Kansas City Chiefs: 6 Reasons Their 2012 Record Will Be Better Than 2011

Without much explanation, the Kansas City Chiefs' 7-9 record during the 2011 season can be summed up as disappointing. However, upon further inspection, a certain amount of slack must be given to the organization.

Not many teams could survive a season losing their starting running back (Jamaal Charles), starting tight end (Tony Moeaki), starting safety (Eric Berry) and starting quarterback (Matt Cassel), let alone finish one game from making the playoffs.

Had it not been for a couple blocked field goals by Oakland Raiders defensive lineman Richard Seymour in week 16, the Chiefs would have won back-to-back AFC West Championships for the first time in franchise history.

With 2011 now in the rear-view mirror, the Chiefs are looking forward to building off the success they endured during the 2010 campaign.

Here are six reasons why the Chiefs' 2012 record will surpass that of 2011.

Health

The law of averages indicate that the Kansas City Chiefs could be in store for a healthy 2012 season.

After losing Charles, Moeaki, Berry and Cassel for significant amounts of time, the Chiefs lost their grip on the 2011 season; a season that served as an important step in bringing the franchise back to relevance after a 10-6 record and AFC West Championship in 2010.

Obviously, results can't be predicted, but had those four players been healthy the entire season, it is safe to say that 2011 would have ended more positively for the Chiefs.

Having the entire offseason, all training programs, expanded rosters and added depth should allow the Chiefs to prevent injuries and preserve their key players.

Knocked Free Agency out of the Park

In an effort to fill key holes and to prevent injuries from taking too much of a toll on the depth chart, the Kansas City Chiefs went out and had a very successful offseason in terms of free agent signings.

Knowing that it would be difficult to re-sign cornerback Brandon Carr, the Chiefs signed former Oakland Raider Stanford Routt to take his place even before Carr bolted for the Dallas Cowboys.

The Chiefs also shored up the right tackle position by bringing in former Houston Texan Eric Winston to play opposite Branden Albert; forming a tandem that could be discussed as one of the league's best by the end of the season.

To add depth at positions hit by the injury bug last season, the Chiefs also signed running back Peyton Hillis, tight end Kevin Boss and quarterback Brady Quinn.

If anything, the money and effort spent this offseason shows that Scott Pioli and Co. are trying to put the franchise in a much better position in the short and long run.

Fresh Leadership

It was evident that head coach Todd Haley was losing favor in Kansas City from the fans as well as general manager Scott Pioli as the 2011 season progressed. And prior to week 15, Haley was fired from his post and Romeo Crennel took over as interim coach for the remainder of the season.

Crennel led the Chiefs to a 2-1 record over the last three games, even overcoming the then undefeated Green Bay Packers. During that stretch, the Chiefs placed a higher value on defense, allowing only 11 points per game.

Players immediately embraced Crennel and were elated when the interim tag was lifted and he was named head coach.

Crennel will also take over defensive coordinator duties, while the Chiefs brought in Brian Daboll (most recently the offensive coordinator for the Miami Dolphins) to run the offense.

With Pioli bringing in more of his type of guys, who have ties to his success in New England, the Chiefs should benefit greatly with a fresh set of leaders on the sidelines.

Easier Schedule on Paper

After winning the AFC West in 2010 with a relatively easy slate, the Kansas City Chiefs found themselves often times pressing through a tough schedule in 2011, although a lot of that had to do with not being at full strength.

Enduring another finish in the basement of the AFC West last season presents the Chiefs with a similar opportunity that they had in 2010, with a schedule favorable to winning this season—at least on paper.

It is often believed that teams making a huge leap forward one year (2010), take a step back (2011) before taking that next step (2012) on their way to maintaining constant success.

If that rings true, the Chiefs might have their sights set on more than just regaining the AFC West title.

Slipping Under the Radar

Not making that one huge splash in free agency and only focusing on specific team needs, the Kansas City Chiefs have set themselves up to be a surprise team in 2012.

AFC West rivals Denver Broncos made the biggest news in the offseason by luring Peyton Manning to the mile high city—a move that has most considering the Broncos favorites to repeat as West champs.

However, only missing the playoffs by one game last season, having a successful free agency this offseason, completing a strategic draft and with the return of healthy players, the Chiefs are further ahead of the curve than they were in 2010 when they shocked the NFL by winning their division.

Players Are Hungry

It is obvious that some of the Chiefs' key players will have show that they can bounce back from injury. But the entire Kansas City Chiefs roster is filled with players out to prove themselves this season.

Dwayne Bowe—signed or not—will either need to prove he deserves to be paid like one of the best wide receivers in the NFL or confirm that a potential contract this offseason will not be considered a mistake by the Chiefs.

Newly drafted Dontari Poe will set out to shake the "workout warrior" label that some thought would hurt his draft stock until the Chiefs selected him with the 11th-overall pick in the draft.

Newly signed Stanford Routt will try to rid himself of his penalty issues and help Chiefs fans forget about how good Brandon Carr was over the last few years.

Second-year wide receiver Jon Baldwin will try to forget about his altercation with Thomas Jones last year that caused him to miss the first six games of the season with a broken wrist, and try build off some of the flashes he showed as a rookie.

It may be a lot to ask, but the Chiefs have a lot of signs pointing towards a very successful 2012 season in comparison to a lackluster 2011 campaign in which they were only able to produce seven wins.

Contact Jeremy at [e-mail], on Twitter @KCPopFlyBoy and at popflyboys.com.