Deberg_1990
08-31-2011, 11:16 AM
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/jim_trotter/08/30/afc.west.preview/index.html?eref=sihp&sct=hp_t12_a1
Kansas City Chiefs
What the Chiefs do best: Run the ball
The Chiefs, who averaged a league-leading 164.2 yards rushing per game last season, can play smashmouth or finesse. They had an NFL-high 258 rushes of at least four yards, but also tied for seventh with 15 carries of 20 yards or longer -- three of which went for 50 or more. That was one behind Oakland.
The speedy Jamaal Charles (1,467 yards and 5 TDs on 230 carries) was their big-play threat, while veteran Thomas Jones (896, 6, 245) was the grinder. The impact of these two was reflected in the passing game, where wide receiver Dwayne Bowe set career receiving highs for yards (his 1,162 yards were 140 more than his previous high), yards per catch (16.2, which was two yards higher than his previous best) and touchdowns (15, which was one fewer than his total for the three previous seasons combined).
What the Chiefs need to improve: Diversify their passing game
It speaks volumes that after Bowe's 72 catches last season, no other K.C. wideout had more than 22 receptions. The lack of other perimeter threats made it easy for the Ravens to erase Bowe in their playoff meeting. They put a man in front and another over the top, which resulted in Bowe not being targeted at least once in a game for the first time in his career.
The Chiefs addressed the problem by drafting Jonathan Baldwin (who is out for the preseason after an injury suffered in a fight with Jones) and signing free agents Steve Breaston and Keary Colbert. Jerheme Urban also returns after missing last season because of injury. Their presence could, along with a productive running game, mean fewer catches for Bowe but a more diversified passing game for the Chiefs.
Which Chief needs to step up: Defensive tackle Kelly Gregg
The 11-year defensive tackle could be a major key to the Chiefs' season. For Kansas City's 3-4 defense to be effective, it needs a noseguard like Gregg who can command double teams and hold his ground.
The Chiefs mixed and matched at the position the past two years, but Gregg is a legit 3-4 noseguard who spent nine seasons with the Ravens and understands the ins and outs of the scheme. Rex Ryan, one of his former coordinators in Baltimore, made a last-minute call to Gregg in hopes of luring him to the Jets this year, but Gregg opted to sign with KC because it's a short plane ride to his home in Oklahoma and because the Chiefs are, in his opinion, an up-and-coming team.
Another reason to focus on Gregg is that he'll be asked to tutor rookie Jerrell Powe, the heir apparent at the position who is expected to be part of the rotation. The Chiefs are also hoping that Gregg's experience and professionalism will help former top-5 picks Glenn Dorsey and Tyson Jackson maximize their potential.
Predicted record: 9-7
The Chiefs will be a better team than in 2010 but will finish with a worse record. The reasons: They're still maturing and the schedule is daunting. Four of their first six games are on the road, including divisional games at San Diego and Oakland, where they lost 31-0 and 23-20 in OT last season. Overall, they'll play six teams outside the division that won at least 10 games a year ago, including 14-win New England, 12-win Pittsburgh, conference finalists Chicago and New York (Jets) and Super Bowl champion Green Bay.
Kansas City Chiefs
What the Chiefs do best: Run the ball
The Chiefs, who averaged a league-leading 164.2 yards rushing per game last season, can play smashmouth or finesse. They had an NFL-high 258 rushes of at least four yards, but also tied for seventh with 15 carries of 20 yards or longer -- three of which went for 50 or more. That was one behind Oakland.
The speedy Jamaal Charles (1,467 yards and 5 TDs on 230 carries) was their big-play threat, while veteran Thomas Jones (896, 6, 245) was the grinder. The impact of these two was reflected in the passing game, where wide receiver Dwayne Bowe set career receiving highs for yards (his 1,162 yards were 140 more than his previous high), yards per catch (16.2, which was two yards higher than his previous best) and touchdowns (15, which was one fewer than his total for the three previous seasons combined).
What the Chiefs need to improve: Diversify their passing game
It speaks volumes that after Bowe's 72 catches last season, no other K.C. wideout had more than 22 receptions. The lack of other perimeter threats made it easy for the Ravens to erase Bowe in their playoff meeting. They put a man in front and another over the top, which resulted in Bowe not being targeted at least once in a game for the first time in his career.
The Chiefs addressed the problem by drafting Jonathan Baldwin (who is out for the preseason after an injury suffered in a fight with Jones) and signing free agents Steve Breaston and Keary Colbert. Jerheme Urban also returns after missing last season because of injury. Their presence could, along with a productive running game, mean fewer catches for Bowe but a more diversified passing game for the Chiefs.
Which Chief needs to step up: Defensive tackle Kelly Gregg
The 11-year defensive tackle could be a major key to the Chiefs' season. For Kansas City's 3-4 defense to be effective, it needs a noseguard like Gregg who can command double teams and hold his ground.
The Chiefs mixed and matched at the position the past two years, but Gregg is a legit 3-4 noseguard who spent nine seasons with the Ravens and understands the ins and outs of the scheme. Rex Ryan, one of his former coordinators in Baltimore, made a last-minute call to Gregg in hopes of luring him to the Jets this year, but Gregg opted to sign with KC because it's a short plane ride to his home in Oklahoma and because the Chiefs are, in his opinion, an up-and-coming team.
Another reason to focus on Gregg is that he'll be asked to tutor rookie Jerrell Powe, the heir apparent at the position who is expected to be part of the rotation. The Chiefs are also hoping that Gregg's experience and professionalism will help former top-5 picks Glenn Dorsey and Tyson Jackson maximize their potential.
Predicted record: 9-7
The Chiefs will be a better team than in 2010 but will finish with a worse record. The reasons: They're still maturing and the schedule is daunting. Four of their first six games are on the road, including divisional games at San Diego and Oakland, where they lost 31-0 and 23-20 in OT last season. Overall, they'll play six teams outside the division that won at least 10 games a year ago, including 14-win New England, 12-win Pittsburgh, conference finalists Chicago and New York (Jets) and Super Bowl champion Green Bay.