New-Look Kansas City Chiefs Look to Silence Doubters in 2009

The Chiefs would like to forget 2007 and 2008. In the last two years, they have gone a combined 6-26. The only team that has done worse is St. Louis. Even Detroit has a better two-year record than Kansas City.

But that's about to change. Peterson is out, Pioli in. Edwards is out, Haley is in. Brodie Croyle, Damon Huard, and Tyler Thigpen are out, Cassel in. The 4-3 defense is out, the 3-4 is in. But that doesn't tell the whole story. To do that we must break it down.

Quarterback

Kansas City's second-biggest move of the offseason was trading for Matt Cassel. He's the future of the Chiefs, they will rise and fall with him. Some say his ceiling is Joe Montana, while others say his ceiling is Chad Pennington.

To be fair, either of those quarterbacks would be an improvement. Thigpen proved last year he can handle emergency situations and manage the team well. Brodie Croyle needs a change of scenery, but can still be a quality backup somewhere, as he lacks the durability to be a starter.

Running Back

Larry Johnson has been a model citizen this offseason amid trade rumors, court dates, and threats to be cut. He's back in shape and looks to salvage his disappointing career this year. However, Jamaal Charles' third down skills make him a better fit for Haley's offense.

Both are sure to get plenty of touches this year. Kolby Smith, Jackie Battle, and rookie seventh-round pick Javarris Wiliams provide good depth. Mike Cox is a serviceable fullback.

Wide Receiver & Tight Ends

Dwayne Bowe, after struggling early in the preseason, seems to be getting back on track. Bobby Engram seems to have found a home in the slot. It's the other starter that is the big question right now. Battling for that spot are Mark Bradley, Devard Darling, Amani Toomer, Quentin Lawrence, Ashley Lelie, Taurus Johnson, Terrance Copper, and Rodney Wright.

Although he has spent his career underachieving, Lelie probably has the most talent out of that group. Devard Darling is the most explosive. Amani Toomer is as consistent as they come. However, Mark Bradley fits the scheme best thanks to his hands and route running, therefore he's probably the favorite.

Second year TE Brad Cottam is the best in a pretty weak TE class that is trying to replace Tony Gonzalez, who was traded to Atlanta in the offseason. Expect a lot of three and four WR sets this year, and very few two TE sets.

Offensive Line

Branden Albert looks the real deal at LT. All-Pro LG Brian Waters wants out, but is still among the best in the game. RG Mike Goff came from San Diego this offseason and brings stability to the position. RT Damion McIntosh is an average veteran and could stand to be replaced, but can be serviced. C Rudy Niswanger is awful, but this group is much improved from two years ago.

Defensive Line

Kansas City used it's third overall pick on Tyson Jackson. He figures to start at one of the end spots in the Chiefs' new 3-4 scheme. Battling on the other side of him are fellow former Tiger and fellow top five pick Glenn Dorsey, who is amid a position change, and third round rookie Alex Magee.

Alfonso Boone, Ron Edwards, and Tank Tyler will rotate the NT position for now, but a permanent starter will be a need more than likely come the 2010 draft.

Linebackers

Like Dorsey, Tamba Hali is amid a difficult position change from 4-3 DE to 3-4 OLB. Starting opposite him is Mike Vrabel, who came over in the Cassel trade. Turk McBride will also vouch for playing time. Inside are young stars Derrick Johnson and Corey Mays, with Zach Thomas rotating in and serving as a mentor.

Defensive Backs

Brandon Flowers is only in his second season and is already one of the 15 best CBs in the NFL. Starting opposite him is fellow second year Brandon Carr, who was a major find last year.

Maurice Leggett will come in nickel situations and fourth round rookie Donald Washington will also vouch for playing time. Bernard Pollard and Jarrad Page are both great young safeties. DeJuan Morgan provides a quality rotation safety/backup who could probably start on most teams

Special Teams

Mr. Irrelevant K Ryan Succop has impressed so far this preseason. He has a powerful leg and has shown more accuracy than previously expected. He's the likely candidate to win the job. All-Pro P Dustin Colquitt is among the league's best. Dantrell Savage, Jamaal Charles, and Rodney Wright hope to improve what has been an awful return game since the departure of all-world KR Dante Hall a few years back.

Coaches and Front Office

Former Cardinals OC Todd Haley comes off a Super Bowl to coach the Chiefs, bringing DC Clancy Pendergast with him. New OC Chan Gailey hopes to bring the Chiefs to an elite offensive team. GM Scott Pioli is the mastermind behind the new changes, coming over from New England.

Schedule

Of course, Kansas City has six divisional games. Their conference schedule is the AFC North plus Buffalo and Jacksonville. They are off Week Eight. Add the fact that they have to play the NFC East in four consecutive weeks starting Week Three, and this makes for one of the harder schedules in the NFL.

Overview

As a whole, the Chiefs seem to be at least moving in the right direction. That being said, fans should keep their expectations realistic. A tough non-division schedule makes for a rough year for the Chiefs.

That being said, second in the division is possible because Denver and Oakland are essentially in the same boat. They also must play the NFC East and AFC North. It's just a matter of who meshes fastest. San Diego should run away with the division, but if one of these teams catches fire, there could very well be two playoff teams from the division.

I doubt it, though.

2009 Projection

6-10, second in AFC West.