10 Keys to Success or Failure for the 2013 Chiefs

[BossChief]

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.

[BlackHelicopters]

Play good football?

[patteeu]

Originally Posted by Hootie

I could have said "good post" after reading this but the "Alex Myth" schtick is so ****ing stupid. It's lame, immature, not funny whatsoever, and not even remotely witty.

So it really ruined the whole post for me.

He's trying to climb in off the ledge and adopt a more reasonable outlook on the upcoming season. I agree with you about "Alex Myth", but I recognize that BossChief needs the cool kids to continue to accept him so I'll cut him a little slack for a while.

[patteeu]

Originally Posted by Psyko Tek

I haver always hated the name change shit
aniyou think it makes you look clever
but I think it makes you look like a 4 th grader
this goes for all forums, and talk radio
losses my respect they have re yet to earn


if tythe best you giot uis name calling
stfo and shfu

Sometimes it's pretty clever like when people called Trent Green TrINT during his first Chiefs year.

[Direckshun]

This is a really great post.

[BossChief]

Originally Posted by patteeu

He's trying to climb in off the ledge and adopt a more reasonable outlook on the upcoming season. I agree with you about "Alex Myth", but I recognize that BossChief needs the cool kids to continue to accept him so I'll cut him a little slack for a while.

I think it's pretty evident from my history here that I couldn't give two shits about acceptance. I form my own opinions a d lost of the time that leads me to go against the grain....unlike others here that just support every decision this teams makes because they'd rather not be a critical thinker.

I made this thread to show the areas that will effect the outcome of the upcoming season because I feel they are the keys to the upcoming year...but let's make this about me and not the actual topic and chose to hurl insults instead of adding to the conversation.

Thanks.

[patteeu]

Originally Posted by BossChief

I think it's pretty evident from my history here that I couldn't give two shits about acceptance. I form my own opinions a d lost of the time that leads me to go against the grain....unlike others here that just support every decision this teams makes because they'd rather not be a critical thinker.

I made this thread to show the areas that will effect the outcome of the upcoming season because I feel they are the keys to the upcoming year...but let's make this about me and not the actual topic and chose to hurl insults instead of adding to the conversation.

Thanks.

Your history here tells me a different story. Sorry.

[Direckshun]

I would like to note that Pat Kirwan once said that you're allowed two ifs. If you go to three, you're probably hoping for too much.

Originally Posted by BossChief

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.

Some people on this board have raised the concern that Smith simply doesn't have the arm endurance for Reid's offense, and I will admit that causes me some concern. Of the starting QBs Reid has coached (McNabb, Kolb, Vick, Foles), Smith certainly has the weakest arm.

Originally Posted by BossChief

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.

I honestly think having a halfway decent offense will be the biggest boon to the defense. Our starting lineup is looking extremely solid -- we need development from Poe, and some better DL talent for the nickel. But ultimately I think we've got a really versatile squad that can play 4-3 or 3-4, nickel, dime, and goal line.

Originally Posted by BossChief

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.

Hopefully this opens up, as we start making use of Husain Abdullah.

Originally Posted by BossChief

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.

I honestly think Sean Smith was our best acquisition all of free agency, and for extremely reasonable money. Smith's arrow is pointing up.

Dunta is the one I'm concerned about... Guys his age can fall off any minute, and he wasn't exactly lighting it up last year.

Originally Posted by BossChief

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.

Well, I don't know. I think Baldwin is going to suck another year or two here, before we cut his ass and he starts lighting shit up for Haley in Pittsburg. I pray that doesn't happen, but I don't see him progressing.

It's encouraging he's slotted as the #2 right now, and that Avery is healing so he can stay there all preseason and get the reps we need him to get.

Originally Posted by BossChief

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.

Every player has a different problem.

• Powe has all the talent and has shown so, but he got stuck behind a first round draft pick that plays every snap. Powe just needs an opportunity.
• Hudson, same. Just needs an opportunity.
• Allen was scuttled into the lineup last year in a shit offense with shit QBs. I pray this coaching staff, which likes him enough to keep him slotted over Schwartz, understands that Allen is a real, versatile talent.
• Stephenson has to battle two tackles (Fisher & Matt Reynolds) at tackle that the coaching staff is far more familiar with and loyal to. That's a tall order for him. But the staff is playing him at guard with the 1s, so they do realize the talent there...

Originally Posted by BossChief

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.

I honestly think the team we had last year could have gone 9-7 or even 10-6 with all the stupid good talent we had, if we had a QB and an OC who knew what the **** he was doing.

Originally Posted by BossChief

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.

Yeah, I think it's best to think of this TE group as Fasano and Kelce, with some Moeaki in bits and pieces. This coaching staff clearly has no faith in Moeaki, nor should anybody, really.

Originally Posted by BossChief

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.

Short of Poe, I really think we're going to struggle again getting pressure from the front 3. I think Powe has some quickness that could generate more push from the nose tackle, and I'm DYING to see a Poe-Powe attack.

Originally Posted by BossChief

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.

We made an absolutely brilliant hire in bringing in the Bears guy. It's time to get some ****ing talent there.

I love Donnie Avery as a return dude. Wylie seems great for punt returns, if he can stay on the team.

[Direckshun]

Originally Posted by patteeu

He's trying to climb in off the ledge and adopt a more reasonable outlook on the upcoming season. I agree with you about "Alex Myth", but I recognize that BossChief needs the cool kids to continue to accept him so I'll cut him a little slack for a while.

That's pretty assinine. BossChief has taken many against-the-grain stances, and on big-potatoes issues in Chiefs world, like Scott Pioli.

Credit where it is due.

[Sandy Vagina]

Originally Posted by Hootie

I could have said "good post" after reading this but the "Alex Myth" schtick is so ****ing stupid. It's lame, immature, not funny whatsoever, and not even remotely witty.

So it really ruined the whole post for me.

I guess I enjoyed the read more than you, but yes, I was also thinking the "Myth" thing as very lame and lessened the overall post.

[Mother****erJones]

I think Poe is one of the most important players on defense. If he's solid to great then that will be a big for our defense being top 10, if he sucks then our defense could struggle again. Poe needs to be a force against the run and generate pressure against the pass.

[durtyrute]

Thank you for this. I enjoy actual football posts and not just bitching. I want to see Powe on the field more. It seems he his more suited for the nose than Poe but we'll see I guess.

.........and here comes the bitching

[BossChief]

Originally Posted by durtyrute

Thank you for this. I enjoy actual football posts and not just bitching. I want to see Powe on the field more. It seems he his more suited for the nose than Poe but we'll see I guess.

.........and here comes the bitching

No problem. And yes, here comes the bitching.

[Steron]

Originally Posted by SNR

Agreed. He could have chosen any of these other fine names:

Alex Stiff
Alex Biff
Alex Shit
Alex ****face
Alex Dildo
Alex Smith sucks so much his weiner gets pulled in and out his anus
Miserable piece of shit Mormon bastard

Alex Dildo and Alex ****face are the best of the bunch.

As for the OP. It was nice to see a well thought out post for once.

[KC_Lee]

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.

This is what I am most interested in this year. How will guys like this pan out this year. Starters? Role players? Busts?

Time for some of these guys to put up or be gone.

[Saccopoo]

The "Myth" in your concept is that Berry should be a ball hawking free safety.

He isn't and doesn't look like he can.

At the college level, under Kiffin, his athleticism, which borders on elite, as well as Kiffin giving him the ability to wander in the defensive backfield gave him the ability to put up numbers like he did in college.

But, in two years of playing time at the NFL level, he hasn't shown the ability to be able to effectively cover guys in passing situations. And it's not just Antonio Gates in his rookie season. Teams constantly send tight ends his way when he gets caught in man coverage around the box and he doesn't seem to be able to effectively keep himself between the receiver and ball, falling behind the route runner routinely.

His athleticism is somewhat nullified at this level where most guys possess high levels of athleticism and speed, but he does show a willingness to come through traffic and find the ball carrier.

I think he's a very good strong, in-the-box safety, but simply hasn't shown the instincts to be effective in a free safety/centerfielder role.

As well, I don't think that there is any mythical numerical level of passes where A. Smith is going to fall apart and collapse under the pressure. Five more passes a game. Big whoopee doo. All he needs to do in this offense is do what he did the past two seasons at SF - high percentage, ball/time control passes/completions getting the ball into our playmakers hands. You want Jamaal and Dwayne and Dexter and such making the most out of their abilities. You want the offense to maintain a decent time of possession. You want that absolutely sick linebacking corps fresh to be able to make the big plays late into the fourth quarter. And I think that's exactly what you are going to see.

Smith fits this offense quite well and I'm not going to sit here and freak out about worry about if the guy can make an extra five passes a game over the course of an entire year.