Offseason Preview: Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs' Offseason "To Do" List

The Todd Haley era is over in Kansas City.  Romeo Crennel is now the permanent head coach after turning the Chiefs' season around as the interim coach.  The Chiefs' season got off to a rocky start.  They lost arguably the best two players on their football team:  Running back Jamaal Charles and safey Eric Berry.  The team also lost starting quarterback Matt Cassel during the season.  When Tyler Thigpen couldn't get the job done, Kyle Orton was able to achieve small success after being released by Denver mid-season. 

Romeo Crennel has said Kyle Orton "will have a shot" at becoming the Chiefs' starting QB for the 2012 season.  That is particularly interesting because Orton is a free agent.  I assume a possible training camp battle between Orton and Cassel could be on the Kansas City horizon.  This battle is huge because with a healthy Jamaal Charles, the offense looks to be ready for take off.  Wide receivers Dwayne Bowe, Jon Baldwin and Steve Breaston make a solid group.  The offensive line is still a work in progress but is formidable.

The defense, which is home to a ball-hawking secondary, improved each game.  The run defense improved.  The secondary is smothering.  Tamba Hali heads a pass rush that can get home with a blitz.  Kansas City has a chance to really be something, but first they must retain key free agents.   With the AFC West looking to be up for grabs once again, here's what the Chiefs need "to do":

Re-sign Dwayne Bowe: A physical #1 receiver.  He seems to get off to slow starts yearly.  Could be more of a QB problem, than one of Bowe's on doing.  Either way, he's shown the ability to beat single coverage repeatedly.

Go With Orton: Orton isn't an "elite" quarterback.  But he's better and cheaper than Cassel.  GM Scott Pioli was too into the idea of creating the "Patriots-West."  Cassel was not worth the big money deal.  He lacks the leadership abilites, and does not have a big arm.  Orton gained the respect of the team with late seasons wins.  He should be the man going forward, if they can come to a contract agreement.

Find a Pass Rusher: Tamba Hali is excellent.  It takes two in this league if you want to really  harass an opposing QB.  The Chiefs have used man-blitzes to get to the QB because they are able to rely on strong play from their cornerbacks.  It's just too obvious.  They need more dynamics from their defensive front. Start with another Rush LB.

Re-sign Brandon Carr: Kansas City quietly has one of (maybe THE) best cornerback groups in the NFL.  Brandon Carr is a starter along with Brandon Flowers. Javier Arenas is the nickel back.  They were able to shut down Green Bay's top flight receiving corps which enabled KC to give Green Bay their first loss in fifty two weeks.  Carr is too valuable to let go.

Address Running Back: They have their starter: Jamaal Charles.  His primary backups (Thomas Jones and Jackie Battle) are both free agents.  They brought in RB/FB Le'Ron McClain on a one-year deal last year.  They will need to re-sign some players or find a veteran through free agency.  The draft is also an option, but they will need two backs.

Kansas City is a fiery team looking to turn the corner.  In the AFC West division, you don't have to turn the corner to make the playoffs.  However, their looking for playoff success.  They need a defense that can stop the run and get after the quarterback.  Offensively, they are looking for solid quarterback play.   The Chiefs will be much improved.  The West could go through Arrowhead!