What's New?
In recent years, you could always count on the Kansas City Chiefs for two things; a potent offense and a weak defense. Things appear to be flip-flopping, however. Or perhaps maybe at least coming closer together on both ends. Offensively, this team no longer strikes fear in opponents, even with running back Larry Johnson in the lineup. The explosiveness just isn’t there anymore.
It appears Damon Huard has won the starting QB job, but for how long? He was far from impressive during the preseason, and the team envisions Brodie Croyle as the future starter. Former Dolphin Damion McIntosh was brought in to help re-solidify the offensive line, and will protect Huard’s blind side from the critical left tackle position.
Defensively, the Chiefs appear to be on the upswing, but they won’t be confused with the 2000 Ravens just yet. Donnie Edwards, who was released by the Chargers, will start at outside linebacker, and former Viking and Raider Napoleon Harris is penciled in in the middle. The team also added a little new meat to the middle of their defensive line with the pickup of journeyman tackle Alphonso Boone and rookie Turk McBride (2nd round).
NFL Draft Picks
1st Round - Dwayne Bowe, WR LSU
2nd Round - Turk McBride, DT Tennessee
3rd Round - Tank Tyler, DT North Carolina State
5th Round - Kolby Smith, RB Louisville
5th Round - Justin Medlock, K UCLA
6th Round - Herbert Taylor, OT TCU
7th Round - Michael Allen, TE Whitworth
Who's Gone?
The most noticeable and notable absence from this year’s lineup is that of quarterback Trent Green, who was dealt to the Miami Dolphins. Future hall of famer and 12-time Pro Bowler Will Shields decided to retire following the 2006 season, leaving a gaping hole to fill on the offensive line as well. The offense also lost a pair of mediocre tackles in Jordan Black and Kyle Turley.
Defensively, the team finally cut ties with first-round bust Ryan Sims, and released veteran safety Sammy Knight. Kawika Michell was an unrestricted free agent, and chose to sign with the Giants.
Special teams lost a sparkplug when return specialist Dante Hall was traded to the Rams.
What Needs to Change?
Someone needs to take charge at the quarterback position. Huard is the more experienced of the two QBs, and is more likely to be able to handle the pressure. But I get the sense that he’s just not the right guy to handle the job, and Croyle just isn’t ready to step in.
Under Pressure to Perform
Damon Huard - Croyle, although less impressive in the preseason than Huard, is just waiting in the wings for his chance to steal the starting job from Huard should he falter. If Huard doesn’t get off to a good start, he could get a quick hook from head coach Herm Edwards. The problem is, Croyle probably won’t perform any better.
Larry Johnson - Now that Johnson has the big deal he fought for during the offseason, he’ll be under pressure to continue producing at the same level behind a line that seems to get weaker every year. There’s also the factor of the wear and tear his body went through while carrying the ball 416 times last year.
2006 Rankings
Overall Offense - 16th (321.4)
Rushing Offense - 9th (133.9)
Passing Offense - 22nd (187.5)
Overall Defense - 16th (328.9)
Rushing Defense - 18th (120.5)
Passing Defense - 18th (208.4)
Prediction - The Chiefs are a team that looks very average on both sides of the ball, and Huard just isn’t a difference-maker at the quarterback position. Unless the defense comes on really strong this year, I think the Chiefs are looking at a final record below .500.
Record:7-9 and last in the AFC West