2013 NFL Preview: Kansas City Chiefs

Added on Aug 07, 2013 by Scott in

NFL

The 2012 Kansas City Chiefs were awful, but they didn’t lack talent. Jamaal Charles, Dwayne Bowe, Brandon Albert, Tamba Hali, Justin Houston, Derrick Johnson, Eric Berry, and Brandon Flowers were all Pro Bowl caliber players. The additions of quarterback Alex Smith, number one overall pick Eric Fisher, and most notably, head coach Andy Reid, and the immediate and distant future looks bright in KC. But just how bright will it be in 2013?

Kansas City Chiefs – Reid brings a winning resume from Philadelphia that includes six division titles and nine postseason appearances. However, his act wore thin with the Eagles, due in part to a series of bungled personnel decisions. A fresh start with a roster packed with potential should get Big Red back on track, if the defense finally comes together and Alex Smith continues his mid career resurgence.

Player in the spotlight: Dontari Poe – The 2012 first-rounder was less than impressive as a rookie, totaling 38 tackles and zero sacks. He wasn’t a complete bust, but the disruptive plays he displayed in college were absent. Players who make it in the NFL usually show significant improvement from the first to second year, so Poe’s development will be heavily scrutinized. An effective 3-4 alignment needs a skilled nose tackle to anchor the defensive line. Poe will feel the pressure to succeed.

Trouble spot: Wide receiver – Dwayne Bowe is a solid receiver, but he’s never eclipsed 1200 yards in a season and with the exception of the 15 he notched in 2010, has never been a touchdown machine. After him, there’s journeyman Donnie Avery, underachieving Jon Baldwin, and undersized Dexter McCluster. Reid has a reputation for being creative with his wideouts, but he doesn’t have a lot to work with here. Unless Baldwin suddenly morphs into a consistent threat, this unit will struggle.

Fearless forecast – There are several winnable games on the schedule. Jacksonville, Philly, Tennessee, Cleveland, Buffalo, and the Raiders twice. Reid’s best attribute is stability. If the roster buys into his way of thinking, the Chiefs will be a pleasant surprise. 9-7 and a Wildcard is well within reach.