Kansas City Chiefs Preview With Arrowhead Addict

Jul 28, 2013; St. Joseph, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Ricky Stanzi (12) drops back to pass during training camp at Missouri Western State University. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

I got together with Patrick Allen from Arrowhead Addict to help preview the season for the Kansas City Chiefs. Here are some of his responses for questions I sent over to him:

Which player(s) on roster need to step up in order for the season to be successful?

Jonathan Baldwin is the first name to pop into my head. The Chiefs will struggle on offense of they don’t have another threat opposite of Dwayne Bowe. Baldwin is a big target with tremendous ability and he could be an excellent secondary target for Alex Smith. Baldwin has been a disappointment the last two years but this year he is out of excuses. He has a serviceable QB, a great coach and plenty of other weapons around him. It is now or never.

What position battle(s) will you be paying attention to during training camp?

The battle for the starting middle linebacker job between Akeem Jordan and rookie Nico Johnson figures to be one of the major story lines of the preseason. I am also interested to see if Tyler Bray can beat our Ricky Stanzi for the #3 QB job.

Which rookie(s) on the team will make an immediate impact?

Obviously, No. 1 overall pick Eric Fisher had better make an impact. If he really was the best player in the draft then he should start contributing at a high level right away.

A less obvious answer is TE Travis Kelce. The Chiefs are deep at TE with Anthony Fasano and the oft injured Tony Moeaki but I think Kelce will be a weapon Andy Reid will use a lot this season. And keep an eye on Knile Davis spelling Jamaal Charles.

Which player(s) on the roster is the most underrated?

Jon Asamoah. The guard out of Illinois has been a solid presence in the middle of the Chiefs’ offensive line and I think this year, with the addition of Fisher, he will finally get a little recognition.

Prediction for the season?

It is hard to make any predictions about this team because Reid has brought in a lot of new players and we just don’t know that much about the team yet. I wish you were asking me this after a couple of preseason games.

Since you aren’t, I will say the Chiefs will finish 8-8 this season. I think they may start out a little hot but will falter some down the stretch. I am basing this off of how absolutely terrible they were in 2012. The team made a lot of mental mistakes and I just can’t say they are a playoff team until they prove to me that they have that corrected on the field.

After a couple of preseason games, I may change my tune. For now, I think calling this a .500 team is fair.