The Kansas City Chiefs hope to bounce back from the embarrassing 28 point lead giveaway which resulted in a loss to the Indianapolis Colts in last years wild card playoff lost. The Chiefs started off last season 9-0 before finishing 11-5 despite some people calling their schedule soft. The Chiefs finished second in the division including two loses to the Broncos. Alex Smith is the returning QB even though some people don't have the confidence he can lead this team to the next step. He had one of his best seasons a pro, throwing for over 3,300 yards with 23 TDs and 7 INTs. The first 5 games will really test Smith's ability as an NFL QB as he has to travel to Denver, then New England, and at San Francisco. Jamal Charles had a solid year last year but will need to contribute more to help lead the Chiefs to a division title. He rushed for over 1,200 yards with 12 TDs. While Charles isn’t one of the league’s biggest backs, he is one of the fastest and most explosive players in the game. He is a threat to make a big play any time he touches the ball. Chiefs Receiving Core The Chiefs hope to get more production from their wide receiver unit. Dwayne Bowe had the most receptions among wide receivers last season with 57. Next was Donnie Avery with 40 catches. At the tight end position, injuries just about wiped out this group in 2013. Anthony Fasano, the top tight end, missed seven games. When healthy, Fasano is a reliable receiver who can also block. 2014 Kansas City Top Draft Picks RD 1. OLB Dee Ford Dee played DE in Auburn's 4-3 defense but will make the move to OLB in the Chiefs defense. Right now the Chiefs have Justin Houston and Hali manning the OLB spots but could play some in the nickel defense. RD 2. No Pick RD 3. CB Phillip Gaines Phillip is a big corner, measuring in at 6'0. He isn't expected to play much right away with Marcus Cooper and Sean Smith manning the CB spots. Could turn out to be a solid pick for the Chiefs in the future. 2014 Chiefs Schedule Key Games: NE, @ SF, SEA, @ ARZ, @ PIT, and all divisional games This 2014 schedule is a bit more challenging for the Chiefs considering 3 of the first 6 teams were in the playoffs from the previous year. Also the Chiefs road opponents were a combined 40-24 at home last year.Then with the defending SB champions coming into town and with a match up in Arizona , nothing is given. Then the obvious AFC West division games, which bolstered 3 playoff teams, this could be a long season for the Chiefs or a really good one if the turnovers can again pile up for that tough Chief defense. But the real question remains....Can Alex Smith take that next step as a QB? Overall the Chiefs defense will be solid with key players returning and the addition of some new ones, but will need to improve in total defense. Can they really depend on the turnovers to pile up again? Offensively the Chiefs have Jamal Charles, who is expected to carry the work load on offense. With WRs Dwayne Bowe and Donnie Avery catching passes, can they open up this offense enough with Smith throwing them passes and contend to win the AFC West? Can Alex Smith become more than just a game manager? Projected Record: 9-7
Thanks, wasn't quite sure where to put it, but now I know. Thanks, should be a good match up come week 9. Best of luck to you as well.
Nice writeup, David. Lookingforward to our match-up in week 11. Oh, and don't listen to Curtis. He's just blowing smoke.
