|
|
 |
|
|
Tuesday, May 14
Can the Chiefs be this year's rags-to-riches team?
Yes, because this team isn't rags. Dick Vermeil teams usually make a run in his third season. It happened in Philadelphia and St. Louis, and the Chiefs
should be able to push that timetable up one year. Despite problems at receiver and defensive tackle, the Chiefs finished last season strong. Quarterback Trent Green WILL be better because he has had time in the offseason to work with receivers Johnnie Morton, Eddie Kennison, Sylvester
Morris and Snoop Minnis. The defense will improve with the additions of tackles Ryan Sims and
Eddie Freeman. They will drive guards crazy as they alternate on a line that
is decent at defensive end.
Sure, the team has holes, including the fact the linebackers aren't too fast. William Bartee has to have a big year as the
starting cornerback. But Vermeil knows how to get teams to win, and the Chiefs
will start to respond this season.
|
|
|
For the past four seasons, the playoffs have gone on without the Kansas City Chiefs -- a one-time regular postseason participant. Second-year coach Dick Vermeil, who did not reach the playoffs until his third season in his previous NFL stints with the Philadelphia Eagles and St. Louis Rams, will try to change a couple of trends this season.
Offensively, the Chiefs anticipate that the addition of Johnnie Morton (Detroit) and return of Sylvester Morris will add substance to their gaudy stats. Kansas City was third in total offensive yards per game (354.6) among AFC teams, but it averaged only 20 points a contest last year -- ninth in the conference. A healthy Willie Roaf (New Orleans) and the re-signing of Marcus Spears could make a difference in Trent Green having more time to find the many targets featured on offense.
On the other side of the ball, the Chiefs could use help at every unit trying to cut down on points allowed (21.5 avg., 13th in AFC). Aside from the draft and re-signing tackle Derrick Ransom, Kansas City did not make the defensive line a major priority. The team heavily addressed the linebacking corps, but primarily through re-signings (Glenn Cadrez, Marvcus Patton and Mike Maslowski). However, the loss of Donnie Edwards will be a blow. Edwards recorded more than 100 tackles each of the past four seasons.
The biggest area of concern is the secondary, where Kansas City might be hard-pressed to hang with a division full of Pro Bowl-caliber receivers. The Chiefs were ninth in passing yards allowed per game (197.8) but recorded only 13 interceptions. Eric Warfield, who returned a pick 51 yards for a touchdown on the team's first defensive possession last year, led the way with four interceptions. However, the Chiefs did not acquire a veteran defensive back in the offseason.
| |
CHIEFS AT A GLANCE
|
| | 
| Tony Gonzalez had 6 TDs
last season. |
|
2001 record: 6-10
Team rank (NFL): Defense (23rd); Offense (5th)
Chiefs team news
|
The Chiefs need to resolve this contract squabble with tight end Tony Gonzalez. Not only is Gonzalez arguably the game's best tight end and the focal point of Kansas City's offense, but he's also a draw. The last thing a franchise struggling to regain its form as a contender needs is friction in the clubhouse and fans choosing sides in a public squabble. In an extreme scenario where Gonzalez holds out, the Chiefs' season could end before it starts.
For a complete list of all the players Kansas City has signed and lost so far this offseason, click here.
How they drafted
The Chiefs, ranked 13th in the AFC in yards allowed (331.5) per game last year, sought improvement by taking defensive tackles (Ryan Sims and Eddie Freeman) with their first two picks. The rookies, who seemingly have a chance to move past Ransom and Eric Downing, could provide a much needed inside push for a unit that recorded just 31 sacks last season. With Priest Holmes having established himself as a lead back, the Chiefs were in need of a solid backfield blocker -- a job that could be won by fourth-round pick Omar Easy. In the fifth and seventh rounds, Kansas City selected Maurice Rodriguez and Scott Fujita. Given the departure of Edwards, the Chiefs are probably counting on some playing time from one of these two picks.
|
Fantasy Focus
|
|
Tony Gonzalez is demanding that he be paid as a wideout and not as a lower-paid tight end. In fantasy terms, Gonzo's stats make him the top tight end and one of the NFL's top 31 receivers. He gained 917 yards and scored six TDs last season, scoring 123 FFL points and putting him on par with rookie WR Chris Chambers. In fact, only 28 WRs scored more fantasy points than him last season and he outproduced Eric Moulds. He was the Chiefs' top receiver and could be once again. Newly signed Johnnie Morton will be Trent Green's first option at wideout, and he and Gonzo will vie for leading receiver honors. For more fantasy football news, click here.
-- Roger Rotter, Fantasy editor
|
For a complete list of Kansas City's draft picks, click here.
Unfinished business
Settle things with Gonzalez. There are perhaps just a dozen tight ends in league history who changed the complexion of their team's offense depending on if they were in or out of the lineup. Gonzalez fits the bill. Another area of intrigue is special teams. The Chiefs were middle of the road in kick return yards (21.2 avg.) but dead last for punt returns (7.4). Also, Kansas City did not have a single touchdown from its return units last season.
Outlook for 2002
Vermeil acknowledged late last season that a turnaround in Kansas City was a much more daunting task than he had realized. His squad might be able to score more points than it did a year ago, but there's no reason to believe the defense will make considerable improvements. If that's the case, how long will it take before Vermeil is constantly asked about his third retirement from the league?
James C. Black is the NFL team pages editor for ESPN.com.
| |
|
