1-Interior Run Game
The Chiefs have only one blocker in Asomoah that can consistently get a push. Casey and Lilja are not plus blockers in the run game, and Chiefs need to focus on improving here. Hudson was drafted so I expect him to be a starter at C. Lilja on the other hand has no competition on the roster outside of Daryll Harris. Chiefs must not only upgrade this position, but hit a homerun with potential UFA Carl Nicks, or Ben Grubbs.
2-Running game type of coordinator
Without question the Kansas City Chiefs defense is the greatest strength. The Chiefs should build a team around that. History shows that a great defense can be greater or equal to a great QB. But the Chiefs offense must not only compliment the defense, but aide the defense. That means getting better with T.O.P., 3rd downs, and field position.
Cassel is the Chiefs QB for the near future. We don't need a game plan that ask him to do more. We need a game plan that ask him to do less. If we improve our interior line the Chiefs will have an option on offense that we haven't had in a few years. Being able to run up the middle in goal line situations, and using the interior run game to convert 3rd downs.
Another passing game type of coordinator will only continue to try to fix a problem that has no solution in Cassel. Cassel can have success but we know he doesn't have the ability to score as the focal point of an NFL offense. If Cassel is the guy in Kansas City then our passing game should compliment the run and not visa versa.
Which is why I think the key to the entire team is to improve with the running game.
3-Resign Carr and Bowe
This team isn't in a position cap wise nor talent wise to allow these guys to walk. Bowe gives us the type of player our QB needs. He has great range, when focused some of the best hands. Also any receiver playing with Cassel has to run after the catch. What Bowe is doing is different than other WR. Statistically Cassel has among the lowest averages in football in yards per attempt and completion. Bowe has been the reason Cassel isn't dead last in most statistical categories.
Carr has emerged. The controversy with Carr is how did we get to this point. If I am going to put Pioli's feet to the fire then I would have to do that with most. I know I wasn't prepared to see Carr be paid like a top corner going into the 10' season. I was hesitant that he was worth it going into the 11' season. Similar to Bowe, I wanted to see Carr put a complete season together before paying him. He produced and now it's time to pay the piper, think both deals get done.
4-Coverage ILB and S
If this defense has one achilles heel it is our coverage of tight ends and running backs. The priority has always been the pass rush for years in KC. It appears that the Chiefs are well on their way to having a unit that can rush the passer from multiple positions. We have seen tight ends and running backs beat us when matched up one on one. Upgrading the linebacker spot next to DJ with a player with range vs. run and pass will be difficult given that it isn't a top priority. Having a big nickel or an inside backer opposite of DJ will give this team another dynamic in terms of what they are able to do.
5-NT
The Chiefs have trotted out Ron Edwards and Kelly Gregg at the NT position. I am not ready to invest a #1 pick into one, but I am ready to throw some youth at that position for development. Similar with Houston of last year, Chiefs need to keep their options open to anyone who can play the NT in the upcoming draft and pull the trigger at any moment there is value. An upgrade will certainly give the Chiefs more ability to defend the run, something they are solid at even with Gregg.
Players Chiefs should target in UFA.
OG-Carl Nicks or Ben Grubbs. Both players will become UFA on teams near the cap. Both will command top dollar but both are young and among the elite run blocking guards in the NFL. With the interior running game being my top priority either of these players will be critical in going in that direction.
Draft Needs
1-Ability to release 5 passing options if needed.
This would mean the Chiefs have to address the RT position. Barry Richardson should remain a Chief but shouldn't remain the starter. The Chiefs need the ability to consistently drop to a 7 step. With Bowe and Baldwin both have range and both can make plays down the field, and need a RT that can afford them the time to get deep. Also the Chiefs best 3 receivers can't consistently be on the field at the same time given the Chiefs pass blocking liabilities. Chiefs must find a RT that they can isolate and give the Chiefs the option of putting Moeaki, Breaston, Bowe, Charles and Baldwin on the field at one time if needed.
2-Ability to command a double team at NT
This may not be a need if Chiefs are sold on the development of Gordon and Powe. Both have tools with Gordon being more powerful, and Powe even at his size being a better athlete. Combined they are elite but both are lacking in one department to be the answer. Dorsey doesn't give up ground, while Jackson has held up against the run and has shown flashes that he can eventually become a 6-8 sack type of 3-4 end. But the Chiefs need to be able to attract a double in the middle of the field to free up more line backers to make plays. Simple math, if the offense needs to use two blockers on the nose then that gives them less blockers and playmakers elsewhere.
3-Improve man coverage in back middle 4
Chiefs have to get better at the SS, FS, ILB positions in regards to man. The Chiefs have been beat over the last 3 years because of their inability to match up with the oppositions running backs and tight ends. Belcher like Richardson should be the backup, and the Chiefs have to improve the ability to cover at that spot. Hali and Houston are going to be on the field, and both are tremendous pass rushers. Chiefs must limit the times that both are in man situations, and snatching a coverage linebacker would go a long way of making sure the Chiefs don't have to put Houston and Hali in pass coverage situations.
Also depth at safety is a priority. Too often the Chiefs had to go to nickel and at times that put McGraw and Piscatelli on the field at the same time. Berry returns next season, and he will help with coverage on tight ends. The depth is the concern and in big nickel packages we still are in a position where we have to play a guy with no coverage ability. Safeties tend to be cheap, and an upgrade can be had in the mid rounds.
4-Improve the tight end
The Chiefs have Moeaki but I can't be certain how often Moeaki will be on the field. The Chiefs should not be focused on drafting a back TE, rather a starter. Traditionally 3rd and 4th round tight ends have made a significant impact in the NFL. This is the area the Chiefs should target one.
5-Draft a QB until we have one
I'm ok with Orton or Cassel heading into the year. But the Chiefs can't be content that either, even Stanzi is the QB of the future. I'm not sold on trading up for RG3, but the Chiefs should put a QB on the board and no matter the round if a QB is the best player available then pull the trigger.
4-Coverage ILB and S
If this defense has one achilles heel it is our coverage of tight ends and running backs. The priority has always been the pass rush for years in KC. It appears that the Chiefs are well on their way to having a unit that can rush the passer from multiple positions. We have seen tight ends and running backs beat us when matched up one on one. Upgrading the linebacker spot next to DJ with a player with range vs. run and pass will be difficult given that it isn't a top priority. Having a big nickel or an inside backer opposite of DJ will give this team another dynamic in terms of what they are able to do.
5-NT
The Chiefs have trotted out Ron Edwards and Kelly Gregg at the NT position. I am not ready to invest a #1 pick into one, but I am ready to throw some youth at that position for development. Similar with Houston of last year, Chiefs need to keep their options open to anyone who can play the NT in the upcoming draft and pull the trigger at any moment there is value. An upgrade will certainly give the Chiefs more ability to defend the run, something they are solid at even with Gregg.
Players Chiefs should target in UFA.
OG-Carl Nicks or Ben Grubbs. Both players will become UFA on teams near the cap. Both will command top dollar but both are young and among the elite run blocking guards in the NFL. With the interior running game being my top priority either of these players will be critical in going in that direction.
Draft Needs
1-Ability to release 5 passing options if needed.
This would mean the Chiefs have to address the RT position. Barry Richardson should remain a Chief but shouldn't remain the starter. The Chiefs need the ability to consistently drop to a 7 step. With Bowe and Baldwin both have range and both can make plays down the field, and need a RT that can afford them the time to get deep. Also the Chiefs best 3 receivers can't consistently be on the field at the same time given the Chiefs pass blocking liabilities. Chiefs must find a RT that they can isolate and give the Chiefs the option of putting Moeaki, Breaston, Bowe, Charles and Baldwin on the field at one time if needed.
2-Ability to command a double team at NT
This may not be a need if Chiefs are sold on the development of Gordon and Powe. Both have tools with Gordon being more powerful, and Powe even at his size being a better athlete. Combined they are elite but both are lacking in one department to be the answer. Dorsey doesn't give up ground, while Jackson has held up against the run and has shown flashes that he can eventually become a 6-8 sack type of 3-4 end. But the Chiefs need to be able to attract a double in the middle of the field to free up more line backers to make plays. Simple math, if the offense needs to use two blockers on the nose then that gives them less blockers and playmakers elsewhere.
3-Improve man coverage in back middle 4
Chiefs have to get better at the SS, FS, ILB positions in regards to man. The Chiefs have been beat over the last 3 years because of their inability to match up with the oppositions running backs and tight ends. Belcher like Richardson should be the backup, and the Chiefs have to improve the ability to cover at that spot. Hali and Houston are going to be on the field, and both are tremendous pass rushers. Chiefs must limit the times that both are in man situations, and snatching a coverage linebacker would go a long way of making sure the Chiefs don't have to put Houston and Hali in pass coverage situations.
Also depth at safety is a priority. Too often the Chiefs had to go to nickel and at times that put McGraw and Piscatelli on the field at the same time. Berry returns next season, and he will help with coverage on tight ends. The depth is the concern and in big nickel packages we still are in a position where we have to play a guy with no coverage ability. Safeties tend to be cheap, and an upgrade can be had in the mid rounds.
4-Improve the tight end
The Chiefs have Moeaki but I can't be certain how often Moeaki will be on the field. The Chiefs should not be focused on drafting a back TE, rather a starter. Traditionally 3rd and 4th round tight ends have made a significant impact in the NFL. This is the area the Chiefs should target one.
5-Draft a QB until we have one
I'm ok with Orton or Cassel heading into the year. But the Chiefs can't be content that either, even Stanzi is the QB of the future. I'm not sold on trading up for RG3, but the Chiefs should put a QB on the board and no matter the round if a QB is the best player available then pull the trigger.
