Blog
Season in Review: Kansas City Chiefs
Posted by tomvanwyheDisappointment. Disaster. Frustration. Inconsistency. All adjectives which could describe the Kansas City Chiefs this season. Though Herm Edwards’ team wasn’t expected to win the AFC West, two wins was hardly the season any fans were looking for. Larry Johnson is rumored to want out, insiders share conflicting anecdotes concerning Edwards’ future, and the defense was atrocious.
But for all the team’s shortcomings there was a hint of hope. While Kansas City didn’t have a great offense, it was hardly the worst in the NFL. One, it didn’t turn the ball over often, ranking 13th in the league in offensive turnovers and 10th in turnover differential with a +5. How rare is that? Kansas City was one of only three teams with a positive turnover differential and losing record, alongside Cleveland (4-12) and Oakland (5-11).
Two, the team’s running game wasn’t all that bad. Its only weakness was inside the red zone, where the team couldn’t get enough traction to score touchdowns. Consider: While Larry Johnson didn’t crack 900 rushing yards and the team ranked just 16th in rushing yards, which itself is respectable, Kansas City ranked 4th in yards per carry. Perhaps if Kansas City wasn’t constantly trailing, it wouldn’t have finished the 29th ranked rushing offense in terms of rushing attempts per game.
Three, when Kansas City did throw the ball it was relatively effective. Shuffling between three quarterbacks to begin the season, Kansas City did settle on Tyler Thigpen and, to Herm Edwards’ credit, he did pan out. Is he a franchise quarterback? That’s a complicated issue, but at least he’s a young, temporary solution with long-term potential.
Okay, so that was the good news: the Chiefs’ offense was alright this season, at least on the surface. But for all those good points, the team did still finish with fourteen losses, and it was for a couple reasons: defense and third downs. The defense ranked near dead last in nearly every significant category, including points allowed. Worse yet, opposing offenses punted less on less than 28 percent of drives, which was just good enough to place the defense 32nd that category. Kansas City couldn’t stop the run or pass. If Herm Edwards isn’t fired he needs to restructure the defense, beginning with the coaching staff. The defensive line and linebackers could use some serious help, as well. Allowing 5.0 yards per carry is unacceptable.
As for the third downs issue, Kansas City couldn’t convert enough, finishing 21st in the league. And thanks to its poor defense, the Chiefs also started drives, on average, at the 27.82 yard line. Starting in poor position and failing to convert third downs meant good field position for opponents which faced a weak defense.
The Chiefs did show some promise, despite a two win season; it just takes a little digging to find it. Does this mean Edwards shouldn’t be fired? Well … not necessarily. The defense needs a lot of help and the offense wasn’t efficient enough to outscore opponents. There is potential here and it will take the right coaching to realize it.
Top Three Needs Going into the Offseason
Wide Receiver - Dwayne Bowe was a brilliant draft pick a couple seasons ago and he’s producing like a solid number one receiver, but the offense had just two players with more than 30 receptions last season (Bowe and Tony Gonzalez). Furthermore, the team has no veteran leadership at wide receiver.
Defensive Line - Allowing five yards per carry and 25 rushing touchdowns is pathetic. But here’s where it gets really bad: the Chiefs sacked opposing quarterbacks 10 times last season. That’s about 1/6th the number of sacks of the top-ranked Cowboys and seven fewer than the 31st ranked defense. Please, Kansas City, invest in an elite defensive end.
Running Back - If Larry Johnson leaves, the team is going to need someone to help fill his shoes because no one knows if Kolby Smith is ready to start. It would be nice to have a good veteran to split carries, in any event. If he stays, he’ll be unhappy and he’s prone to injuries, so depth is still necessary.
Tags: 2009 NFL Draft, Free Agency, Kansas City Chiefs, Offseason, Regular Season, Review, Team Needs
