Football Thoughts

Kansas City Chiefs (4-12)
After a promising start, Herm Edwards and the Chiefs collapsed, and are well on their way to rebuilding mode.

2007 Summary:
On many sites I searched before the 2007 season, many of them had the Chiefs last in the AFC West, some having them grabbing the number one pick in the NFL Draft. So lets face it, fans in Kansas City weren't exactly buzzing about their Chiefs. The quarterback situation was a mess, the offensive line was light years beyond their glory days, besides a rookie they had no real threat at wide receiver, and the list goes on. What gives though? The year before, this team was in the playoffs. It took them forever to gain a first down in that game, but they were still there. How could people see them this way right after a post-season trip? Well when you only have one playmaker on offense, and he's getting 420 touches a year you have problems. Something needed to be done, and head coach Herm Edwards isn't the man you want to be making major decisions. Johnson would need to be Superman in 2007, and by looking at the results, you can tell he wasn't.

After two embarrassing losses to the Texans and Bears, the Chiefs had their home opener against the Vikings. They would go on to win 13-10, and sprout some confidence among the team. They would actually go on to win the next four of five heading into their bye week. Then things would get bad. They would get so bad, they would lose every game to end the season. Every single one. They even lost to the Detroit Lions, a team also on a bad losing streak (6).

Herm Edwards is faced with a large challenge. If he doesn't succeed this season, he may be out of a job. Who will be his quarterback? Damon Huard and Brodie Croyle both struggled in 2007. Will it be a rookie? Will Larry Johnson return to normal form after an injury? Only time will tell. All we know is one thing...you play to win the game!

TOP 3 NEEDS FOR 2008:

1.) Offensive Tackle:
- As stated earlier, the Chiefs are way past the days of being a dominate offensive line.Will Svitek and Damion McIntosh need to be replaced before the season starts.

2.) Right Guard:
- The offensive tackle position isn't the only area on the offensive line that needs to be improved. Will Shields retiring has really put the Chiefs in a hole on the offensive line.

3.) Corner Back:
- Ty Law and Patrick Surtain who occupied the role before are old as dirt. Some new blood must be brought in somehow.

2008 Offseason Moves

Notable additions: CB/KR B.J Sams, OLB Demorrio Williams, K Nick Novak, WR Devard Darling

Notable resignings: DE Jared Allen, P Dustin Colquitt

Notable releases: OLB Kendrell Bell, G Justin Welbourn, WR Eddie Kennison

Notable departures: TE Kris Wilson

Grades:

Quarterbacks: D
- Damon Huard was no Peyton Manning last season. Brodie Croyle came in and replaced him, and he sucked too. If one of them is the starter in 2008, the Chiefs may be in trouble.

Runningbacks: B
- Larry Johnson is one of the most feared runners in the league, but he can't be getting 420 touches in a season. Look what happened last year, he was injured by mid-season. Kolby Smith played decent as a backup, but there are better options elsewhere.

Wide Receivers: C-
- The Chiefs answer to solving their wide receiver problems...signing B.J Sams and Devard Darling. I feel sorry for Dwayne Bowe. He has tremendous talent but he is stuck on an offense in total confusion.

Offensive Line: F
- Right guard Brian Waters is the only player on their line that should be a starter in this league. Upgrades must be made everywhere else.

Tight End: A
- Tony Gonzalez has been doing it forever. It's amazing he's still one of the top tight ends in the league at such a high age. Kris Wilson was a great backup, but he's now on his way to Philadelphia.

Defensive line: C
- Even after missing two games, Jared Allen led the league with 15.5 sacks. The other end Tamba Hali, is also a solid starter. Defensive tackle is another story. Tank Tyler is waiting to hit the lineup, but even when he does they'll still have major issues.

Linebackers: A
- Derrick Johnson and Demorrio Williams are two great talents on the end, but middle man Napoleon Harris can easily be replaced. It seems he's just a fill in until they find someone better.

Defensive Backs: C
- Ty Law is as good as gone, and Patrick Surtain is nearing the end of his career. A mid-round selection in the draft must be taken on a corner. Safetys Bernard Pollard and Jarrad Page make for a safety tandem, while Greg Wesley is behind them for depth.

Special Teams: C
- Nice job picking Justin Medlock over Mason Crosby. Now they were forced to bring in Nick Novak to handle duties. B.J Sams was brought in to handle kick returners. Punter Dustin Colquitt was resigned by the Chiefs, which will solidify their punting unit for years to come.

Coaching: D
- Herm Edwards may be one of the worst head coaches in the NFL. As long as he's running things, the Chiefs will struggle to make it past the first round, let alone make it to the playoffs again.

2008 Schedule: