4-12 in 2009
I thought the Chiefs had a great draft in 2010, where they addressed some major areas of need in taking; Eric Berry, Dexter McCluster, and Javier Arenas, in the first 2 rounds. I think they are getting better but the biggest problem could be at QB, I am not yet sold on Matt Cassel as a starter who can take his team to the playoffs.
On the offensive side of the ball the Chiefs can be in for a year of mediocrity, or explode with some of the players they have. Jamaal Charles came on late last year and showed some speed and strength the Chiefs were lacking last year. The addition of McCluster is interesting because he is listed at WR. This leads me to believe Todd Haley wants to use him as a flex back, moving him around the formations in order for him to have open space to work with. If used effectively Charles and McCluster could become a pretty formidable duo no matter where on the field they line up. Dwayne Bowe needs to show that he can be a top-flight WR similar to that of 2007 and 2008 and that last season was a fluke. Keep an eye on him as this could be where he can make or break the rest of his career. Than there is Matt Cassel. Got a huge payday all on one years work with the Patriots, after Tom Brady went down with a knee injury. He has the size and the arm to be effective in the NFL but he needs to make smarter throws. If Bowe can step up and Charles and McCluster have big years, Cassel could be the reason. He needs to prove that a lifetime backup is worth $10.5 million a year, good luck!
The Chiefs defense saw immediate upgrades when the team drafted Eric Berry and Javier Arenas. Both are great ball players and of any safety in the draft, none have a nose for the football like Berry (14 in 3 years at Tennessee). The rest of the defense could be on the upswing as well, but much of the success this year will hinge on the play of Glen Dorsey and Tyson Jackson. Neither has shown much in their first few years in the league and they must step up their play to make this defense better. As many football fans know, your back 7 or 8 is only as good as your defensive line. The linebackers are good enough with Derrick Johnson manning the middle and the secondary should keep getting better as the year goes on.
The Chiefs schedule is an up and down one. Some tough games (Chargers twice), some toss ups (Raiders and Broncos twice), and some easier games (Bills, Seahawks and Rams). Tough to predict based on some teams improving and others it is tough to tell. The three key players who can turn the tide of the season one way or the other are; Cassel, Dorsey, and Jackson.
-Prediction: 6-10 in 2010 (could get to 7-9 with a win against the Jags in Arrowhead, who will be coming off a Monday night game vs. the Titans)
I have zero confidence in Matt Cassel. I have zero confidence in Dwayne Bowe. I have zero confidence in this team. There's too many question marks all over, and although I have a man-crush on Jamaal Charles, I don't think he's good enough to win 6-games for them with the rest of the team in shambles. Make no mistake, Kansas City is two years away from being a valid team. Expect a re-run of last year, finishing with an identical 4-12 season.
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