Remember the days when the Chiefs used to be good? Well, that's not much the case anymore for a team that has been in a rebuilding phase for the last couple of seasons. It seems as if GM Scott Pioli is attempting to create a Patriot-type atmosphere with all of the ex-New England assistant coaches they currently have on staff. Non-the-less, 2010 may end up another season that sees the Chiefs again picking amongst the top on the draft if the offseason.
Offense
The Chiefs do have a few bright spots on the offensive side of the ball, with RB Jamaal Charles & WR Dwayne Bowe. Charles is a shifty back with breakaway speed and also a solid receiver out of the backfield. He will split time with veteran RB Thomas Jones, who was sent packing from NY after racking up 1,400 yards and 14 TDs. QB Matt Cassel was a bit underwhelming last season having only thrown 16 TD passes in contrast with 16 INTs, not to mention sacked a whopping 42 times. It's tough to complete a pass when you're constantly on the turf. Kansas City hoping former NE offensive coordinator and ND head coach Charlie Weis can produce better results in 2010. His main target will again be Lowe, who took a step back after a solid 2008 campaign. WR Chris Chambers has a penchant for making difficult catches, although it's his decision making that's keeping him in the headlines recently (see here). Look for rookie playmaker Dexter McCluster to get looks in the slot and also out of the backfield.
Defense
KC's defense is anchored by a young and talented D-Line, featuring Glenn Dorsey & Tamba Hali. Hali can create pressure off the edge while Dorsey can get in the backfield and be disruptive from the tackle position. The linebackers are aging, with Mike Vrabel & Demorrio Williams as the. The Chiefs used the fifth overall in this past draft on S Eric Berry to be the star of the secondary and he has potential to be a great one. CBs Brandon Flowers & Brandon Carr make decent starters and rookie DB Javier Arenas will get a shot in the nickel.
Prediction
4-12
There are too many question marks for the Chiefs. The verdict is out on the Cassel experiment but right now it appears to be a mistake, and young head coach Todd Haley has his hands full trying to turn around this franchise's fortune right now. The young players will show flashes of brilliance but expect the Chiefs to again be picking at the top of the 2011 NFL Draft.
-ALR
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