2010 NFL Season Preview: Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs, a once-dominant franchise, have suffered a massive free fall into the absolute bottom of the league. In fact, they've only made the playoffs twice in the past twelve years. Even worse, they have a combined ten wins in the past three seasons.
The team lacks a true face of the franchise, and has several issues to sort out.
The upcoming season is going to be a critical mark as to whether or not they are on the verge of turning their fortunes around.
Biggest Question Heading Into Next Season
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In the NFL today, generating an effective pass rush is an integral key to a defense's success.
Apparently the Chiefs didn't get the memo as their pass rush has been ultimately non-existent over the past two years. While they did improve from their pathetic 10 sacks in 2008 to 22 in 2009, they have major issue in that area.
Aside from Tamba Hali, who was responsible for 8.5 sacks last year, they have virtually no other threat off the edge.
They will need to improve on that if they expect to be competitive.
Key Additions
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RB Thomas Jones
Jones rushed for an incredible 1,402 yards last year. He should form a very productive duo with teammate Jamaal Charles.
G Ryan Lilja
Even though Lilja is a talented lineman, he has serious injury concerns which may prevent him from being a reliable contributor.
Key Losses
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WR Bobby Wade
Wade caught 36 receptions for 367 yards and two touchdowns last year. His services should be replaceable though.
All in all, the Chiefs didn't lose too much talent this off season.
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Draft Recap
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1st Round (No. 5 Overall): Tennessee FS Eric Berry
2nd Round (No. 36 Overall): Ole Miss RB/WR Dexter McCluster
2nd Round (No. 50 Overall): Alabama CB Javier Arenas
3rd Round (No. 68 Overall): Illinois G Jon Asomoah
3rd Round (No. 93 Overall): Iowa TE Tony Meaki
5th Round (No. 136 Overall): Ole Miss S Kendrick Lewis
5th Round (No. 142 Overall): Troy OLB Cameron Sheffield
While they didn't address their major needs, they did draft a talented group.
Coaching Outlook
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Todd Haley is entering his second season as Chiefs head coach. Last year was a major struggle as he only won four games. If he doesn't improve this season, he will likely be fired.
To help him out, Offensive Coordinator Charlie Weis and Defensive Coordinator Romeo Crennel were brought in. Both are some of the best in the business at their respective crafts.
Offense Outlook
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The Chiefs offense is a very lackluster unit.
Matt Cassel was brought in to be their franchise quarterback and they paid him accordingly. Instead, he proved that he was a product of the Patriots' system, posting a terrible 69.9 passer rating.
I do expect his performance to augment though, as he has an underrated set of weapons to work with. Despite inconsistent play last year, Dwayne Bowe is arguably a Top 15 receiver. Across from him, Chris Chambers is a solid No. 2 receiver.
Moreover, second round pick Dexter McCluster should provide valuable versatility. He could make a high-impact in his rookie campaign.
One of the few bright spots for the team last season was running back Jamaal Charles. During the final four weeks, he registered a phenomenal 737 yards from scrimmage. His game breaking ability is definitely something for Chiefs fans to be excited about.
Blocking for him is improved, yet aside from talented guard Brian Waters, the offensive line is weak. The biggest void lies at left tackle where former 1st round pick Brandon Albert is yet to pan out.
Even though it should be improved, expect the offense to remain stagnant.
Defense Outlook
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The Chiefs ranked among the worst in the NFL in nearly every defensive statistical category.
A majority of that can be accredited to their defensive line, which is arguably the worst in the league. Former top five pick defensive ends Glen Dorsey and Tyson Jackson have been absolutely disastrous up to this point. Meanwhile, they have no proven nose tackle.
Their linebacker core, led by Tamba Hali is nothing special either. At the interior, even though Derrick Johnson is a very skilled player, Haley refused to start him--a questionable move.
The team's secondary, in my mind, is its greatest strength. Brandon Flowers and Brandon Carr form a good pair at cornerback. Moreover, 1st round pick Eric Berry is projected to be a Pro Bowl caliber player.
If the front seven can hold their own, I could see significant progress in this unit.
Special Teams Outlook
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Special teams was a pleasant surprise last year.
Dexter McCluster is an electrifying return specialist and should relieve Jamaal Charles of those duties. In terms of coverage, they will have to do better as they allowed two scores.
Furthermore their kicker, Ryan Succop, nailed 86.2 percent of his field goals. Not too bad for last year's Mr. Irrelevant.
Their punter, Dustin Colquitt, also did a very nice job by holding a 45.4 average and pinning just under 43 percent of his punts inside the 20-yard line.
Fantasy Outlook
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RB Jamaal Charles
Charles is poised for another 1,000 yard season and should be considered a lower-end No. 1 back.
WR Dwayne Bowe
Bowe should rebound from a disappointing season last year and record about 75 receptions for 1,000 yards
RB Thomas Jones
Even though Jones' role will be diminished, he's still a very talented back and will get his touches.
QB Matt Cassel
Cassel is a decent backup option at best.
WR/RB Dexter McCluster
I'd keep an eye on him as he possess the raw physical skills needed to make an immediate impact.
Schedule
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Week 1 vs. San Diego Chargers
Week 2 @ Cleveland Browns
Week 3 vs. San Francisco 49ers
Week 4 Bye
Week 5 @ Indianapolis Colts
Week 6 @ Houston Texans
Week 7 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Week 8 vs. Buffalo
Week 9 @ Oakland Raiders
Week 10 @ Denver Broncos
Week 11 vs. Arizona Cardinals
Week 12 @ Seattle Seahawks
Week 13 vs. Denver Broncos
Week 14 @ San Diego Chargers
Week 15 @ St.Louis Rams
Week 16 vs. Tennessee
Week 17 vs. Oakland
The Chiefs have a relatively easy road ahead. However, there are still very few teams that they are capable of beating.
In A Nutshell
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To say the least, the Chiefs are not a very good team. They lack a true direction and are far from being competitive.
Final Record: 3-13 (4th in AFC West)
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