Thursday, July 7, 2011

Ten Reasons the Kansas City Chiefs Will Repeat as AFC West Champs

A lot of talking heads are doubting the accomplishments of the 2010 Kansas City Chiefs. Most people seem to think the weak schedule was the ONLY reason this team was successful. Following are my top ten reasons the Chiefs are going to win the AFC West and silence the doubters in 2011.

1. Tamba Hali. Hali had his best season in 2010 and did not get the recognition he deserved. Hali put up a career high 14.5 sacks despite playing with a tear in each of his shoulders and a torn muscle in his foot. Tamba is healthy and can not be blocked.

2. Jamaal Charles. Charles is one of the best running backs in the NFL. This guy can make the best defenders  look absolutely silly. Charles has an extra gear that is just not fair. He will PROBABLY not average over 6 yards per carry again, but I have a feeling he will get the ball more this season. The Chiefs offensive line is improving and Charles has a legitimate shot to lead the league in rushing. He does get to play the Broncos defense twice to help his cause.

3. Denver Broncos defense. Horrible. I do expect to see improvement under John Fox, I do not expect miracles. This defense was embarrassing last season and is now transitioning back to a 4-3 scheme. They did add the best pass rusher in the draft but I expect this unit to keep Denver at the bottom of the AFC West in 2011.

4. Todd Haley. Haley may be entering only his third season as a head coach, but I would make the argument that he is the best coach in the AFC West. He has a more disciplined and better conditioned roster than any other team in the division. He has also figured out when to delegate and when to take control. Haley will continue to have a heavy influence in the offensive play calling for the Chiefs and the offense will be better because of it.

5. Norv Turner. Turner will undoubtedly be the reason the Chargers barely snag a wild card and then lose in the playoffs. Talented roster, not the most talented coach. He will allow Rivers to put up excellent fantasy numbers and allow the Chiefs to win the division.

6. Al Davis. I don't even think this guy is really alive at this point. The Raiders have a fair amount of talent on their roster and were showing signs of improvement last season. Davis decided another coaching change was in order. Hue Jackson may end up being a fine coach but Davis will probably fire him before he has that chance in Oakland.

7. Eric Berry. Berry has already become a leader on this defense. He is also the best all around safety in the division and one of the best in the game.

8. Glenn Dorsey. Dorsey is another Chiefs defender who does not get the respect that he deserves. His high draft status has led to high expectations and numbers that don't seem to justify the draft slot. The fact is, in this defense, Dorsey is doing exactly what is expected of him and doing it very well. He is the best defensive lineman on the roster and one of the best in the division.

9. Dwayne Bowe. Bowe had a monster season in 2010. The Chiefs have added weapons to the offense but Bowe is still the main threat in the passing game. When it's all said and done I expect Bowe to have another double digit touchdown season.

10. Romeo Crennel. The Chiefs defense showed obvious improvement under Crennel in his first season with the team. Now Romeo is familiar with the roster and the talented Kansas City defense knows exactly what is expected of them from their coach. I expect the defense to take another big step in Crennel's second season in charge.

Around The League

Quick Hits

-College Football Talk is reporting that Mike Vrabel is close to joining Luke Fickell's staff at Ohio State. Excellent add for Ohio State, Vrabel is a natural leader and has a future coaching if he decides to pursue it. On the Chiefs side, Kansas City has young talent that can replace Vrabel's production on the field. Justin Houston, Andy Studebaker and Cameron Sheffield will each have the opportunity to replace Vrabel in the starting lineup. None of them will be able to replace Vrabel's leadership. Losing Mike Vrabel, and potentially losing Brian Waters, is going to leave a huge leadership gap on a very young team. We will see who can step up for the Chiefs.

-Titans quarterback Kerry Collins has retired after 16 seasons in the NFL. Collins played for the Panthers, Saints, Raiders, Giants and Titans. Tennessee will be looking to bring in a veteran to replace Collins and mentor Jake Locker.

-Roy Williams has recovered a $76,600.00 engagement ring that he MAILED to former Miss Texas, Brooke Daniels, on Valentines Day. I only mention this because Roy Williams is an idiot and needed to be called out for it. I hope he is thoroughly clowned for at least an entire season.

-Hall of Famer John Mackey has passed away at the age of 69.

-Tiki Barber is not getting a lot of interest from teams in the NFL. Shocker. Former coach Jim Fassel has offered Barber a shot in the UFL with the Las Vegas Locos. If Barber is really interested in getting back on the field he may have to swallow his pride and go Loco. Good luck Tiki.

-Fantasy Football Leagues are opening up before the NFL is. Get in the game and let me know if you need another player. I'm always open to join any league.

Around The League

Quick Hits

-College Football Talk is reporting that Mike Vrabel is close to joining Luke Fickell's staff at Ohio State. Excellent add for Ohio State, Vrabel is a natural leader and has a future coaching if he decides to pursue it. On the Chiefs side, Kansas City has young talent that can replace Vrabel's production on the field. Justin Houston, Andy Studebaker and Cameron Sheffield will each have the opportunity to replace Vrabel in the starting lineup. None of them will be able to replace Vrabel's leadership. Losing Mike Vrabel, and potentially losing Brian Waters, is going to leave a huge leadership gap on a very young team. We will see who can step up for the Chiefs.

-Titans quarterback Kerry Collins has retired after 16 seasons in the NFL. Collins played for the Panthers, Saints, Raiders, Giants and Titans. Tennessee will be looking to bring in a veteran to replace Collins and mentor Jake Locker.

-Roy Williams has recovered a $76,600.00 engagement ring that he MAILED to former Miss Texas, Brooke Daniels, on Valentines Day. I only mention this because Roy Williams is an idiot and needed to be called out for it. I hope he is thoroughly clowned for at least an entire season.

-Hall of Famer John Mackey has passed away at the age of 69.

-Tiki Barber is not getting a lot of interest from teams in the NFL. Shocker. Former coach Jim Fassel has offered Barber a shot in the UFL with the Las Vegas Locos. If Barber is really interested in getting back on the field he may have to swallow his pride and go Loco. Good luck Tiki.

-Fantasy Football Leagues are opening up before the NFL is. Get in the game and let me know if you need another player. I'm always open to join any league.