Kansas City To Have a Merry Little Offseason: Part One of Three

As Christmas morning awaits on the horizon, Kansas City Chiefs fans should have some of the lyrics used in "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" playing in their heads:

"Next year all our troubles will be out of sight."

Wishful thinking, you say?  The random fantasies of a delusional fan who's sipped too much eggnog and still thinks Santa comes down the chimney to bring Lombardi trophies to the good little Bowes and Gilberrys?

Despite all the drama coming out of 1 Arrowhead the last couple seasons—culminating in the demotion of two coaches, the suspension of one SlimFast-ing receiver and the release of numerous players, including one foul-mouthed running back malcontent, Kansas City does, in fact, have a brighter future on the horizon. 

And, unlike the visions of Super Bowl rings fans had dancing in their heads circa 2003, these dreams have considerably more substance. 

Here is the first of a three-part series on why the Chiefs have realistic playoff hopes for 2010—what they can look forward to, and what they need to look at to bring back the days when Arrowhead Stadium was the loudest and most dangerous place for any visiting team to find themselves on a Sunday afternoon.  And we'll start things off with probably the most unbelievable statement of all:

The Chiefs roster is not as devoid of talent as most believe.

This could be a bit hard to swallow, considering the level of ineptitude Kansas City has presented this last season.  However, the Chiefs have a number of solid, young players with which to build around. 

On offense, running back Jamaal Charles has quickly shown the speed and toughness to anchor a formidable rushing attack.  Kansas City's receivers need serious work when it comes to their hands, but are not lacking in talent with Chris Chambers and Dwayne Bowe. 

The jury is still out on quarterback Matt Cassel, who has been both brilliant and lackluster in his starts with Kansas City.  Whether he is the next Tom Brady or the next Scott Mitchell won't be apparent until his offensive line sees some serious upgrades.

As for defense, Kansas City has a pair of first-round defensive ends who are, in truth, both in their first year at the position.  Glenn Dorsey and Tyson Jackson, however, have shown flashes of the ability which made them top five picks and should continue to improve. 

Linebacker play has not been what it should, but the development of Tamba Hali—a tireless performer who is seems to be in or near every play—should continue to impress. 

And in the secondary, second year cornerbacks Brandon Carr and Brandon Flowers have improved on their solid rookie seasons, while seventh-round pick Jarrad Page has been a pleasant surprise in his four years with Kansas City, and reserve safety Jon McGraw has been a playmaker both on defense and special teams.

Finally, special teams has a number of bright spots, despite the recent record-breaking performance by Cleveland's Josh Cribbs.  Kansas City ranks sixth in net average punt yardage with left-footed punter Dustin Colquitt, and Mr. Irrelevant rookie placekicker Ryan Succop is 21 of 25 in field goals.  Of the four Succop has missed, three were from greater than 50 yards and one was blocked.  He has been perfect from less than 40 yards out.

This list leaves a number of positions neglected, offensive line and linebacker especially.  However, Kansas City also has a number of young players who have shown promise, like Andy Studebaker, Lance Long and Corey Mays.  As the Chiefs look to their offseason, the development of these players will influence how Kansas City drafts and which free agents they will pursue. 

The Chiefs finish their regular season against playoff contenders Cincinnati and Denver.  And while there won't be much to celebrate as we close out the 2009 holiday season, 2010 should bring a much merrier Christmas, starting with some early presents come spring.

So, as the original lyrics of the song say, "Until then, we'll have to muddle through somehow."