ChiefsPlanet - Chiefs 10 Keys to Success or Failure for the 2013 Chiefs

I think this upcoming season is filled with as much intrigue as any in the last 10+ years because of all the uncertainty at so many positions. I truly believe this team can be anywhere from 5-11 to 13-3 depending on how these factors play out...

1) Alex Myths ability to handle the workload that Andy Reids offense will demand. If he is able to continue the efficiency he had when be was throwing less in SF, but add to his attempts...he has a chance to help us win a lot against our schedule. Alex was on pace for a 26 touchdown and 3500 yard year in an offense that he would have been around 425 pass attempts the whole year and Andy will probably want another 100 pass attempts to be added to those. If he can't handle it and Andy Reid scales things back a notch we will still end up 7-9/8-8...but if he IS able to handle it and maintains the effectiveness he had last year with increased attempts, he could have a big year and guide us to a lot of wins. No doubt.

2) The defenses ability to take advantage of the scheme that should be predicated on getting more pressure than in years past by attacking more and sitting back less. Our linebacking corps are gonna straight up rape faces in this scheme. The players ability to change their mentality in how to play defense across the board is a huge factor...especially how soon they "get it" because this team can't afford to get into an early hole in the win loss column.

3) The usage of Eric Berry. I put this high on my list for a reason...the guy has been used incorrectly all three years in KC and if he is used correctly he should be an absolute game changer. This "third linebacker in the nickel" stuff needs to get gone and stay gone. This guy destroyed worlds at Tenneesee by taking the ball away and making huge hits and when Kiffen got there, be
changed all that and Eric has been used that way ever since. The way we have used him has completely nullified his playmaking ability and speed in the center of the field. We need to have that ballhawk back there intercepting passes and taking them to the house, not playing in the box most the game.

4) Sean Smith and Dunte Robinsons ability to play effective coverage. This is another situation similar to that of Alex Myth IMO...in that it can go drastically good or bad. I think we will score some points this year and those two will be under pressure. These two can make the secondary a strength or weakness.

5) Jon Baldwin taking to coaching and starting to realize his potential. This kid has amazing upside, but at the moment he looks like a bust. I think this is a career defining year for him. If he is able to become a solid #2 that can make some plays for us, this offense should start to be fun to watch. If not, this will likely be his last year in KC.

6) The fringe guys from the last two years drafts starting to show up and play at an effective level. Guys like Powe, Hudson, Allen, Bailey, Stephenson and Brown. All of those guys have potential to be quality starters or valuable role players if they can take to new coaching. They also have the potential to all need replaced for varius reasons.

7) Andy Reid molding his playcalling to fit the talent we have on board and not trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. I think he can push Alex Myth to 500 pass attempts, but not much more. If we can have a 50:50 split or maybe 55:45 in favor of the pass, I think we can win games...if be tries to throw it 35 times per game...I'm not sure we can be as effective that way.

8) The tight ends living up to their billing. We have a chance to have one of the best TE groups in the NFL if Kelce and Fasano can bring to the field what they do on paper. This Kelce kid is huge and moves very well and seems to have very good hands and instincts...a real player if he can develop his skills and stay out of trouble. It speaks to the talent of the position group that Moeaki may be the third tight end. They should be able to help seal the edge with Eric Fisher and, a few plays later, catching a couple big yardage passes. If Kelce is as good as some think, we may really have something to see on offense.

9) The defensive line being able to generate pressure and get a push. Guys like Jackson, Bailey, Poe, Powe and Devito need to be able to take advantage of linemen trying to keep the linebackers in check. If we can get this position group to play with some intensity, this defense could be just nasty. If they aren't able to do so, teams will control the LOS on us and dictate the tempo.

10) Someone stepping up on special teams and becoming a playmaker. We have the coach that can design the plays to help our return game, but someone needs to step up and fill the role of Arenas while giving us some homerun ability. Maybe Wylie will be that guy...sure would be nice to have a threat as a returner again, it's been awhile.