The Rams’ remaining regular season opponents are unranked, but each Patriot League contender can easily end Fordham’s streak of perfection. First, Fordham hosts Bucknell, which has a three-game winning streak and outscored Lehigh and Cornell by a combined 76-17 the last two weeks. Then the Rams travel to Lafayette, where the Leopards are 3-0 in Patriot League play. This game may determine the league title, so Fordham must expect a stiff challenge. The Rams finish at Colgate, which has a 2-1 league record. If the Rams lose one game, they should still make the FCS playoffs, but an undefeated regular season ensures them at least one home game. For Fordham to stay perfect, their shaky defense must become consistently stout.
Defense is certainly not Kansas City’s weakness, as the Chiefs are allowing only 12.3 points per game. While Fordham has scored at least 30 points in each win, Kansas City achieved that feat only once. The Chiefs’ offense focuses on Jamaal Charles and not committing turnovers. But when your defense features six elite players, having a league-average offense gets you places. Last week, the defense produced two scores to take the lead. The Chiefs’ defense is uncommonly nasty, but will it be enough for playoff success?
Two teams come to mind when I think about the Chiefs’ future prospects: the 2000 Ravens and the 2011 49ers. The 2000 Ravens won their final 11 games and allowed more than 10 points just once in that stretch.
The 2011 49ers did not allow a rushing touchdown until Week 16 and their conservative offense committed the fewest turnovers in NFL history. If not for two muffed punts, the Niners may have won it all. These examples show that great defense can win playoff games, but luck and a competent offense are necessary to win the Super Bowl. Fordham and Kansas City have shocked us all in going 9-0, but their perfection must now be maintained against stronger opposition. It will surely be fun to watch.
