With Andy Reid leading, can the Chiefs go from worst to playoff bound?
The Kansas City Chiefs had a disaster of a season in 2012. They ended up with the worst record in the NFL and the 1st overall pick in the 2013 draft. Gone is Romeo Crennel and in is Andy Reid and the West Coast offense. Will this lead to a change in the standings for the Chiefs?
It would be very difficult to repeat the level of ineptitude the Chiefs played at in 2012. If you’re a Chiefs fan, and I know a few, you have to be confident that the Chiefs will play much better this season and in turn be much improved in the standings. The Chiefs biggest issue in 2012 was its inability to move the ball through the air. They ranked dead last in the league with an average of 169.6 yards per game. This is going to change in a big way with the additions of Andy Reid and former San Francisco 49er’s quarterback Alex Smith. Now, don’t get me wrong, Alex Smith by himself isn’t enough to completely change things for the Chiefs, but I do think Smith combined with Reid should create a few more yards through the air for the Chiefs and in turn a few more wins.
Mar 13, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs general manager John Dorsey (right), quarterback Alex Smith (center), and head coach Andy Reid pose for photos during the press conference at The University of Kansas Hospital Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
The offense already had a couple of pro bowl caliber skill position players in Jamaal Charles and Dwayne Bowe. Charles racked up 1509 yards at a 5.3 average per carry last year and should have every opportunity to meet that number again this year. He should see his receptions and receiving yards go up this season. Andy Reid loves to use his running backs in the passing game and he has to be drooling at the idea of using Charles on screen plays like he used the shifty Brian Westbrook and Lesean Mccoy with the Philadelphia Eagles. In 2010 Charles posted a career high of 45 receptions, he should eclipse that this season. When you consider the lack of passing game in Kansas City last season it makes Charles’ season even more impressive. With a passing threat he could do scary things this season.
December 30, 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) runs with the ball during the first half against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Dwayne Bowe could see his numbers rise drastically. I expect him to put up career high numbers in this offense and so does he. He should be helped by the additions of wide receiver Donnie Avery and tight end Anthony Fasano. Bowe is a freak athlete who I think hasn’t reached his ceiling yet. Both Charles and Bowe should benefit from the Chiefs selection of Eric Fisher and the return of Branden Albert. The Chiefs could go from last in the league in passing to top 10.
Oct 7, 2012; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe (82) catches a pass against Baltimore Ravens safety Bernard Pollard (31) in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Baltimore won the game 9-6. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
I think the Chiefs are ALMOST perfectly built to beat the defending AFC West Champion Denver Broncos. They have a very good secondary that now features Sean Smith across from Brandon Flowers and also added veteran DB Dunta Robinson. Eric Berry continues to impose his will from the strong safety position and is one of the bright young stars in the NFL. The Chiefs were already strong against the pass only giving up 220 yards a game. With the additions of Smith and Robinson they could improve on those already solid numbers. In the pass happy NFL you need all the good corners you can get and the Chiefs have a solid group. I think the strength in the secondary is why they will be a difficult matchup for the Broncos.
How much will they improve in 2013? I think they are capable of winning 10 games in 2013 which will have them right in the middle of the wild card race but 2nd in the AFC West behind the Denver Broncos. The Chiefs had one of the best off-season’s in the NFL, can they follow the 2012 Indianapolis Colts and go from having the worst record in the NFL to making the playoffs?