chiefforlife
05-20-2009, 03:33 PM
Misplaced Optimism in K.C.?
Chiefs beat writer Adam Teicher touched on his offensive concerns this morning, a sentiment with which I happen to fully agree. Despite the feel-good additions of GM Scott Pioli, coach Todd Haley, and nominal franchise quarterback Matt Cassel, expectations for the Chiefs offense this season are far too optimistic.
Let's break this down position-by-position:
# Quarterback: Matt Cassel led the NFL in sacks taken last season while the Pats receivers led the league in yards after the catch. With the major downgrade in both receiving talent and offensive line security, Cassel is fighting an uphill battle in proving that last year's production was not simply the product of the Patriots' system. His backup, Tyler Thigpen, was an inaccurate turnover machine in a lost season last year. He has no future under center and must be limited to a shotgun spread offense.
# Running Back: Knucklehead Larry Johnson turns 30 during the season and has missed 12 games over the past two years. His running, receiving and blocking abilities have fallen off a cliff since his 2005-2006 career seasons. Backup Jamaal Charles is not capable of handling every down duties, and the rest of depth chart is nothing more than roster fodder.
# Wide Receiver: Though he's been inconsistent in his young career, Dwayne Bowe is a dominant talent who rivals Steve Smith and Calvin Johnson for the ability to catch the ball in traffic (other-worldly Larry Fitzgerald obviously excluded). After Bowe, though, we're into finger-crossing territory. Mark Bradley may have potential, but he's been as injury-prone as any wide receiver in the league since being drafted in the second round five years ago. Slot receiver Bobby Engram, 36 and going downhill fast, has played just one full season in five years. As there's zero depth beyond the top three receivers, a Bowe injury has the potential to sink the passing game.
# Tight End: Tony Gonzalez is taking a two-year average of 98 catches and 1,115 yards to Atlanta, leaving the Chiefs with a black hole at the position. Brad Cottom recorded just 21 receptions in his college career and figures to be used as a blocking specialist in Haley's offense. His four pedestrian backups have a total of 25 receptions in eight seasons.
# Offensive Line: Still holding out for a trade, Pro Bowl guard Brian Waters isn't participating in OTAs. Last year's first-rounder Branden Albert has anchor potential on the left side, but right tackle Damion McIntosh, right guard Mike Goff, and center Rudy Niswanger will struggle to keep the ship afloat. And, again, there's no insurance in reserve, much less the talent to push three ineffective starters.
The masterminds imported to run the operation this offseason have engendered high expectations in Kansas City, but skepticism is advised for fantasy leaguers in 2009. The Chiefs may be battling the Browns and Raiders for the No. 1 pick in next year's draft.
http://www.rotoworld.com/content/features/column.aspx?sport=NFL&columnid=59&articleid=32761
Chiefs beat writer Adam Teicher touched on his offensive concerns this morning, a sentiment with which I happen to fully agree. Despite the feel-good additions of GM Scott Pioli, coach Todd Haley, and nominal franchise quarterback Matt Cassel, expectations for the Chiefs offense this season are far too optimistic.
Let's break this down position-by-position:
# Quarterback: Matt Cassel led the NFL in sacks taken last season while the Pats receivers led the league in yards after the catch. With the major downgrade in both receiving talent and offensive line security, Cassel is fighting an uphill battle in proving that last year's production was not simply the product of the Patriots' system. His backup, Tyler Thigpen, was an inaccurate turnover machine in a lost season last year. He has no future under center and must be limited to a shotgun spread offense.
# Running Back: Knucklehead Larry Johnson turns 30 during the season and has missed 12 games over the past two years. His running, receiving and blocking abilities have fallen off a cliff since his 2005-2006 career seasons. Backup Jamaal Charles is not capable of handling every down duties, and the rest of depth chart is nothing more than roster fodder.
# Wide Receiver: Though he's been inconsistent in his young career, Dwayne Bowe is a dominant talent who rivals Steve Smith and Calvin Johnson for the ability to catch the ball in traffic (other-worldly Larry Fitzgerald obviously excluded). After Bowe, though, we're into finger-crossing territory. Mark Bradley may have potential, but he's been as injury-prone as any wide receiver in the league since being drafted in the second round five years ago. Slot receiver Bobby Engram, 36 and going downhill fast, has played just one full season in five years. As there's zero depth beyond the top three receivers, a Bowe injury has the potential to sink the passing game.
# Tight End: Tony Gonzalez is taking a two-year average of 98 catches and 1,115 yards to Atlanta, leaving the Chiefs with a black hole at the position. Brad Cottom recorded just 21 receptions in his college career and figures to be used as a blocking specialist in Haley's offense. His four pedestrian backups have a total of 25 receptions in eight seasons.
# Offensive Line: Still holding out for a trade, Pro Bowl guard Brian Waters isn't participating in OTAs. Last year's first-rounder Branden Albert has anchor potential on the left side, but right tackle Damion McIntosh, right guard Mike Goff, and center Rudy Niswanger will struggle to keep the ship afloat. And, again, there's no insurance in reserve, much less the talent to push three ineffective starters.
The masterminds imported to run the operation this offseason have engendered high expectations in Kansas City, but skepticism is advised for fantasy leaguers in 2009. The Chiefs may be battling the Browns and Raiders for the No. 1 pick in next year's draft.
http://www.rotoworld.com/content/features/column.aspx?sport=NFL&columnid=59&articleid=32761