Kansas City Chiefs: 5 Biggest Questions for the 2011 NFL Season

The Chiefs have their work cut out for them this year. To improve on a 10-6 record, some key players will have to continue to improve. That starts with Matt Cassel.

He's not the only one though. To contend with such a brutal schedule, players like Tyson Jackson, Branden Albert, and any receiver not named Dwayne Bowe will have to step up. 

There are big questions the Chiefs need to answer, and the answers will be revealed sooner, rather than later. 

Will Matt Cassel Continue to Improve?

Cassel enjoyed a fantastic year, throwing for 3116 yards, 25 touchdowns, and only seven interceptions. It was his first season as a pro bowler. 

Whether or not he can keep it up is the burning question in everyone's mind. 

With the knowledge of Charlie Weis's departure, Cassel began to struggle in the final week of the season. He threw two interceptions against the Raiders and three more in the playoff game versus the Ravens. Every quarterback is entitled to bad stretches; Peyton Manning threw 11 picks in a three week stretch last season. It might have just been two bad games for Cassel, or we might have seen what happens when he's rattled. 

Jim Zorn comes in as the quarterback coach for Kansas City this year, and that could be a huge help for Cassel. Jim Zorn is widely acknowledged as one of the best quarterback coaches in the league. Joe Flacco benefited greatly under him, and Flacco was publicly upset to see the Ravens let him go.

The Chiefs' season rests on Cassel's shoulders and whether or not he continues to improve.   

Will the Offensive Line Hold Up?

The Chief's offensive line did quite well run blocking for Thomas Jones and Jamaal Charles last year. However, they struggled when it came to pass protection.

According to profootballfocus.com (a sight that grades every player, on every play), every one on the Chiefs' line finished with positive grades in run blocking, but only Brian Waters, who was let go, finished with a positive grade in pass protection.

It's a testament to Cassel's improvement, to deal with so much pressure but to do so well. It can only last for so long though, and with the Chiefs' schedule it's doubtful to work out as well. 

The big question is whether or not Jared Gaither will be playing this season. The six foot nine, 330 pound monster is a pro bowl caliber left tackle. He's a punishing run blocker and is above average in pass protection. If his back holds up, the Chiefs could move Branden Albert to right tackle, where many scouts think he could be all pro.  

Who Will Play Wide Receiver Along with Dwayne Bowe?

The wide receiver corps was really lacking last year. Dwayne Bowe had a stellar season, but his 72 catches were more than the rest of the Chiefs' wide receivers combined. 

To remedy the situation, the Chiefs brought in the underrated Steve Breaston and drafted Jonathan Baldwin in the first round. Jerheme Urban returns this year after a season ending injury in 2010. 

Baldwin's work ethic and character are big question marks, especially since he broke his thumb in a locker room fight with team captain Thomas Jones. His ability has never been in question, but he's certainly off to a rocky start. 

Can Urban and Breaston be the answer at number two and three? Hopefully, or the Chiefs are in for a long season. 

Can Tyson Jackson Break Through?

Tyson Jackson was the third overall selection for the Chiefs in 2008. He is looking to break through and live up to his draft selection.

Jackson looked much better in the first home game against the Chargers in 2010, until he suffered an injury that kept him out until past mid-season. He continued to show improvement throughout the season but not with the kind of dominance one would expect. 

If he can continue to improve, the Chiefs' defensive line could be a great strength. With Glenn Dorsey, Wallace Gilberry, and new third round pick Allen Bailey, the Chiefs could look good up front. However, the left defensive end is responsible for not only generating pass rush, but for shedding blocks and blowing up running plays. The Chiefs struggled down the line last year in run defense, and it's an area they need to continue to develop in. 

Kelly Gregg and Tyson Jackson could dominate up front, but they could just as easily struggle and become a big problem. 

Can Tyler Palko Backup Matt Cassel?

Tyler Palko continues to create separation between himself and fifth round pick Ricky Stanzi this preseason. He led a nice touchdown drive against the Ravens' first string in the second preseason game. 

The Chiefs have a great need for a decent backup quarterback. Brodie Croyle was once called "the future of the franchise." He absolutely destroyed the Chiefs' chances against his only start last year when Matt Cassel had an emergency appendectomy. 

A backup quarterback is supposed to be able to come in and be serviceable for a couple of games and give his team a chance until the starter can come back. 

Palko has been looking better, and hopefully he can be the answer for the Chiefs' woes.