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| | Tuesday, August 8 Chiefs: An offseason to forget | |||||||||||||||
| By Mark Cannizzaro Special to ESPN.com Despite compiling a 102-58 record in the 90s, Kansas City hasn't won a playoff game since 1994 and has missed the playoffs two years in a row and three of the last four years. Added to that was a horrible offseason which included the death of Derrick Thomas, Tamarick Vanover pleading guilty to auto theft and being implicated in a federal drug investigation and, finally, being released, and Bam Morris retiring before he was arrested for conspiring to transport more than 200 pounds of marijuana. Second-year coach Gunther Cunningham, who led the Chiefs to a 9-7 record a year ago, has a lot of work to do to keep things positive in 2000.
Though he played all but three snaps in 1999 and won the confidence of his teammates, quarterback Elvis Grbac is still under a microscope. He needs to stay healthy and do it a second year in a row to solidify himself. Key position battle The Chiefs haven't had a 1,000-yard rusher since 1991, though Kansas City rushed the most times (521) of any NFL team last year. Incredibly, seven different players led the team in rushing among last year's 16 games. But the Chiefs need a go-to guy to emerge. The leading candidate is second-year man Mike Cloud, though veteran fullback Kimble Anders, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, looms in his recovery from an Achilles' injury. Biggest adjustment Dealing with life without Derrick Thomas, the team's most recognizable and most popular player for years. On the field, the team signed former Chargers' linebacker Lew Bush, who doesn't have the pass-rushing skills Thomas had, but is a solid player. Off the field and in the locker room, Thomas will be even more difficult to replace. Rookie report Jackson State receiver Sylvester Morris, the team's No. 1 pick, isn't expected to break into the starting lineup, but he should be an immediate contributor as a third wideout.
| ALSO SEE Broncos: Back in the saddle Raiders: Will they be kicking themselves? Chargers: Life of Riley to get better Seahawks: Repeat a tough encore AUDIO/VIDEO   James Hasty has found an outlet for his frustration over the loss of Derrick Thomas.wav: 200 k RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6 | |||||||||||||||
