AFC WEST - KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

2006 PREVIEW

The Chiefs could challenge the Colts for the best offense in football this season, especially with Larry Johnson installed as the starting running back from Day One and Donte Hall getting more touches from scrimmage. The problem as usual is the defense, although there is some hope with what we think is a couple of nice draft picks.

Quarterback Trent Green passed for over 4000 yards and 17 touchdowns last year, and that was without a bona fide speedball at wide receiver. That could change this season as new coach Herm Edwards has stated that Hall will not be just a kick return guy any more, and he plans to design plays to get the ball to Hall more often to take advantage of his explosiveness. If that is indeed the case, Green may challenge for the single season passing yardage record. Then again, he may not because the running game is so lethal! Johnson ended up with 1750 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns while averaging an amazing 5.2 yards per carry last season, and he began the year as the third string running back! Remember also that Priest Holmes is still on the roster, although he is questionable for this season and possibly his career as he is recovering from a neck injury.

Then there is the defense! But hey, the Chiefs probably tabbed two immediate starters with their first two draft picks, defensive end Tamba Hali and safety Bernard Pollard. Hali is a better pass rusher than anyone Kansas City had last season, and if he adjusts to NFL life quickly he should be an immediate impact player. That would also ease the burden on the secondary, which Pollard should help bolster. Sure the improvement may be marginal, but with this offense, making just a FEW more stops per game should be enough to propel the Chiefs to the second wild card spot.

2006 Prediction: 2 nd Place AFC West, Wild Card