There is no question that the Kansas City Chiefs enter the 2010 season with their best shot getting back in the hunt in the AFC West. The Chiefs finished in last place in the West for the second straight season, going just 4-12 in 2009, but have made a couple big additions to the coaching staffs this season. The Chiefs brought in Charlie Weis to run the offense and Romeo Crennel to take over the defense, both are former coordinators of the New England Patriots, and figure to make a huge impact on the team this season. Here is a look at what the Kansas City Chiefs will look like in 2010, plus my prediction on where they finish the season in the AFC West.
Offense: With the addition of running back Thomas Jones this offseason, the Chiefs will bolster one of the best rushing attacks in the NFL this season with Jones joining forces with emerging young star Jamaal Charles. Charles ran for 1,120 yards and seven touchdowns after taking over for Larry Johnson last season, while Jones led the New York Jets with 1,402 yards and 14 touchdowns.
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Just how good the Chiefs are this season will depend a lot on the play of quarterback Matt Cassel, who had his ups and downs in his first season with the Chiefs in 2009. Cassel threw for just 2,924 yards with 16 touchdowns to 16 interceptions, but was hurt a lot by dropped balls last year.
The Chiefs figure to have their best receiving corps in years with the return of Chris Chambers, who really emerged after coming to the Chiefs late last season, and Dwayne Bowe who figures to really bounce back after a tough 2009 season. The Chiefs also added rookie Dexter McCluster in the second round of the draft and he figures to step right in as the slot receiver. McCluster might not be the only rookie making noise this season, as the Chiefs believe tight end Tony Moeaki has a great shot at being a big part of the offense in 2010.
The offensive line continued to improve as the 2009 season went on, and should be even better in 2010 with the additions of veteran center Casey Wiegmann and guard Ryan Lilja. Wiegmann will push for the starting spot at center, while Lilja is expected to start at right guard opposite of Pro Bowl left guard Brian Waters. Brandon Albert has turned into a solid left tackle, but still has room for improvement, and Ryan O'Callaghan was a nice find at right tackle for the Chiefs in 2009.
Defense: For this unit to be better in 2010, defensive ends Glen Dorsey and Tyson Jackson must live up to their potential and be more of a force up front. Dorsey showed big improvements in his second season, and could be ready to put together a big season for the Chiefs. The Chiefs appear content with rotating veteran Ron Edwards and newcomer Shaun Smith at nose tackle.
The Chiefs failed to upgrade at linebacker this offseason, so they will stick with what they got. Tamba Hali made a pretty smooth transition from defensive end to outside linebacker, and is the Chiefs main pass rusher. Veteran Mike Vrabel will likely start at the other outside spot. I expect Derrick Johnson to be back in the starting lineup this season, leaving Demorrio Williams and Corey Mays to battle for the other starting spot.
The Chiefs decided to skip on an offensive tackle and take safety Eric Berry with the No.5 pick in the draft, and I believe it was the right move. An elite safety like Berry won't come around often, while you can find a solid tackle almost every year in the draft. Just who will start opposite of Berry is up in the air, as Jon McGraw, Jarrad Page, DaJuan Morgan, Donald Washington, and rookie Kendrick Lewis all have a shot. The Chiefs have two of the best young corners in the NFL in Brandon Flowers and Brandon Carr, and added another promising young player in rookie Javier Arenas, who figures to have a great shot at playing in the nickel package.
Prediction - 2nd AFC West: A lot of people believe the Chiefs are still a year away from competing for the division title, but I think we see this team make a huge transition in 2010. I think there are a lot of similarities to the 2008 Miami Dolphins who went from 1-15 to 11-5 and won the AFC East. Don't be surprised if the Chiefs upset the Chargers on Monday Night Football to start the season.
2010 Kansas City Chiefs Predictions KANSAS CITY
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