Press – A look at 5 key Chiefs positions
0 Comments | St. Joseph News – Press, Jul 24, 2010 | by Anonymous
Training camp is just a few days away, and local fans will get an intense, up-close look at the latest incarnation of the Chiefs.
But what should fans be watching for?
Here’s our take of the five most important positions to watch during practice.
Quarterback: Matt Cassel
Cassel is in his second year with the Chiefs, and he’s got a big- money contract. He performed at a near-Pro Bowl level while filling in for NFL MVP Tom Brady in 2008, but he struggled in his first year with the Chiefs.
He completed 55 percent of his passes and had 16 touchdowns with 16 interceptions in 2009.
If the Chiefs are going to grow into contenders, then Cassel must first grow into a play-making field general. If his touchdown-to- interception ratio goes from even to 2 touchdowns per INT, then expect Kansas City to make a run at the an AFC wild card playoff berth.
Offensive line: Branden Albert,
Casey Weigmann and company
The offensive line gave up 42 sacks in 2009 — probably much of the reason for Cassel’s struggles — and the running game was anemic.
Left tackle Branden Albert, a 2008 first-round draft pick, didn’t live up to expectations in 2009 following a solid rookie season. He’s still the likely starter at left tackle and, therefore, primarily responsible for preventing those sacks. Overall improvement on the offensive line rests on Albert’s progression and his ability to live up to the potential he showed as a rookie.
The Chiefs also likely improved with the addition of guard Ryan Lilja, who probably will play on the right side. Lilja, a Shawnee Mission Northwest High School and Kansas State graduate who played for Indianapolis, provides an immediate upgrade.
But the team still has a huge question mark at center. Rudy Niswanger started most games last year but generally appeared overmatched. Kansas City signed Casey Wiegmann, a former Chief who played in Denver the last couple of seasons, in an effort to shore up the position. But Wiegmann is 37 with 15 pro seasons under his belt — that’s a lot of wear and tear.
The line improved toward the end of the season after cutting used- up running back Larry Johnson and finding a playmaker in Jamaal Charles. But more improvement will be necessary if the Chiefs expect to improve on their 4-12 record.
Specialists: kicker Ryan Succop, punter Dustin Colquitt and the return game
Kickers have emerged as a team strength.
Colquitt routinely proves to be dynamic at changing the field position and giving the Chiefs an advantage. Colquitt averaged 45.4 yards a punt and boomed one for 70 yards last season. He had 41 punts downed inside the opponent’s 20-yard line.
Succop, the last draft pick of the 2009 draft, was as close to automatic as it gets. He hit all 17 of his attempts inside 40 yards and was 23 of 24 from inside 50 yards.
The Chiefs also added some weapons in the return game. Two draft picks from this past offseason should add some energy
make big money
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