Check out all of our 2009 NFL team previews.
Offseason Additions: Matt Cassel (QB); Mike Vrabel (LB); Mike Brown (S); Mike Goff (G); Bobby Engram (WR); Zach Thomas (LB); Eric Ghiaciuc (C); Rudy Niswanger (C), Ashley Lelie (WR); Ikechuku Ndukwe (G); Andy Alleman (G).
Offseason Losses: Tony Gonzalez (TE); Adrian Jones (G); Pat Thomas (LB).
Player to Watch: Matt Cassel, QB.
Following an offseason trade that brought him over from New England, all eyes will be on Cassel this season. He gets to run new head coach Todd Haley’s pass-happy offense and he should team up with young receiver Dwayne Bowe to form a nice duo. Unfortunately, Cassel suffered a MCL sprain in the Chiefs’ third preseason game and he’s expected to miss KC’s season opener. Once he’s healthy, it’ll be interesting to see how he fares outside of the Patriots’ offense.
Team Strength: The Chiefs have a nice offensive trio in Cassel, Bowe and running back Larry Johnson, who reportedly is leaner and in the best shape of his life. While questions remain about whether or not Cassel can succeed outside of the Patriots’ system, Bowe and Johnson should help take the pressure off him in his first year as a Chief. Bowe has a terrific blend of size and speed and has emerged as a legitimate deep threat in the passing game. Johnson is coming off a rough ’08 campaign, but is rejuvenated and ready to rebound. Also, with the offseason additions of Mike Goff and Ikechuku Ndukwe – as well as the continued development of 2008 first round pick Branden Albert – the offensive line should be improved this year.
Potential Weakness: Haley and new GM Scott Pioli should have things turned around in no time, but fans are going to have to exercise some patience while the duo tries to rescue a sinking ship. The Chiefs are switching to a new 3-4 front and it remains to be seen whether or not players like Glenn Dorsey and Tamba Hali can make the transition to their new positions. Pioli brought in a nice mix of veteran (Mike Vrabel, Zach Thomas) and young (Tyson Jackson) talent this offseason, but the unit will need time to gel.
Outlook: The Chargers are the class of the AFC West, but the rest of the division is primed for the taking and the Chiefs could emerge as a potential sleeper. That said, Cassel’s injury puts a black cloud over KC’s renewed hope, even though he’s expected to return in the first month of the season. Plus, after Bowe, Cassel doesn’t have many weapons to throw to in the offense now that future HOF tight end Tony Gonzalez is in Atlanta. The defense is going to need time to gel after transitioning to the 3-4 front and the secondary has potential but is still incredibly young.
Pioli and Haley definitely have the Chiefs moving in the right direction, but it’s going to take time. Expect Kansas City to suffer plenty of ups and downs this season, but don’t be surprised if they show vast improvement by the end of the year.
2009 Prediction: 3rd, AFC West.
