Chiefs KC Chiefs - Season Wrap Up - by A. Teicher

**FRCDFED** · 01-09-2014, 01:21 PM

Kansas City Chiefs season wrap-up

January, 8, 2014
Jan 82:00PM ETBy Adam Teicher | ESPN.com
Arrow indicates direction team is trending.

Final Power Ranking: 10
Preseason Power Ranking: 19

Biggest surprise: The Chiefs plucked rookie cornerback Marcus Cooper, a seventh-round draft pick of the San Francisco 49ers, off waivers to start the regular season. Cooper played better than the Chiefs had a right to expect for a long stretch of the season as the third cornerback. He had a rough stretch late in the season before bouncing back at the end. At 6-foot-2 and 192 pounds, Cooper has the size to match up with the league's bigger receivers. Cooper projects as nothing less than the Chiefs' third cornerback next season and could eventually become a starter.

Biggest disappointment: Offensive tackle Eric Fisher was the first overall pick in the draft last year but rarely played like it. The Chiefs used Fisher on the right side, and he initially had trouble making the transition. He also had trouble avoiding nagging injuries, which caused him to miss four games, including the playoff loss to Indianapolis. Fisher should eventually develop into the kind of player the Chiefs envisioned. He showed great athletic skills that will help him reach his potential. Fisher was usually unable to anchor against a strong pass rush and that's where many of his problems occurred. A year in Kansas City's strength program will benefit Fisher greatly.

Biggest need: The Chiefs need a fast wide receiver to energize their passing game. They gambled by giving Dwayne Bowe a lucrative long-term contract last offseason, but Bowe didn't play like a No. 1 wide receiver until the playoff loss to the Colts. Bowe will turn 30 next season, so if nothing else, it's time for the Chiefs to plan for someone else to step into that top receiver's role. The Chiefs have a couple of fast wide receivers in Donnie Avery and A.J. Jenkins. While Avery delivered some big plays, he dropped too many passes and disappeared too many times. Jenkins hasn't been able to establish himself as a consistent threat.

Team MVP: The Chiefs have at least a couple of defensive candidates but the better choice is running back Jamaal Charles. He supplied much of Kansas City's offensive production, particularly early in the season when the offense around him frequently sputtered. Charles led the league in touchdowns and expanded his game to become a much more dangerous pass-catcher. Coach Andy Reid and his offensive staff did a much better job of getting Charles matched up against linebackers in the open field, and he rewarded them with a number of big plays. If the Chiefs had not lost five of their final seven regular-season games, Charles would have been a strong candidate for league MVP.

GRADING THE KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Position Grade Analysis

Quarterbacks: B+

Alex Smith improved over the season's second half in both completion percentage and getting the ball downfield in the passing game. Smith did a nice job of protecting the ball, committing only 10 turnovers in the regular season.

Running Backs: A

Jamaal Charles was brilliant from start to finish and expanded his game to become a much more dangerous receiver. He led the league in touchdowns. Fullback Anthony Sherman did an excellent job as his lead blocker.

Wide Receivers: D+

Dwayne Bowe had a disappointing season, although he played well in the playoff loss to Indianapolis. Donnie Avery, A.J. Jenkins, Dexter McCluster and Junior Hemingway delivered big plays only in rare instances.

Tight Ends: C

Injuries were the big problem. Tony Moeaki and Travis Kelce never caught a pass. Anthony Fasano was a solid red zone receiver but missed seven games because of injuries. Sean McGrath was a nice find as a waiver claim to open the season.

Offensive Line: C+

Things improved as the season went on, as expected from such a young group. Left tackle Branden Albert was solid. Geoff Schwartz made a difference once he became a starting guard midway through the season. Rookie Eric Fisher showed potential but needs to make big strides.

Defensive Line: B

Dontari Poe had a big season at nose tackle. Ends Tyson Jackson and, in particular, Mike DeVito played well against the run. Allen Bailey played well enough at end to show he could handle a starting position.

Linebackers: A-

Tamba Hali and Justin Houston were terrific on the outside, collecting 11 sacks each. But they couldn't sustain as the season went on and Houston missed five games with an elbow injury. Derrick Johnson on the inside also had a big season.

Secondary: C-

The Chiefs asked a lot of their cornerbacks, and after a strong start they broke down repeatedly as the season went on. Strong safety Eric Berry had a superb season.

Special Teams: A-

The Chiefs consistently won the field-position battle. They set an NFL record for kickoff return average and scored four touchdowns on kick or punt returns. Punter Dustin Colquitt had another strong season.

Coaching: B+

Andy Reid and his staff quickly changed a rotten culture and were quickly able to fit their systems to the skills of the players. But the defensive collapse over the second half was troubling. They failed to adjust to the way opponents attacked them.

Link:
http://espn.go.com/blog/kansas-city-...season-wrap-up

**hometeam** · 01-09-2014, 01:27 PM

I pretty much agree with his grade assessments, except for special teams, who get an A+ from me.

Could be the first time ever he got something right.

**HemiEd** · 01-09-2014, 01:29 PM

mailed it in

Why even write this if you are going to include Tony Moeaki and not Knile Davis?

TEX · 01-09-2014, 01:29 PM

Nothing big here - Kinda of a half ass job with his takes for a season in review piece. No mention of Knile Davis as a nice surprise or Kendrick Lewis / Duanta Robinson for TOTAL FAIL.

He sees it how many of us do - Chiefs need to upgrade WR and the Secondary & Sutton will need to improve in making adjustments. Next.

mcaj22 · 01-09-2014, 01:33 PM

B for a Defensive Line that has two ends that cant rush the passer and worn down by the end of season because the coaches refused to rotate in the depth?

**KC Dan** · 01-09-2014, 01:36 PM

Secondary D-

**FRCDFED** · 01-09-2014, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcaj22

B for a Defensive Line that has two ends that cant rush the passer and worn down by the end of season because the coaches refused to rotate in the depth?

IMO this should be a downgrade in the coaching section. The defensive line performed well but just couldn't get a breather. Why Powe was inactive for the playoffs after the admirable performance the week before is just mind blowing.

Earthling · 01-09-2014, 01:40 PM

C- for the secondary was being generous...

**FRCDFED** · 01-09-2014, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Earthling

C- for the secondary was being generous...

How much of that was Lewis though? We've discussed it in other threads that the failure to provide over-the-top coverage by Lewis cost the team NUMEROUS deep plays. It put Cooper on an island.

How many of those throws by Manning and/or Luck would've been negated?

Chiefs Pantalones · 01-09-2014, 01:44 PM

Berry's cap number is $11.6 million. Will they approach him about restructuring?

jkw87 · 01-09-2014, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chiefs Pantalones

Berry's cap number is $11.6 million. Will they approach him about restructuring?

I'd say Hali or Flowers is more deserving of a restructure. Berry plays like a twelve million a year man

Fritz88 · 01-09-2014, 02:10 PM

Given what happened in the second half of the season, I'd give LBs C+.
Posted via Mobile Device

**ptlyon** · 01-09-2014, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fritz88

Given what happened in the second half of the season, I'd give LBs C+.
Posted via Mobile Device

Hey, they can't throw the ball & catch it too...

Fish · 01-09-2014, 02:21 PM

Teicher article: C-

BlackHelicopters · 01-09-2014, 02:28 PM

Teicher fails to mention the horrid part of the secondary. Fail.

01-09-2014, 01:21 PM
FRCDFED Line'em up Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: somewhere out there Casino cash: $9326297	KC Chiefs - Season Wrap Up - by A. Teicher Kansas City Chiefs season wrap-up January, 8, 2014 Jan 82:00PM ETBy Adam Teicher \| ESPN.com Arrow indicates direction team is trending. Final Power Ranking: 10 Preseason Power Ranking: 19 Biggest surprise: The Chiefs plucked rookie cornerback Marcus Cooper, a seventh-round draft pick of the San Francisco 49ers, off waivers to start the regular season. Cooper played better than the Chiefs had a right to expect for a long stretch of the season as the third cornerback. He had a rough stretch late in the season before bouncing back at the end. At 6-foot-2 and 192 pounds, Cooper has the size to match up with the league's bigger receivers. Cooper projects as nothing less than the Chiefs' third cornerback next season and could eventually become a starter. Biggest disappointment: Offensive tackle Eric Fisher was the first overall pick in the draft last year but rarely played like it. The Chiefs used Fisher on the right side, and he initially had trouble making the transition. He also had trouble avoiding nagging injuries, which caused him to miss four games, including the playoff loss to Indianapolis. Fisher should eventually develop into the kind of player the Chiefs envisioned. He showed great athletic skills that will help him reach his potential. Fisher was usually unable to anchor against a strong pass rush and that's where many of his problems occurred. A year in Kansas City's strength program will benefit Fisher greatly. Biggest need: The Chiefs need a fast wide receiver to energize their passing game. They gambled by giving Dwayne Bowe a lucrative long-term contract last offseason, but Bowe didn't play like a No. 1 wide receiver until the playoff loss to the Colts. Bowe will turn 30 next season, so if nothing else, it's time for the Chiefs to plan for someone else to step into that top receiver's role. The Chiefs have a couple of fast wide receivers in Donnie Avery and A.J. Jenkins. While Avery delivered some big plays, he dropped too many passes and disappeared too many times. Jenkins hasn't been able to establish himself as a consistent threat. Team MVP: The Chiefs have at least a couple of defensive candidates but the better choice is running back Jamaal Charles. He supplied much of Kansas City's offensive production, particularly early in the season when the offense around him frequently sputtered. Charles led the league in touchdowns and expanded his game to become a much more dangerous pass-catcher. Coach Andy Reid and his offensive staff did a much better job of getting Charles matched up against linebackers in the open field, and he rewarded them with a number of big plays. If the Chiefs had not lost five of their final seven regular-season games, Charles would have been a strong candidate for league MVP. GRADING THE KANSAS CITY CHIEFS Position Grade Analysis Quarterbacks: B+ Alex Smith improved over the season's second half in both completion percentage and getting the ball downfield in the passing game. Smith did a nice job of protecting the ball, committing only 10 turnovers in the regular season. Running Backs: A Jamaal Charles was brilliant from start to finish and expanded his game to become a much more dangerous receiver. He led the league in touchdowns. Fullback Anthony Sherman did an excellent job as his lead blocker. Wide Receivers: D+ Dwayne Bowe had a disappointing season, although he played well in the playoff loss to Indianapolis. Donnie Avery, A.J. Jenkins, Dexter McCluster and Junior Hemingway delivered big plays only in rare instances. Tight Ends: C Injuries were the big problem. Tony Moeaki and Travis Kelce never caught a pass. Anthony Fasano was a solid red zone receiver but missed seven games because of injuries. Sean McGrath was a nice find as a waiver claim to open the season. Offensive Line: C+ Things improved as the season went on, as expected from such a young group. Left tackle Branden Albert was solid. Geoff Schwartz made a difference once he became a starting guard midway through the season. Rookie Eric Fisher showed potential but needs to make big strides. Defensive Line: B Dontari Poe had a big season at nose tackle. Ends Tyson Jackson and, in particular, Mike DeVito played well against the run. Allen Bailey played well enough at end to show he could handle a starting position. Linebackers: A- Tamba Hali and Justin Houston were terrific on the outside, collecting 11 sacks each. But they couldn't sustain as the season went on and Houston missed five games with an elbow injury. Derrick Johnson on the inside also had a big season. Secondary: C- The Chiefs asked a lot of their cornerbacks, and after a strong start they broke down repeatedly as the season went on. Strong safety Eric Berry had a superb season. Special Teams: A- The Chiefs consistently won the field-position battle. They set an NFL record for kickoff return average and scored four touchdowns on kick or punt returns. Punter Dustin Colquitt had another strong season. Coaching: B+ Andy Reid and his staff quickly changed a rotten culture and were quickly able to fit their systems to the skills of the players. But the defensive collapse over the second half was troubling. They failed to adjust to the way opponents attacked them. Link: http://espn.go.com/blog/kansas-city-...season-wrap-up
Posts: 3,185

01-09-2014, 01:27 PM	#2
hometeam Supporter Join Date: Jul 2011 Casino cash: $3811956	I pretty much agree with his grade assessments, except for special teams, who get an A+ from me. Could be the first time ever he got something right.
Posts: 10,650

01-09-2014, 01:29 PM	#3
HemiEd Supporter Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ozarks Casino cash: $2870564	mailed it in Why even write this if you are going to include Tony Moeaki and not Knile Davis?
Posts: 33,586

01-09-2014, 01:29 PM	#4
TEX Out Gunning CP's Fandom Police Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Laguna Beach, CA Casino cash: $1963127	Nothing big here - Kinda of a half ass job with his takes for a season in review piece. No mention of Knile Davis as a nice surprise or Kendrick Lewis / Duanta Robinson for TOTAL FAIL. He sees it how many of us do - Chiefs need to upgrade WR and the Secondary & Sutton will need to improve in making adjustments. Next. __________________ "The CHIEFS, HAVE THEIR DYNASTY!"
Posts: 34,779

01-09-2014, 01:33 PM	#5
mcaj22 MVP Join Date: Feb 2010 Casino cash: $10014454	B for a Defensive Line that has two ends that cant rush the passer and worn down by the end of season because the coaches refused to rotate in the depth?
Posts: 11,886

01-09-2014, 01:36 PM	#6
KC Dan Red, White & Blue for the U.S. Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: The Great Northwest now.. Casino cash: $1214235	Secondary D- __________________ "And if you don't know where you're going Any road will take you there" - George Harrison
Posts: 6,999

01-09-2014, 01:40 PM	#8
Earthling MVP Join Date: Apr 2001 Casino cash: $10008447	C- for the secondary was being generous... __________________ AND SOMETIMES IT'S NOT SO EASY ESPECIALLY WHEN YOUR ONLY FRIEND TALKS SEES LOOKS AND FEELS LIKE YOU AND YOU DO JUST THE SAME AS HIM -Jiimi Hendrix
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01-09-2014, 01:44 PM	#10
Chiefs Pantalones GO CHIEFS!!!!!! Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $7888717	Berry's cap number is $11.6 million. Will they approach him about restructuring? __________________ Don't be fooled by my username, I'm white.
Posts: 26,630

01-09-2014, 02:10 PM	#12
Fritz88 Custom User Title Join Date: Nov 2008 Casino cash: $8835943	Given what happened in the second half of the season, I'd give LBs C+. Posted via Mobile Device
Posts: 12,706

01-09-2014, 02:21 PM	#14
Fish Ain't no relax! Join Date: Sep 2005 Casino cash: $1868919	Teicher article: C- __________________
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01-09-2014, 02:28 PM	#15
BlackHelicopters Spiraling down the Drain Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Dante's Ninth Circle Casino cash: $2340588	Teicher fails to mention the horrid part of the secondary. Fail. __________________ "We're both part of the same hypocrisy, Senator, but never think it applies to my family." "Fredo. You are my brother, and I love you. But never take sides against the Family again. Ever." 2019 Adopt a Chief - Travis Kelce #87
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