The offense will change, but there simply is not enough talent in the receiving corps or the backfield that the TE position can be ignored as a passing target. We probably will also have to utilize the TE more in pass protection. But Cottam is not known as a blocking TE so if he can't catch the ball when needed he is a bust. 500 yards for a TE is like 50 catches, and I don't see that, but would look to 40 and that be a good year for him.

I'm not sure what to think about the offense and Chan Gailey this season.

On the one hand, I like the fact that Haley retained him and kept atleast some continuity. Gailey has a lot of experience with different schemes and drew up some nice plays last season. I think that the lack of production in the second half of games had more to do with Herm and his tendency to go into a shell or not getting the players in condition and prepared for the second half.
I think offense will again be based around LJ and running the ball as it was supposed to be last season. The additions along the offensive line are better run blockers than pass protectors. The question is how much will other teams respect the passing game. Last year, there was no QB on the roster that had proved himself. Cassell changes that in my opinion.

On the other hand, I'm worried about the ability of our receivers to get open and the ability of the line to open holes for LJ and keep Cassell upright. Any defense isn't going to be successful if they are on the field the whole game and the problems the Chiefs have on offense are significant. Based on Haley's comments, there nothing thats been said to change my opinion. The offense is struggling right now, plain and simple.

That said, the shift away from the TE being the focus of the passing game is a refreshing change. I think Bowe could have a great year but his success will depend on someone else stepping up to take the double team away from Bowe. I think we will see a lot of gimmick type plays, with Cassell AND Thigpen on the field. But the offense to start the season is going to feature LJ. That's the only reason I think he is here and working hard.

How good is the line going to be?

Seems like so much starts with those guys up front.

Anyone know ... what was the roll of the TE in AZ offense last year? I know they had 2 excellent WR's, but looking at how their TE was used will tell us a lot about what to expece out of Cottam ... would it not?

On the other hand ... if our OL isn't up to par ... Cassel might be forced to dump the ball a lot and increase the catches of the TE and RB's ... but, then ... it would seem to me ... that the offense will not be in the top 20 if he has to get rid of the ball to quickly???

Leonard Pope, their best TE, only had 23 receptions for 238yds last season. They had a couple other TEs, but none caught more than a handful of catches.

They didn't use the TE much.....

That says to me that our TE will not catch very many ... especially if he is a green horn. Maybe that is why they traded Tony ... uselss to have a player of his talent just sitting around.

Im sure we will be in the spread some of the time but I don't think it's going to be our primary offense either.

AZ has three excellent receivers. Steve Breaston had more than 1,000 yards as well.

But, the Chiefs don't have HOF QB. They don't have three guys capable of gaining over 1,000 yards each in one season (they may only have one). They don't even have what I'd consider a "solid" offensive line.

Combine that with the fact that they face some serious, serious defenses this year in the Giants, Ravens, Steelers, Eagles and even Dallas (the Cowboys has 55 sacks last year).

The Chiefs shouldn't have the worst offense in the league but I'd be surprised if they ranked higher than 25th.

Cottam had 21 catches in 4 years at Tennessee.

If has 30 or more in 2009, that would have to be considered a great year for him.

Yup. AZ had loads and loads of talent in the WR position. Essentially, they had very little need to use a TE with the talents of Fitz, Boldin, and Breaston having over 1000yds each.

And I was actually wrong about the TE position. I was looking at 07 stats. Last season, AZ had 4 TEs put in time, and combined they only had 25 receptions and 237 yds. Combined. Second year man Ben Patrick led them with 11 receptions for 104yds.