Why the Kansas City Chiefs Will Win the AFC West

(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

2008 was a colossal disappointment for the AFC West. The division winning Chargers failed to record a winning record, while the four AFC West teams combined to go 23-41, second-worst among the NFL’s eight divisions.

2009, however, should provide a much different outcome.

Kansas City Chiefs

2008 W/L Record (Division): 2-14 (2-4)

Key Additions: QB Matt Cassel, WR Bobby Engram, C Eric Ghiaciuc, OG Mike Goff, DE Tyson Jackson, S Mike Brown, LB Zach Thomas & LB Mike Vrabel

Key Losses: LB Donnie Edwards, TE Tony Gonzalez, CB Patrick Surtain

The Chiefs’ biggest missing piece from 2008 is 10-time Pro Bowler Tony Gonzalez, who was traded to Atlanta in April. His presence in Kansas City’s offense is irreplaceable. Because of this, the Chiefs will be forced to move on with an offense which lacks a dominant receiving tight end for the first time in a decade.

Despite this loss, new Chiefs’ General Manager Scott Pioli has added several important pieces in an effort to improve on last season.

Pioli’s biggest move came in the acquisition of Matt Cassel. Say what you want about the 2005 seventh rounder, but Cassel is the only player in NFL history to start a game at quarterback without starting a game in college. Despite this inexperience, Cassel tallied an 11-5 record last season in New England.

Pioli’s most underrated move to date has come in the free-agent signings of center Eric Ghiaciuc and offensive guard Mike Goff. Assuming left guard Brian Waters is still with the team, Kansas City’s offensive line will be one of the most improved units in 2009.

An improved offensive line will translate into offensive success for Kansas City.

Better blocking means Matt Cassel will be allowed ample time to find open receivers. It also means wider running lanes for Larry Johnson and his newfound attitude to run through.

Under the tutelage of offensive masterminds Chan Gailey and Todd Haley, third-year wide receiver Dwayne Bowe will lead an underrated group of pass-catchers featuring the experienced pro in Bobby Engram, and Mark Bradley’s career 14.2 yards per reception.

In April’s draft, Pioli re-stocked the defensive line, selecting Tyson Jackson and Alex Magee with the team’s first and second round picks. Jackson and Magee, along with 2008 first rounder Glenn Dorsey (among others) will attempt to solidify the defensive line in the Chiefs’ new 3-4/4-3 hybrid defense.

Pioli re-stocked Kansas City’s linebacking core as well, adding veterans Zach Thomas to play one of the inside linebacker positions, and Mike Vrabel to play on the outside.

Derrick Johnson, still looking for his breakout season, will start on the inside. Tamba Hali, who is making the transition from defensive end, will likely start as the pass rushing outside linebacker.

Kansas City’s No. 28 ranked pass defense from 2008 can be linked to their all-time worst pass rush. The Chiefs’ young and talented secondary is on the verge of greatness, led by fourth year safeties Bernard Pollard and Jarrad Page, and second year cornerbacks Brandon Flowers and Brandon Carr.

Last year’s 2-14 campaign may be somewhat deceiving. Half of Kansas City’s losses were by seven points or less; that's nothing a little coaching, veteran guidance, and leadership can’t fix.

While the Chiefs have a tall mountain to climb on their way to a playoff birth, they have the feel of the 2008 Miami Dolphin team; a new quarterback, new coach, new GM and a brilliant mix of young talent and experience veteran leaders.

A talented San Diego squad and a murderous schedule are likely to be Kansas City’s most fierce competition in their quest for the AFC West title.

Although the Chargers have dominated the division with a 15-3 record over the last three years, two of the three losses have come against the Chiefs. Expect the Chiefs/Chargers battles in Week 7 and Week 12 to have a great impact on the outcome of the AFC West.

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