The 4 Biggest Issues Facing the Kansas City Chiefs with OTAs Wrapping Up

With the Kansas City Chiefs just about ready to wrap up OTAs, the team is preparing to go into 2015 to improve upon last year's 9-7 record, which saw them fall just short of a playoff appearance.

Though the front office made some key moves this offseason, the Chiefs still have a couple of holes on the team that could prove to be liabilities this year.

In a division the Denver Broncos have dominated since Peyton Manning's arrival in 2012, one in which the San Diego Chargers have one of the league's top quarterbacks in Philip Rivers, there is little room for error.

Here are the top concerns surrounding the Chiefs as the team is getting ready for the 2015 season.

Still No Justin Houston

Ed Zurga/Associated Press

For the second offseason in a row, Chiefs outside linebacker and reigning sack champion Justin Houston did not participate in Kansas City's OTAs.

Houston has been seeking a new contract more than a year. After his franchise-record 22-sack season, Houston's contract demand has gone up.

But the two sides have not come close to finalizing a deal. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk recently reported that Houston and his agent have been in contact with Chiefs general manager John Dorsey, but no progress has been made.

Houston's last public appearance was at the 2015 NFL Honors on January 31. He was voted into the Pro Bowl this past season, but did not play, which was probably to avoid picking up an injury as he seeks a new deal.

Offensive Play-Calling

Charlie Riedel/Associated Press

OTAs give a team a chance for players to get to know one another on the field, learn the playbook and work on improving from their weaknesses from the season before. They are also an opportunity for coaches to improve as well.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid was heavily criticized for the play-calling in 2014. He confirmed in an interview with 610 Sports (h/t Arrowhead Pride) earlier this year that he will continue to call plays for the upcoming season.

Though teams never want to make play calls obvious, many pointed out Reid's flaws in certain situations, such as passing on third-and-short and not converting when the team has one of the top scatbacks in the league in Jamaal Charles.

Entering his 17th season as a head coach and third with the Chiefs, Reid knows better than anyone that he needs to improve in that area. For what it's worth, Reid has appeared in five conference championship matches and will find ways to get better at calling plays, as well as improve the team.

Offensive Line Still a Concern

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Then-Saints, now-Chiefs guard Ben Grubbs goes up against Dontari Poe in the 2014 Pro Bowl.

The Chiefs made some significant moves with the offensive line, adding two-time Pro Bowl guard Ben Grubbs in a trade from the Saints and acquiring Paul Fanaika from the Cardinals. Through the draft, the Chiefs picked up former Missouri Tiger Mitch Morse, a versatile lineman who will play center.

But Grubbs, who wasn't even with the team last year, may be the only reliable pass-blocker Kansas City has.

Left tackle Eric Fisher has not lived up to his potential since being taken No. 1 overall, but he is the only candidate for this position.

At center, Morse may get the nod to start in Week 1 if he has a solid training camp and preseason.

Jeff Allen is returning after missing all of last year while competing with Zach Fulton, who started 16 games as a rookie in 2014, and Fanaika for a spot at right guard.

Donald Stephenson was supposed to be the primary right tackle, but his return after a four-game suspension went nearly unnoticed.

Quarterback Alex Smith was sacked 45 times in 15 games last year and hopes the unit will play better in the pass-blocking department, giving him a little bit more time to find open pass-catchers.

New Long Snapper

Charlie Riedel/Associated Press

James Winchester practices long-snapping during OTAs.

The Chiefs were fortunate to have some longevity in a long snapper in Thomas Gafford, who made very few errors in his time with Kansas City. But with Gafford now in Chicago, the team will have a new long snapper.

James Winchester and rookie Andrew East will battle at long snapper, a position that is wide open.

Though many may see this as just a position on special teams, it may be more crucial than some may think.

Earlier this offseason, the league pushed back point-after attempts to the 15-yard line. While it is still a chip-shot field goal, plenty of field goals have gone bad because of poor snapping, holding or kicking. Among those three areas, snapping is the biggest concern, given Winchester and East have very little NFL experience between them.

The good news is that Winchester and East will be working with special teams coordinator Dave Toub, who is one of the better special teams coaches in the league. 

If neither snapper comes through in the postseason, Reid will either use one of his linemen or quickly shop for a long snapper before the regular season kicks off.

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