
  • TV announcers (CBS): Bill Macatee and Steve Tasker
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Week 17: at Denver Broncos

Week 17: Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Chiefs03003
Broncos71414338

at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

  • Date: December 30
  • Game time: 3:25 p.m. CST/2:25 p.m. MST
  • Game weather: Partly cloudy, 35 °F (2 °C)
  • Game attendance: 76,502
  • Referee: Ed Hochuli
  • TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

With the loss the Chiefs finished the season at 2-14. Directly dupliplcating their 2008 record for the worst in franchise history while tying the 1981 Colts with their 9th 14+ loss.

Standings

Division

AFC West
WLTPCTDIVCONFPFPASTK
(1) Denver Broncos 1330.8136–010–2481289W11
San Diego Chargers 790.4384–27–5350350W2
Oakland Raiders 4120.2502–44–8290443L2
Kansas City Chiefs 2140.1250–60–12211425L4

Conference

#TeamDivisionWLTPCTDIVCONFSOSSOVSTK
Division winners
1 Denver Broncos West1330.8136–010–2.457.385W11
2 [a] New England Patriots East1240.7506–011–1.496.466W2
3 [a] Houston Texans South1240.7505–110–2.496.432L2
4 [b] Baltimore Ravens North1060.6254–28–4.496.438L1
Wild cards
5 Indianapolis Colts South1150.6884–28–4.441.403W2
6 [b] Cincinnati Bengals North1060.6253–37–5.438.381W3
Did not qualify for the postseason
7 Pittsburgh Steelers North880.5003–35–7.465.438W1
8 [c] San Diego Chargers West790.4384–27–5.457.286W2
9 [c] Miami Dolphins East790.4382–45–7.500.415L1
10 [d] Tennessee Titans South6100.3751–55–7.512.344W1
11 [d] [e] New York Jets East6100.3752–44–8.512.401L3
12 [e] Buffalo Bills East6100.3752–45–7.480.281W1
13 Cleveland Browns North5110.3132–45–7.508.388L3
14 Oakland Raiders West4120.2502–44–8.469.219L2
15 [f] Jacksonville Jaguars South2140.1252–42–10.539.531L5
16 [f] Kansas City Chiefs West2140.1250–60–12.516.438L4
Tiebreakers [g]
  1. 1 2 New England clinched the AFC's No. 2 seed over Houston based on a head-to-head victory.
  2. 1 2 Baltimore clinched the AFC North title over Cincinnati based on a better divisional record (4–2 to 3–3).
  3. 1 2 San Diego finished with a better conference record than Miami (7–5 to 5–7).
  4. 1 2 Tennessee finished ahead of New York Jets based on head-to-head victory.
  5. 1 2 New York Jets finished ahead of Buffalo in the AFC East based on record versus common opponents (5–7 to 3–9).
  6. 1 2 Jacksonville finished with a better conference record than Kansas City (2–10 to 0–12).
  7. When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest ranked remaining team from each division.

References

  1. "The worst NFL teams ever for all 32 franchises". ESPN.com. December 26, 2017.
  2. "2013 NFL Draft order". NFL.com. Archived from the original on December 14, 2012. Retrieved December 31, 2012.
  3. 1 2 Mellinger, Sam (December 27, 2012). "There's only one thing to do now that Chiefs season is over". KansasCity.com. Retrieved December 31, 2012.
  4. "2012 NFL Player Passing Stats – National Football League – ESPN". Espn.go.com. Archived from the original on April 3, 2010. Retrieved December 31, 2012.
  5. "Kansas City Chiefs tie 83-year-old mark of shame". NFL.com. November 1, 2012. Retrieved December 22, 2012.
  6. "Chargers Beat Chiefs 37–20: San Diego Uses 6 Turnovers To Beat Kansas City". Huffingtonpost.com. September 30, 2012. Retrieved December 31, 2012.
  7. "Eric Winston rips fans' reaction". Espn.go.com. October 9, 2012. Retrieved December 22, 2012.
  8. "Matt Cassel Injury: Teammate Blasts Fans for Cheering Quarterback's Injury | Video – ABC News". Abcnews.go.com. October 9, 2012. Retrieved December 22, 2012.
  9. Benson, Lisa (November 18, 2012). "Chiefs fans wear black to Sunday's game to protest season". KSHB 41 Action News. Archived from the original on November 21, 2012. Retrieved December 8, 2012.
  10. "Romeo Crennel doesn't know why Jamaal Charles only got 5 carries | ProFootballTalk". Profootballtalk.nbcsports.com. October 29, 2012. Retrieved December 31, 2012.
  11. "Janikowski, Raiders boot struggling Chiefs in shutout". Usatoday.com. December 16, 2012. Retrieved December 31, 2012.
  12. Jeff LegwoldThe Denver Postdenverpost.com (December 26, 2012). "Chiefs' Jamaal Charles an industrial-sized headache for Broncos". The Denver Post. Retrieved December 31, 2012.
  13. "2012 Total Offense". ESPN.com.
  14. "2021 NFL Team Total Offense Stats". Archived from the original on January 24, 2013.
  15. "2021 NFL Team Total Offense Stats". Archived from the original on November 10, 2009.
  16. "Kansas City Chiefs: Free Agents". ESPN.com.
  17. "Kansas City Chiefs: Free Agents". ESPN.com (Not Duplicate Sources).
  18. "2012 Conference Standings". NFL.com. Retrieved December 8, 2013.