NFL Preview: Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs 


Key Additions:
WR Jonathan Baldwin (draft)
C Rodney Hudson (draft)
WR Steve Breaston (FA)
LB Brandon Siler (FA)
DT Kelly Dregg (FA)

Key Departures:
LB Mike Vrabel 
G Brian Waters 
DT Shaun Smith
DT Ron Edwards 
WR Chris Chambers


Report:
A 10-6 team last year Kansas City surprised a lot of people, this year, they won't be sneaking up on anybody. QB Matt Cassel had an MVP caliber season, and didn't do anything that was outside his comfort zone. RB Jamaal Charles had a great last season and looks to build on that, but a lot of "experts" are questioning his durability. That's why last year they signed RB Thomas Jones to handle some of the carries that would harm Charles. Wide receiver was a down position for the Chiefs last season, but they have improved that dramatically. In the draft they nabbed WR Jonathan Baldwin, a tall receiver who can really get the jump ball. Todd Haley also got Steve Breaston, his former player in Arizona, where Breaston had his best seasons. They both join WR Dwayne Bowe who led the NFL in touchdown receptions and rising TE Tony Moeaki. Kansas City can also throw out RB/WR Dexter McCluster as a burst of speed in the running game and the passing game. Long time G Brian Waters is gone from the offensive line. The offensive line is one the best, as Matt Cassel was toward the bottom in times sacked.  


The defense has a new star, S Eric Berry. The sure thing of the 2010 NFL Draft showed why everyone was saying that by having a Pro Bowl season. CB's Brandon Carr and Brandon Flowers is an up and coming tandem. LB Mike Vrabel's retirement may not mean much with on-field talent is concerned, but in the locker room and in leadership is where it may show up. Vrabel was a great leader and a fantastic intangible man. Heading the linebackers are Derrick Johnson and Jovan Belcher. They also re-signed Tamba Hali who is great pass rusher who can create pressure from the stance or as a linebacker. On the line Glen Dorsey and Tyson Jackson are back to improve. Both of their DT's have left, but they signed DT Kelly Gregg who enjoyed a fine career at Baltimore. Rookies DL/LB Justin Houston and DE Allen Bailey are rookies who can make a big impact.  


K Ryan Succop is a dependable kicker and P Dustin Colquitt continues the long line of Colquitt punters. Kick Returners Javier Arenas and Dexter McCluster are explosive and can score whenever the ball is in their hands.


Review: 
A team with a game manager as a quarterback, a good running game, and a reliable offensive line is the answer to success. The defense is good, but is more in the middle of the pack. The key loss of this team is OC Charlie Weis, and I believe this will prove the most in Matt Cassel. I don't think 10-6 is a record this team can achieve again, but with a good running game anything is possible.  


Division Finish: TBA