KC Chiefs Football

The Chiefs had plenty of salary cap space available to go after a few big name free agents this past off-season, but chose to go young and stick to the rebuilding plan. The Chiefs also traded their best defensive player, Jared Allen, for drafts hoping to speed the rebuilding of the team a little.

During this rebuilding process most people would agree that the Chiefs will get at least three starters from the 2008 NFL draft, including first-rounders Glenn Dorsey and Branden Albert along with second round pick Brandon Flowers. I also think that we will see at least one more starter emerge from the rest of the draft picks. My candidates are DaJuan Morgan, Will Franklin and Barry Richarson. Also watch for Brandon Carr to get significant playing time, possibly taking over for Surtain by the end of the year, (either that or Carr will push him to play better) and watch out for DE Brian Johnston, he could be a sleeper.

Now, let’s take a brief look at each side of the Ball:

Offense

Chan Gailey is the Chiefs new offensive coordinator and it seems like he is going to build a system around the power running of Larry Johnson, throwing downfield at times and mixing in some play-action passing. Just throw it up there and Da Bowe Show will go get it.
It’s been said that Gailey’s system is a fairly easy one to learn (relatively speaking), which bodes well for the youth.. Also, Croyle, it’s time to step up and win some games this year. You are our leader so lead us to victory.

Defense

The Chiefs look to stick with the cover 2, but with Gunther Cunningham still running the show I’m sure he plans on mixing in some blitzing fairly frequently in an attempt to disrupt the QB. Also, Gunther will be working directly with the linebackers this year (as I believe he did when DT was here) so hopefully we will get more production from that group and possibly a break-out/pro-bowl year from #56 Derrick Johnson.

Breakout candidates

DE Tamba Hali and LB Derrick Johnson.
Last year Tamba played a lot of the year hurt and still had a decent season. This year Tamba will take the right end spot left vacant via the Jared Allen trade so he can feast from the blind side of the QB. Even though he will be lining up across from the left tackle spot Tamba has a motor that never stops and shouldn’t have to deal with a TE as much he did from the left end spot.
Doesn’t it just seem like it’s time for Derrick Johnson to have a Pro-Bowl year? I think so, and now getting Gunther in his ear all year should give DJ every chance to become what we all believe he can be… a Game-Changer.

Bottom Line

Our Chiefs were 4-12 last year, traded away their best player, will probably be starting more first or second year players than any other team in the league, and all of this while learning a new offensive scheme. This most likely means that we won’t be competing for the Super Bowl this year, but I do believe we will see an improvement over last year.

Go Chiefs!