Reasons for Optimism:
With the additions of Derrick Johnson and Kendrell Bell, the team finally has speed and explosiveness at linebacker. They will make plays last season's linebackers couldn't. Johnson, the team's first round pick, has great coverage skills, and Bell has a nasty streak the defense had lacked for several years. Backup TE Kris Wilson is healthy, giving the offense a dimension it lacked last season. Wilson will line up in a variety of positions and create matchup problems. The emergence of RB Larry Johnson last season means the Chiefs no longer have to live in fear of a long term injury to Priest Holmes. Johnson is a different type of runner than Holmes but has proved to be smart, instinctive and nearly as effective. Look for the Chiefs to occassionally use both Holmes and Johnson in the backfield. Rookie Dustin Colquitt, who has been remarkably consistent for a young punter, should help the team win the field position battle.
Reasons for Concern:
The team hasn't proved it will be able to mount a consistent pass rush without blitzin. RE Jared Allen was the only consistent rusher in camp. DE Carlos Hall, acquired from the Titans in a trade, was supposed to help, but he missed most of camp with an injury and the team doesn't know what to expect from him. There is more uncertainty on the offensive line than there has been in years. Only two of the starters have practiced regularly, which could result in a lack of cohesiveness when the season begins. There is no guarantee RG Will Shields (back), 33, will be at full strength, and LT Willie Roaf, 35, was limited in camp in an effort to keep him fresh. New RT Kevin Sampson looked good until a toe injury sidelined him. He might not be ready for the opener.
X-Factor:
The first four games are the toughest part of the schedule, and the team will have to play them without CB Eric Warfield, who will be serving an NFL suspension. That wouldn't be a big issue if the Chiefs were comfortable with his replacement, Dexter McCleon. But McCleon didn't play well last season and was inconsistent in the preseason. Among the receivers the Chiefs will face in those first four games: Randy Moss, Ashley Leli and Terrell Owens. If McCleon doesn't hold up, the team faces the prospect of another slow start, something it never recovered from last season.
Scouts Views:
Trent Green has a tremendous command of the offense. He knows that system and what they're trying to do. I don't see his skill level diminishing. Patrick Surtain will have an impact on their defense. Whenever you can add a top flight corner, it gives you flexibility to do some other things. You can put him in man coverage and run more aggressive types of defenses. Samie Parker isn't a track guy trying to be a football player. This kid is a football player with speed. He's got good ball skills and toughness. That's what I like about him. Carlos Hall is a bit undersized but has some natural pass rush ability. He might be flying under the radar a little bit but could end up helping them.
Bottom Line:
There is little doubt the Chiefs' defense will be much better and it's about time. The question is whether their aging offense can keep up the pace. The once great offensive line, in particular, is starting to look old. But if everything clicks for the Chiefes, look out.
With the additions of Derrick Johnson and Kendrell Bell, the team finally has speed and explosiveness at linebacker. They will make plays last season's linebackers couldn't. Johnson, the team's first round pick, has great coverage skills, and Bell has a nasty streak the defense had lacked for several years. Backup TE Kris Wilson is healthy, giving the offense a dimension it lacked last season. Wilson will line up in a variety of positions and create matchup problems. The emergence of RB Larry Johnson last season means the Chiefs no longer have to live in fear of a long term injury to Priest Holmes. Johnson is a different type of runner than Holmes but has proved to be smart, instinctive and nearly as effective. Look for the Chiefs to occassionally use both Holmes and Johnson in the backfield. Rookie Dustin Colquitt, who has been remarkably consistent for a young punter, should help the team win the field position battle.
Reasons for Concern:
The team hasn't proved it will be able to mount a consistent pass rush without blitzin. RE Jared Allen was the only consistent rusher in camp. DE Carlos Hall, acquired from the Titans in a trade, was supposed to help, but he missed most of camp with an injury and the team doesn't know what to expect from him. There is more uncertainty on the offensive line than there has been in years. Only two of the starters have practiced regularly, which could result in a lack of cohesiveness when the season begins. There is no guarantee RG Will Shields (back), 33, will be at full strength, and LT Willie Roaf, 35, was limited in camp in an effort to keep him fresh. New RT Kevin Sampson looked good until a toe injury sidelined him. He might not be ready for the opener.
X-Factor:
The first four games are the toughest part of the schedule, and the team will have to play them without CB Eric Warfield, who will be serving an NFL suspension. That wouldn't be a big issue if the Chiefs were comfortable with his replacement, Dexter McCleon. But McCleon didn't play well last season and was inconsistent in the preseason. Among the receivers the Chiefs will face in those first four games: Randy Moss, Ashley Leli and Terrell Owens. If McCleon doesn't hold up, the team faces the prospect of another slow start, something it never recovered from last season.
Scouts Views:
Trent Green has a tremendous command of the offense. He knows that system and what they're trying to do. I don't see his skill level diminishing. Patrick Surtain will have an impact on their defense. Whenever you can add a top flight corner, it gives you flexibility to do some other things. You can put him in man coverage and run more aggressive types of defenses. Samie Parker isn't a track guy trying to be a football player. This kid is a football player with speed. He's got good ball skills and toughness. That's what I like about him. Carlos Hall is a bit undersized but has some natural pass rush ability. He might be flying under the radar a little bit but could end up helping them.
Bottom Line:
There is little doubt the Chiefs' defense will be much better and it's about time. The question is whether their aging offense can keep up the pace. The once great offensive line, in particular, is starting to look old. But if everything clicks for the Chiefes, look out.