Chiefs SI AFC West predictions - Page 2

Quesadilla Joe · 09-03-2010, 01:54 PM

Chargers 12-4
Broncos 9-7
Raiders 8-8
Chiefs 6-10

Here is their writeup on the Chiefs....

Kansas City Chiefs

What the Chiefs do best: Run the ball.

Jamaal Charles, a speedy big-play threat, came out of nowhere last season to rush for 1,120 yards and seven TDs. He took off over the final eight games, during which his 968 yards rushing and 1,126 yards from scrimmage trailed only Tennessee's Chris Johnson, who had 1,047 and 1,388, respectively. Also, Charles' five rushes of 40 yards or longer ranked second to Johnson's seven for the season.

This year Charles will be complemented by Thomas Jones, a 32-year-old grinder who led the Jets last year with 1,402 yards rushing and 14 scores. The Chiefs have had to rely on the run because their passing game is so inconsistent, particularly the vertical passing game. Matt Cassel struggled in his first year in Kansas City after being acquired in a trade and signing a potential $63 million deal. He threw only 16 TDs and had 16 interceptions with a 69.9 passer rating. Not coincidentally, wideout Dwayne Bowe had the worst season of his career, though Bowe had a strong offseason and exhibition season.

What the Chiefs need to improve: Pass rush.

The Chiefs traded end Jared Allen to the Vikings after the 2007 season, and their pass rush hasn't been the same since. They averaged just 16 sacks the past two seasons, and only outside linebacker Tamba Hali recorded more than 4.5 in a season during that time. The secondary isn't bad, but its ability gets overshadowed when quarterbacks have so much time to throw.

Maybe linebacker Andy Studebaker will be the complement that Hali needs. Studebacker impressed during the exhibition season and was pushing starter Mike Vrabel for playing time. "We're all excited about him," says coach Todd Haley. "He's got the work ethic, the toughness, the athletic ability to be a good player. And he's working real hard trying to do that."

Which Chief needs to step up: Defensive end Tyson Jackson.

Jackson was the third pick of the 2009 draft, but the former LSU defensive end didn't play up to expectations. He made little to no impact as a rookie, and was not demonstrably better this preseason. The Chiefs don't need him to be great --3-4 ends rarely put up big stats -- but they do need him to be good. Consistently good.

Defensive ends in a 3-4 scheme are asked to occupy blockers and hold the line so the linebackers can flow to the ball. Jackson has the size and strength to do it, but he tends to disappear at times. That becomes an even bigger problem when the end on the other side, fellow LSU top-five pick Glenn Dorsey, does the same thing. These two have to step up for the defense to become formidable.

Predicted record: 6-10.

The additions of offensive coordinator Charlie Weis and defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel will accelerate a return to respectability. Weis' arrival allows Haley to focus on managing the team instead of worrying about what play to call on offense. The record might not show it, but the team is headed in the right direction in Year 2 of the Haley/Scott Piolo regime.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/201...iew/index.html

If you click the link there is a video of Peter King talking about each AFCW team

**Bane** · 09-03-2010, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

I think Denver will be much better than most CPer's are predicting. I think 8-8, 9-7 at this point.

I do too,but its more fun to kick them in the vagina and say they'll win 5.
Posted via Mobile Device

'Hamas' Jenkins · 09-03-2010, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

I think Denver will be much better than most CPer's are predicting. I think 8-8, 9-7 at this point.

They lost their #1 WR, #1 TE, the best pass rusher in the AFC, and got nothing from this year's draft class that will help them in 2010.

Add that to a team that finished 2-8, and I don't see how anyone could think this team is headed for anything other than a nose dive.

**Bowser** · 09-03-2010, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

I think Denver will be much better than most CPer's are predicting. I think 8-8, 9-7 at this point.

Dunno. Don't see it, but what do I know? They're old on defense, and their offense doesn't look anything special.

And I hate to say it, but I'm afraid Oakland is going to be the suprise team in the AFCW this year. They have more of a 8-8 or 9-7 feel than Denver does.

**DaneMcCloud** · 09-03-2010, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keg in kc

Bowe's suspension might also have had something to do with having the worst season of his career. Sitting 4 games tends to bruise the stats a bit.

Otherwise, seems fair, although I believe 6 wins would be disappointing.

I think the Broncos winning more than 6 games would be miraculous, the power of tebow compels me to say.

Oakland should win 8 games, but they almost never win as many as they should.

It's clearly San Diego's division to lose.

Orton's the second best QB in the division. If he's healthy, they'll be an 8-8 team or better.

If he's injured, they could end up in the basement.

**DaneMcCloud** · 09-03-2010, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bowser

Dunno. Don't see it, but what do I know? They're old on defense, and their offense doesn't look anything special.

And I hate to say it, but I'm afraid Oakland is going to be the suprise team in the AFCW this year. They have more of a 8-8 or 9-7 feel than Denver does.

Their offense is badass and Ryan Matthews will propel their rushing game.

The defense is still better than anyone else in the division, although Oakland's has the "potential" to be downright scary.

Oakland's a ten win team with Campbell and/or Gradkowski, if they don't implode internally.

**Bowser** · 09-03-2010, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

It truly amazes me that each and every year, Chiefsplanet members think the Chargers suck, yet all they do is win the division and win in the playoffs.

This year is obviously no different.

Eh, truth. They have had the good fortune of being the one good team the last year in a division full of poop, though. Fattened up on the West teams, as it were, but you can't argue the playoff wins.

Skyy God · 09-03-2010, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

It truly amazes me that each and every year, Chiefsplanet members think the Chargers suck, yet all they do is win the division and win in the playoffs.

This year is obviously no different.

This is obviously contingent on the V-Jax/McNeil holdouts. If that's resolved, 11+ wins is a definite possibility.

**Bowser** · 09-03-2010, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Their offense is badass and Ryan Matthews will propel their rushing game.

(My comment you're replying to was directed at Denver, no Eggo.)

Los Pollos Hermanos · 09-03-2010, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pittsie

This is obviously contingent on the V-Jax/McNeil holdouts. If that's resolved, 11+ wins is a definite possibility.

I think the Crayton trades seals the deal the Jackson won't play a down for SD again.

**Bowser** · 09-03-2010, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefsfansofDallas

I think the Crayton trades seals the deal the Jackson won't play a down for SD again.

You think? I don't know if I would go that far.....

CupidStunt · 09-03-2010, 02:09 PM

SD 11-5
OAK 7-9
KC 7-9
DEN 3-13

**DaneMcCloud** · 09-03-2010, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bowser

(My comment you're replying to was directed at Denver, no Eggo.)

Ah.

My bad, Homey.

keg in kc · 09-03-2010, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Orton's the second best QB in the division. If he's healthy, they'll be an 8-8 team or better.

If he's injured, they could end up in the basement.

My prediction is actually 7, my fingers didn't go where my brain wanted.

He may have been the 2nd best qb in the division with Marshall. And even if he manages to be the 2nd best qb in the division without him (I don't think he will be, I suspect Campbell will be, if his wrist holds up), at the end of the day, he's just a middle-of-the-pack game manager. Rivers is the only QB that really makes a significant positive difference in the division at this point, in my opinion, although Campbell may change that.

Sweet Daddy Hate · 09-03-2010, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

It truly amazes me that each and every year, Chiefsplanet members think the Chargers suck, yet all they do is win the division and win in the playoffs.

This year is obviously no different.

They'll win the Division, and then crash and burn. Business as usual FTW!

**DaneMcCloud** · 09-03-2010, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keg in kc

My prediction is actually 7, my fingers didn't go where my brain wanted.

He may have been the 2nd best qb in the division with Marshall. And even if he manages to be the 2nd best qb in the division without him (I don't think he will be, I suspect Campbell will be, if his wrist holds up), at the end of the day, he's just a middle-of-the-pack game manager. Rivers is the only QB that really makes a significant positive difference in the division at this point, in my opinion, although Campbell may change that.

Campbell's certainly an upgrade for the Raiders but he's not much more than a game manager himself. Gradkowski is the guy that scares me because he's got "it". He makes plays with his arm and his legs. He's a smart player as well.

Orton gets no respect around these parts for some reason but I'd be absolutely ecstatic if Matt Cassel played as well as him.

Orton had 21 TD's, 12 INT's and nearly 4,000 yards in the air last year. Sure, some of that is on Jackson but guys like Gaffney had big days as well. And, I think Orton will only improve in his second year in the system.

09-03-2010, 01:54 PM
Quesadilla Joe Abolish The Salary Cap! Join Date: Mar 2008 Casino cash: $3848675	SI AFC West predictions Chargers 12-4 Broncos 9-7 Raiders 8-8 Chiefs 6-10 Here is their writeup on the Chiefs.... Kansas City Chiefs What the Chiefs do best: Run the ball. Jamaal Charles, a speedy big-play threat, came out of nowhere last season to rush for 1,120 yards and seven TDs. He took off over the final eight games, during which his 968 yards rushing and 1,126 yards from scrimmage trailed only Tennessee's Chris Johnson, who had 1,047 and 1,388, respectively. Also, Charles' five rushes of 40 yards or longer ranked second to Johnson's seven for the season. This year Charles will be complemented by Thomas Jones, a 32-year-old grinder who led the Jets last year with 1,402 yards rushing and 14 scores. The Chiefs have had to rely on the run because their passing game is so inconsistent, particularly the vertical passing game. Matt Cassel struggled in his first year in Kansas City after being acquired in a trade and signing a potential $63 million deal. He threw only 16 TDs and had 16 interceptions with a 69.9 passer rating. Not coincidentally, wideout Dwayne Bowe had the worst season of his career, though Bowe had a strong offseason and exhibition season. What the Chiefs need to improve: Pass rush. The Chiefs traded end Jared Allen to the Vikings after the 2007 season, and their pass rush hasn't been the same since. They averaged just 16 sacks the past two seasons, and only outside linebacker Tamba Hali recorded more than 4.5 in a season during that time. The secondary isn't bad, but its ability gets overshadowed when quarterbacks have so much time to throw. Maybe linebacker Andy Studebaker will be the complement that Hali needs. Studebacker impressed during the exhibition season and was pushing starter Mike Vrabel for playing time. "We're all excited about him," says coach Todd Haley. "He's got the work ethic, the toughness, the athletic ability to be a good player. And he's working real hard trying to do that." Which Chief needs to step up: Defensive end Tyson Jackson. Jackson was the third pick of the 2009 draft, but the former LSU defensive end didn't play up to expectations. He made little to no impact as a rookie, and was not demonstrably better this preseason. The Chiefs don't need him to be great --3-4 ends rarely put up big stats -- but they do need him to be good. Consistently good. Defensive ends in a 3-4 scheme are asked to occupy blockers and hold the line so the linebackers can flow to the ball. Jackson has the size and strength to do it, but he tends to disappear at times. That becomes an even bigger problem when the end on the other side, fellow LSU top-five pick Glenn Dorsey, does the same thing. These two have to step up for the defense to become formidable. Predicted record: 6-10. The additions of offensive coordinator Charlie Weis and defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel will accelerate a return to respectability. Weis' arrival allows Haley to focus on managing the team instead of worrying about what play to call on offense. The record might not show it, but the team is headed in the right direction in Year 2 of the Haley/Scott Piolo regime. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/201...iew/index.html If you click the link there is a video of Peter King talking about each AFCW team
Posts: 19,807

09-03-2010, 02:09 PM	#26
CupidStunt offense > defense Join Date: Jul 2005 Casino cash: $2053332	SD 11-5 OAK 7-9 KC 7-9 DEN 3-13
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