Jack's Smack: It’s time to start thinking about football

It’s time to start thinking about football.

I can live without seeing another Royals low-light the rest of the season.

This town is about the Chiefs and the Missouri Tigers when it comes to shoe-ball.

The NFL draft is always intriguing, but what happens during a brief period of free agency, in the next week or so, will shape the season for the Chiefs. It’s critical.

The Chiefs need to sign three or four really good players.

We're going to find out just how good Scott Pioli really is.

The aftermath and fallout of this lockout plays right into his wheel-house.

This is where Pioli gained his reputation at New England.

This is why Pioli is a multi-millionaire. He knows how to scout and sign talent.

Clark Hunt has given him the keys to the Arrowhead vault.

Hunt went the way of our cheap-skate baseball owner last season.

Chiefs with the lowest payroll in the NFL.

In reality, Pioli orchestrated that, knowing this lockout was going to happen.

Pioli doesn't get enough credit for winning the division while going on the cheap.

But don't panic. Hunt is playing with house money and he's not afraid to spend it.

It's like the NFL has a license to print money.

The problem, they're so stingy in the way it’s shared.

But why should we care? Just give us some football.

Here's why, I’m so amped up about this upcoming season.

The Chiefs/Raiders, rivalry means something again.

Remember, the Raiders beat the Chiefs twice last season.

The Raiders were the only team in the NFL to go unbeaten in their division a year ago.

Forget about the Chargers. Forget about the Broncos.

It’s about KC and Oakland in the AFC West.

It’s about hating the silver and black.

And I love it, because football is back.

That’s Jack’s Smack.