Kansas City Chiefs - 2017-18 NFL Season Analysis
Written by @NewSchool - @SportsChain Editor/MLB Specialist
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In 2012, the Kansas City Chiefs finished 4-12. Since then, they are a combined 43-21 coincidentally after the addition of the "Walrus", Andy Reid. A lot of analysts think 2017 will be a losing season for the Chiefs but I see the same team as last year with much more promise. Here's why:
Key Additions:
On June 22nd, the same day the Chiefs extended Reid's contract, the team fired General Manager John Dorsey and a few weeks later promoted co-director of player personnel Brett Veach to general manager. Not only has the management made changes on their end, the team has also made some massive additions for the upcoming season which has addressed some of the weaknesses and concerns for the Chiefs.
Patrick Mahomes III, QB:
One major elephant in the room is the addition of Rookie QB Patrick Mahomes III which leaves many questioning what Kansas City is trying to do with their underwhelming Quarterback position, currently occupied by Veteran Alex Smith. What intrigues me even more about the addition of Mahomes is that Andy Reid has a tendency of making average quarterbacks appear better than they are with his tricky play style. Scouts have had mixed reviews about Mahomes but Andy Reid and these quarterbacks with question marks over their heads always seem to exceed expectations. That along with the fact that Alex Smith has a $20.6 million cap charge in 2018 which could be completely wiped off the books if he is released.
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Kareem Hunt, RB:
Another glaring issue with the Chiefs offense is the lack of a steady, healthy running back. Hunt was signed on June 5th after the Chiefs released Jamaal Charles on March 1st. The Chiefs seem to be committed to the running back 'by committee' approach which allows Andy Reid to swap between the power running Spencer Ware and speedsters Charcandrick West and Hunt. Hunt has impressed in training camp and many Kansas City beat writers expect Hunt to surpass West on the depth chart come opening game.
Roy Miller, DT:
With the loss of multiple defensive tackles (All-Star, Dontari Poe), the Chiefs signed Roy Miller to a one year deal which gives them some depth on the D-Line with Miller's build being much like that of Dontari Poe. Having only played half the year in 2016, Miller looks to bounce back and repeat his career high sack record from 2015 (5). Many were shocked the Jaguars released him following his injury but it looks like Miller has found a new home in Kansas City.
Key Departures:
Jeremy Maclin, WR:
The Chiefs released Maclin this summer and for a good reason: He just wasn't that good. Sure, Maclin had a great season in 2014 but he's really just been average since that one huge season. Maclin didn't force any mismatches with any opposing cornerbacks and appears to have lost a step with his lingering hamstring injury that has bother him for the passed two years. Maclin was a quality target but not one the Chiefs could build a game plan around. That, along with the mixture of Alex Smith's game management play style just did not bode well for KC's offense last year. Releasing Maclin allowed KC to sign Kareem Hunt and Mahomes to contract deals. In the long run, this move was better for the Chiefs.
Dontari Poe, DT:
Possibly Kansas City's worse loss of the offseason, Poe signed for 1 year, $8 million dollars to the Atlanta Falcons which was far more than the Chief's were able to expend. Poe was a huge presence on the defensive line as he was able to cause issues with his 6-foot-3, 350 pound build and under five second 40 yard dash times. Poe was an integral part of Kansas City's defensive squad that has been a top 5 defense the last four seasons and is truly a hard player to replace. I'm going to miss H2POE.
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Who to watch for this season on the Kansas City Chiefs?:
Travis Kelce, TE:
It's no secret that when visiting the Chiefs, many defenses plan against the fast, linebacker demolishing, tight end Travis Kelce. Kelce had 85 catches for 1,125 yards last season on 117 targets, and there’s a decent chance he lands in the 130-140 target range this year, given the lack of proven talent in the Kansas City WR corps. Did I mention his recent breakup with the girl he started dating from his Bachelor show "Catching Kelce"? No? Well Travis "Zeus" Kelce is hungry and look for him to feast all year on linebacker coverage.
Tyreke Hill, WR/PR/KR:
Having released Jeremy Maclin, this move should show people just how much faith the Chiefs have in this kid. With 12 touchdowns in his rookie season and and depleted WR corp, Tyreek has stole the hearts of many KC fans, including myself despite being a slot receiver for just over half of the season. I wouldn't expect his touchdown rate to stay the same but expect Tyreek to rack up the yardage receiving dink-n-dunks from Alex Smith all season.
The Kansas City Chiefs are obviously in win now mode, as they have many pieces and veterans to compete with the best teams in the NFL. The Chiefs first game of the season is against the defending champions and proves to set the tone for KC's season.
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Main Website: http://www.chiefs.com/
Schedule: http://www.chiefs.com/schedule-and-events
News: http://www.chiefs.com/news/index.html
Written by @NewSchool