Playoffs Preview: Kansas City Chiefs

Offensive MVPs: QB Matt Cassel, RB Jamaal Charles, WR Dwayne Bowe

Leaving anyone of these players out would just be unfair. All of them have had terrific years and the Chiefs would have a losing record if they were without anyone of them. Cassel may have had the best turn around of any quarterback in the NFL this year. He has 27 TD and 7 interceptions this year, up from 16 TD and 16 Interceptions (and 14 fumbles) from last year. Charles averaged 6.4 YPC and is a constant home-run threat. After having a bad game against the Colts Bowe went on an absolute tear racking up 13 touchdowns in six games.

Defensive MVP: DE Tamba Hali

Hali has been absolutely dominating this year. Hali seems to be in the backfield on every play and has racked up 14.5 sacks and countless QB hurries. The 6'3" 275 lbs converted linebacker hhas helped the Chiefs young defense really improve this year and become a very scary opponent come playoff time.

Best Win: Week 1 - Against San Diego on MNF

A game no one thought the Chiefs were going to be able to pull out. Most had predicted a blowout, but it ended up being a signature win for the Chiefs. This game had a little bit of everything, great special teams, big runs, and a big goal line stand to win the game. It showed that the Chiefs defense and running attack were for real and that they can stick with playoff caliber teams like the Chargers.

Rookie Grade: A+

The Chiefs rookies this year have been simply outstanding. S Eric Berry is the real deal, he has been Ed Reed like at times leading the team with 4 interceptions (1 for a score), and racking up 92 tackles 2 sacks and a forced fumble. He has started many games beside fellow rookie and 5th round pick Kendrick Lewis is second on the team with 3 interceptions. RB/WR Dexter McCluster and CB Javier Areanas have both contributed in the return game and played well when given the opportunity. The Late 3rd round pick TE Tony Moeaki may be their biggest find, he is second on the team with 47 receptions, 556 yards and 3 touchdowns.

How Can They Make It To The Super Bowl: Strong Running Game & Defense

Its hard to beat a team that controls the clock on offense and stops you on defense, when the Chiefs are playing well, that is exactly what they do. With how stacked the playoffs look to be this year, no one is giving the Chiefs any chance. Which is good news for them, because no one gave the 2009 Cardinals, or 2001 Patriots any chance and those team feature all current Chiefs coaches: Head Coach Todd Haley (Chiefs 2009 OC), OC Charlie Weis (Patriots 2001 OC), and DC Romeo Crennel (Patriots 2001 DC). If your looking for a team to pull off some playoff upsets, look no further than the Chiefs.

Week 5 Thoughts

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs are sitting at 3-1 after their first loss of the season to the Indianapolis Colts. I was really interested in this game because I wanted to see if the Chiefs were for real. To be honest I was expecting the Colts and Peyton Manning to come out and dominate on their home turf. The Chiefs made Peyton Manning, who had been absolutely dominate in his first four games, look very uncomfortable. The Chiefs defense showed me a lot in this game, its been a long time since any team has got in Manning's face and made him that frustrated. What was most impressive was their ability to bend but not break. The Colts drove down the field a couple of times only to be stopped by the Chiefs and forced to kick field goals. Had WR Dwayne Bowe caught Matt Cassel's deep pass in the end zone this game would have been completely different.

RB Arian Foster

Foster came out and dominated the first four weeks. Last week, however, he had 25 yards on 11 carries. The defensive line of the Giants had a field day and really created a lot of problems for the Texans. Foster faces the Chiefs next week I think he may have some trouble against the Chiefs, but overall will be very good the rest of the year.

NFC West

I said before the season I thought the biggest question mark in the NFC, was who would win the division. After 5 weeks I am still not convinced who will take this division. I still believe that the 49ers have the most talented team in the division, yet somehow they sit at 0-5. The team that lost the most key players out of any team in the NFL , the Arizona Cardinals, are leading the division at 3-2. The NFC West has been so bad that that all four teams in the division have been outscored by their opponents .

Green Bay Packers

You have to feel bad for the Packers, just look at this injury report: http://www.packers.com/team/injury-report.html , oh and they have a slew of players on the IR including CB Al Harris, S Atari Bigby, RB Ryan Grant.

There is some good news for Packers fans, Brett Favre and all of his controversy will be playing in Lambeau in two weeks, hopefully QB Aaron Rodgers will be back in time. Or Maybe they will start my boy Graham Harrell who is on the practice squad:

Kansas City Chiefs Preview and Predictions

Last Years Record: 4-12

Wins: Redskins, Raiders, Ravens, Broncos

Losses: Ravens, Raiders, Eagles, Giants, Cowboys, Chargers (2x), Broncos, Bills, Browns Bengals

Biggest Playmaker: Jamaal Charles

RB, Texas, Drafted #73 , 3^rd year

Charles had a great second half of the year in 2009. Statistically, only RB Chris Johnson put up better numbers. He ended up with an amazing 5.9 yards per carry along with 7 TDs and 40 receptions. With Charlie Weis as the new offensive coordinator, those numbers should only increase this year.

Impact Player: Dwayne Bowe

WR, LSU, Drafted #23, 4^th year

Bowe has the potential and talent to be a pro-bowler, he proved that in his first two season where he accumulated 156 receptions and 2,017 yards receiving. Last year Bowe was suspended for 4 games for violating the leagues substance abuse policy and was in Coach Haley’s dog house for most of the season. Chiefs fans are hoping they will see the old Bowe this season.

Biggest Offseason Addition: Thomas Jones

RB, Virginia, Drafted #7, 11^th year

I believed that Thomas Jones was one of the biggest free agent players on the market. Yet many teams passed on him because of his age (32 years old). Keep in mind that for the first 4 years of Jones’ career he never had over 150 carries. In his last 5 years he has been a workhorse for the Bears and Jets. He has had over 1000 yards rushing in the last 5 years and his most recent 2 years were the best of his career. So to me it does not make sense that Jones did not garner more interest. He should be a big addition to the Chiefs and should create a very good two back system.

Biggest Offseason Loss: Mike Brown

SS, Nebraska, Drafted #39 , 10^th year

The Chiefs had low expectations for Brown last year, a guy that has talent but was often injured. Brown ended up starting all 16 games, having the second most tackles on the team with 103, and racking up 3 interceptions and 2 sacks. The Chiefs will be replacing Brown with a very talented rookie in Eric Berry, but his presence will still be missed.

Biggest Draft Steal: Javier Arenas

CB, Alabama, Drafted #50, Rookie

Arenas was part of Alabama’s stingy national champion defense. Arenas is only 5’9”, but makes up for his lack of height with great athleticism and instincts. He is also a dynamic punt returner, who broke many college records. Arenas should find his a way onto the field for the Chiefs.

Biggest Draft Reach: Dexter McCluster

RB, Ole Miss, Drafted #36 , Rookie

Dexter McCluster reminded me a lot of Kevin Faulk, a little undersized to be a full time running back but perfect for 3^rd down draw plays, catching the ball out of the backfield and occasionally lining up in the slot. The Chiefs reached on him in order to make him their new slot receiver and ended up passing on proven college wide outs Arrelious Benn, Golden Tate, and Damian Williams. I think McCluster could end up being a good player, but I don’t think he was worth the 36^th pick overall and I do not know if the Chiefs are going to be using him in the right way.

Offseason Grade: C

Going into the offseason the biggest need for the Chiefs had to be their offensive line. Having a good offensive line to protect a young QB like Matt Cassel is extremely important to his development and keeping him healthy. Last year they let up 45 sacks and Cassel did not look nearly as comfortable as he did in New England.

X-Factor: Defense playing up to their potential

The Chiefs defense is filled with talent and top picks. They have filled their team will highly touted first rounders: DE Tyson Jackson drafted #3, DE Glen Dorsey drafted #5, S Eric Berry drafted #5, LB Derrick Johnson drafted #15, OLB Tamba Hali drafted #20. All of whom are under the age of 30. If their defense can put it together they could be very scary.

Name You Should Know: Chris Chambers

WR, Wisconsin, Drafted #52, 10^th year

Chambers was once a star in the league for the Dolphins, catching 11 TDs in a season two times. He completely dropped off since 2006 but re-emerged last year playing 9 games for the chiefs and bringing in 45 receptions for an impressive 16.2 yards per reception. I would not be surprised to see Chambers have a break-out year for the Chiefs.

Rising Star: Brandon Flowers

CB, Virgina Tech, Drafted #35, 3rd year

In only his second year Flowers emerged as one of the best players on the Chiefs, picking off 5 balls, forcing 2 fumbles and having a very impressive 23 pass breakups. Flowers should be someone we see playing in pro-bowl games in the coming years.

Offensive Outlook: C+

Charlie Weis and Todd Haley have very impressive track records on the offensive side of the ball so you have to like your chances with them as coaches. I also think that Thomas Jones and Jamaal Charles could be one of the best tandems in the NFL. Unfortunately for the Chiefs there are some big questions marks with the offensive line and QB Matt Cassel.

Defensive Outlook B

There is so much talent on the defensive side of the ball for the Chiefs that this has to be the year that they become a top defense right? We will see what happens.

Special Teams Outlook: A

Adding Javier Arenas and Dexter McCluster can’t hurt in the return game. Ryan Succop had an impressive rookie year and will only get better. Dustin Colquitt is one of the top punters, if not the top punter in the NFL.

Projected 2010 Record: 10-6

The Chiefs are a young team with a lot of potential. They are one of my favorite teams and I think there is no question we will be talking about them in the playoffs very soon. If they can play up to their potential they have the talent to make the playoffs. With Weis helping out Cassel and Jones and Charles in the running game I think their offense will be fine even with a bad offensive line. Their defense should surprise some teams this year. I pick the Chiefs as my surprise team for 2010.

Eric Berry - Richest Safety in NFL History

Chiefs S Eric Berry becomes highest paid safety in NFL History today after signing a 6 year, $60 million contract with $34 million in guarantees.

Rookie Cap!!!!  There must, and I think there will be, a cap on rookie contracts when the next collective bargaining agreement is agreed upon.  The fact that Eric Berry is now guaranteed to make $34 million dollars over the next six years of his life no matter what he does is crazy, especially because HE HASN'T PLAYED A DOWN IN THE NFL!  Not even in a preseason game!  Sure, he had a great career at Tennessee and looks to translate well in the NFL, but come on!

Sorry for the rookie contract rambling tonight...

Eric Berry will be a starter from day 1.  The Chiefs made a great pick selecting Berry who will be an impact player right from the get-go.  He is a very aggressive player who moved up and played more in the box his junior season.  During his first two seasons he amassed 12 interceptions playing free safety, returning 3 for touchdowns.

Prediction:  Chiefs needed to seriously upgrade their defense (29th in scoring defense, 30th in yards allowed in 2009) and did so by adding the best available defensive player.
90 Tackles
3 Interceptions
1.5 Sacks
1 Fumble Forced


And Rodney Harrison said Eric Berry will pass his 30.5 career sacks