Kansas City Chiefs Are on Their Way Back—Just Not Yet

The 2009 season should be one to celebrate for fans of the Kansas City Chiefs. The team will mark its 50th anniversary as a charter member of the American Football League, the $400 million renovation of Arrowhead Stadium will be nearing completion, and the arrival of general manager Scott Pioli and head coach Todd Haley brings hope for the future.

So why do fans feel like Charlie Brown with Lucy holding the ball?

Start with a 2-14 record in 2008 (and a dismal 6-26 mark over the past two seasons). Add to that a rookie head coach, a new defensive scheme, a second-year-quarterback, a lack of playmakers on offense, and the fact that Tony Gonzalez will be catching passes from Matt Ryan, not Matt Cassel.

With training camp two months away, the team still has more questions than answers. A playoff spot, even in the weak AFC West, is a long shot at best. A more realistic expectation is to finish at 8-8, do a good job of developing first and second-year players, and be well-positioned for a playoff run in 2010.

What would it take to contend in 2009? Although several of this year’s draft picks, such as defensive end Tyson Jackson, would need to contribute, it’s far more important that the draft class of 2008 take the next step.

Already receiver Will Franklin is gone from that once-heralded group. Lineman Glenn Dorsey, who struggled at his natural position year, must prove he can adjust to Clancy Pendergast’s 3-4 scheme.

Among the veterans, Dwayne Bowe needs to emerge as a true No. 1 receiver, or it will be a long season for Cassel. Larry Johnson must lose the attitude, show up ready to play and take some pressure off Cassel.

Offensive coordinator Chan Gailey must find a way solidify the right side of the offensive line. And somehow, some way, the porous defensive front seven must be plugged.

On the flip side, a lot of things have the potential to go wrong. The most obvious are the young players developing too slowly; veterans such as Mike Vrabel and Zach Thomas breaking down; and a sulking Johnson or Brian Waters affecting team morale.

The team needs to experience some early success, which may be a tall order with Baltimore, Philadelphia, and the New York Giants scheduled for the first month of the season.

The best way to approach the upcoming season may be to enjoy the amenities of the new Arrowhead, follow the development of the young players and appreciate the vision of Lamar Hunt. With Pioli at the helm, millions of dollars in cap money available, and Denver and Oakland struggling, better days lie ahead.