NFL Draft Info - Kansas City Chiefs

To do a 2009 Kansas City Chiefs review, I need to start with the 2008 offseason.  In the 2008 offseason the Kansas City Chiefs were coming off a 2-14 record.  They brought in a new general manager, Scott Pioli, a new head coach, Todd Haley, and continued to change coaches and staff throughout the offseason ending with the letting go of Chan Gailey.  The reason I start here is to evaluate a team's season that is coming off of a 2-14 record with a new general manager, head coach, offensive and defensive system and a new quarterback is not easy.  As Todd Haley would say the season is broken into four quarters.  I will evaluate the 2009 Chiefs in the same way.  The first quarter will be the pre-season and first four games.  The second quarter will be the next four games.  The third quarter will cover the changing of guard at the running back position and the next four games.  Finally, the fourth quarter will cover the final four games.  With each quarter I will give grades for the positions and after the four quarters of the season have been covered I will do one grade for each position with the whole season in mind.  So without further ado.

FIRST QUARTER

The Chiefs began this 2009 season coming off of a tough year in 2008.  They were looking to improve and build for the future.  Clark Hunt brought in Scott Pioli to build a dynasty.  Pioli's first order of business was the head coaching position, he let go of Herm Edwards and brought in Todd Haley.  Following that move Pioli traded a 2nd round pick for Mike Vrabel and Matt Cassel, one of the most coveted quarterbacks on the market at the time.  The Chiefs had a tough pre-season going 0-4.  However, despite being 0-4 they never lost a game by more than 8.  The Chiefs went on the road for the first game of the season to the Baltimore Ravens.  Despite the running game being awful and the porous pass defense the Chiefs had a chance to win the game.  For the second game the Chiefs were at home to play the Raiders.  Despite domination on both sides of the ball the Chiefs beat themselves and allowed the Raiders to sneak out of K.C. with a win.  The third game of the year took the Chiefs to Philadelphia.  The Eagles pounded the Chiefs through the air and on the ground.  The Chiefs offense was non-existent.  The defense was just as bad.  The Giants came to Kansas City riding high and left the same way.  The score at the end looked closer than the game acutally was.  There was no offensive consistency again and the defense struggled to stop Steve Smith.  The Chiefs finished the First Quarter 0-4.  The offense couldn't run the ball and the passing offense struggled due to the inability to run.  The Chiefs couldn't convert third downs.  The defense was horrible against the pass and run.  With the exception of the Oakland game the Chiefs looked lost and confused.

Quarterback-D-Tough to grade when you are being blitzed every down due to inability to run the ball.  Croyle looked decent against Baltimore, Cassel played okay against the Raiders and Giants.  Eagles game is worth forgetting.

Running Back-F-Before Jamaal Charles was a guy by the name of Larry Johnson and while in Kansas City in 2009 he couldn't get past his own blockers.

Wide Receivers-D-Dwayne Bowe was only bright spot but struggled to get the ball due to quarterback and double teams.  No one there to help take the pressure off.  Adding Bobby Wade helped but not enough.  Dropped passes were just becoming a concern.

Tight Ends-F-Did the Chiefs even have a tight end?  Sean Ryan?  Jake O'Connell? Brad Cottam?  Trading Tony Gonzalez may have hurt worse than we ever thought it could.  No consistency, bad blocking, horrible hands.  Enough Said.

Offensive Line-F-Whether it was the run or the pass, they couldn't block the man in front of them.  The Eagles showed what a blitzing defense could do against an awful offensive line.

Defensive Line-F-Three of the Four teams passed for over 290 yards.  No pressure up front and allowed over a 100 yards rushing in 3 of the 4 games.

Linebackers-D-Couldn't tackle but even worse cannot cover a tight end in coverage.  Heap, Miller and Celek all severly hurt us in the passing game.

Secondary-C-Our corners struggled, safeties missed assignments but Brandon Flowers was a bright spot as he has quickly became one of the top corners in the league.

Special Teams-B-The lone bright spot.  Kickoffs were better, punting was excellent and the Chiefs have found their kicker of the future in Mr. Irrelevant, Ryan Succop.

SECOND QUARTER

The Chiefs began the Second Quarter of the season 0-4 and looking to get something going before the fans and players turned on new head coach, Todd Haley.  In Week 5, the Chiefs drew the Dallas Cowboys at Arrowhead Stadium.  Kansas City led late but a few missed tackles and assignments let Dallas and Miles Austin sneak out of Kansas City with a win in overtime.  After the tough loss to Dallas the Chiefs went to Washington who had been having a rough year having already lost to the Detroit Lions.  Kansas City struggled but held on to win their first game of the year despite a good game from Clinton Portis.  Following their first victory of the year the Chiefs returned home looking for their first home win of the year against the San Diego Chargers.  It was not meant to be as the Chargers outplayed the Chiefs in every aspect in a thorough beating at Qualcomm Stadium.  Lucky for the Chiefs the following week was a bye to help them rest up and deal with the impending LJ disaster.

Quarterback-D-Cassel showed some brilliance but struggled badly against the rush in San Diego.

Running Back-F-LJ still not getting it done on the ground.  It is bad when he can rush the ball 10 to 20 times and not gain total as many yards as their back on one carry.

Wide Receiver-D-Showed some promise with DBowe having some decent games, Wade came through with some catches, still struggling with drops and no yards after the catch.

Tight End-F-Still no presence from the tight end position, a sign of things to come as the Chiefs didn’t get much help from this position throughout the year.

Offensive Line-C-Looked better against the Cowboys and Redskins but got man-handled against the Chargers.  Need to work on picking up the blitz.

Defensive Line-D-Played tough against Dallas and the Redskins and held LT to 71 yards rushing.  Can you really measure a d-line by just rushing yards though?  Passing yards still shows no pressure up front.

Linebackers-D-Witten made the LB crew look bad again, still can’t make the tackles on the running backs.  Where is the fundamentals?  Wrap up, finish tackles, stay home.  Work needs to be done to improve here.

Secondary-D-Played better than the stats show.  Given the amount of time they have to cover its amazing the teams didn’t put up more yards however you can’t let teams pass all over you and you can’t miss assignments and tackles.  Mike Brown, where were you against Dallas?

Special Teams-B-Succop continues to kick well, Colquitt has became one of the top punters if not the top punter in the league.

Getting into the second half starts with one checkered running back by the name of Larry Johnson.  On October 27^th, 2009, the Kansas City Chiefs asked LJ to refrain from team activities.  The following day they suspended him due to conduct detrimental to the team.  Thanks to twitter LJ was able to finally get his wish.  On November 9^th, the Chiefs released Larry Johnson, 75 yards short of becoming the Chiefs all-time leading rusher.  This gave Jamaal Charles a chance to start and the Chiefs new life as we would find out.

 

THIRD QUARTER

The Chiefs third quarter started with a trip to Jacksonville.  In Jacksonville the Chiefs couldn’t stop Mike Sims-Walker or Maurice Jones-Drew.  However, the Chiefs offense came alive and Matt Cassel showed the skills that the Chiefs traded for and Chris Chambers, newly acquired, paid immediate dividends.  The Chiefs rushing attack was still slow while splitting carries between Charles and Kolby Smith back from injury.  The Chiefs lost a close game after battling back to the Jags to start the third quarter of the season.  The Chiefs followed the close loss with a tough trip to the black hole in Oakland.  The Chiefs would win there for the 7^th time in a row.  However, the game was much closer than needed.  While the Chiefs dominated the stats again it took a late interception from Mike Brown to save the game.  Cassel continued to play well despite an interception and Jamaal Charles showed the Chiefs what they had been missing rushing for the first 100 yard game of the season.  Charles also flashed big play ability on a 45 yard touchdown run on 4^th and 1.  Following the second win of the season the Chiefs headed back home to face the defending Super Bowl Champion, Pittsburgh Steelers.  The Chiefs while facing adversity and being outplayed in almost every aspect kept battling, Cassel was stellar in throwing for 248 and 2 touchdowns with no turnovers.  Chambers continued to play well, Charles struggled but still managed 3.4 yards a carry.  The defense couldn’t stop the Pittsburgh offense but turnovers would be key and the Chiefs would take advantage stunning the Steelers in overtime for the first home victory of the year for the Chiefs.  Following a two game winning streak the Chiefs would run into a buzz saw in the San Diego Chargers.  Charles was once again impressive but turnovers and poor defense led the Chargers to another beating of the Chiefs to end the third quarter of the season.

Quarterback-B-Cassel played well in Jacksonville, Oakland and at home against the Steelers throwing for over 200 yards in each contest.  He struggled with the Chargers immensely for the second time however.

Running Back-B-Charles did what Larry Johnson couldn’t….gain yards.  Charles didn’t get the ball much in Jacksonville.  He got touches in Oakland and put up the first 100 yard game of the season.  Charles also rushed for 100 yards against that tough Chargers Defense.

Wide Receivers-B-With the addition of Chambers and Lance Long to Bowe and Wade, the Chiefs receivers made some big plays during the third quarter stretch.  Still struggled with drops and lack of yards after the catch.

Tight End-F-Pulse?  Anyone there?  There were a few occasions where a tight end showed up to play this season but given that they were so far and few I can’t tell if played for the Chiefs or stayed at a Holiday Inn Express.

Offensive Line-C-Is it just me or is it amazing how the same line can look so different with a better running back behind them?  With Charles stepping in and providing a running attack it helped the passing game and took some pressure off of the o-line.  Little less blitzing helps.

Defensive Line-D-Couldn’t stop Jones-Drew, Mendenhall or Michael Bush.  Put the brakes on LT but still couldn’t pressure quarterbacks.  Need a pass rush severly.

Linebackers-F-Need to stop the run.  Fill the gaps, make the tackles.  Position of need.

Secondary-F-You cannot allow this many yards through the air.  Sure they shutdown Jamarcus Russell, a peewee team could.  Interceptions made up for yards though as the points weren’t what they could have been.  Big plays at the right time.

Special Teams-B-Big kicks, executed onside kicks, still great punting.  Consistency all year and for years to come.

 

FOURTH QUARTER

The Chiefs rode into the Fourth and final quarter of the season feeling pretty good after gaining a couple of more wins.  Denver came to town following the beating in San Diego and not much was different.  Turnovers and mistakes abounded and so did the Broncos points as they blew out the Chiefs at home.  The following game Buffalo came to town struggling like the Chiefs.  The Chiefs allowed 216 yards on the ground but still had chances to win.  Matt Cassel had his worst game as a Chief throwing four interceptions in a winnable game.  Charles continued his hot streak rushing for 143 yards and scoring for the fifth consecutive game.  The Chiefs lost a heartbreaker when Cassel threw an interception in the end zone on the final play of the game.  The Chiefs stayed home as the Browns came to town.  In a record setting day that featured everything from an offensive shootout.  The Chiefs special teams struggled, defense was porous but the offense was outstanding.  The Chiefs Defense allowed 286 yards rushing to Jerome Harrison and 341 total.  The Chiefs also allowed not one but two kickoff returns for touchdowns by Joshua Cribbs.  Despite the defense doing their part to lose the game, the offense was outstanding behind Cassel.  Cassel threw for over 300 yards and 2 touchdowns.  Charles rushed for 150 and the offense moved with ease.  The Chiefs offense wasn’t enough to make up for the defense as the Chiefs lost another tough game at home.  The Chiefs traveled to Cincinnati to take on the Bengals following the Cleveland loss.  The Bengals were looking to clinch and LJ, in a Bengals uniform, was looking for revenge.  The Bengals would clinch but LJ wouldn’t get much more than a win as he only amassed 11 yards rushing, just like he was a Chief again.  Despite LJ not rushing for much the Chiefs couldn’t stop Cedric Benson who turned out to be the difference maker as the Chiefs lost yet another winnable game, a trend carried over from 2008.  The Chiefs saved their best for last as they went to Denver to end the season.  The Chiefs came ready to play as Charles rushed for 259 yards, Cassel threw for 200 and the Chiefs crushed Denver in the second half to keep the Broncos home for the post season.  Despite winning by 20 points the Chiefs did allow over 400 yards passing from Kyle Orton and over 200 yards receiving by Jabar Gaffney.

Quarterback-D-Cassel played well but made mistakes when it mattered.  A franchise quarterback wins the games, not loses them.

Running Back-A-Charles was what the Chiefs needed.  A breath of fresh air but more than that he gave the team an identity.  Needs to work on fumbles though.

Wide Receiver-C-Bowe was suspended, Chambers was covered, continued drops, still need some help and consistency to help out Cassel.

Tight End-F-Nothing more to say.

Offensive Line-C-Got better as Charles became more of a factor.  Still need better blocking up front on passing situations and picking up blitzes.

Defensive Line-F-They gave up 314 yards to the Browns?  Are you kidding me?

Linebackers-F-The Browns!!! Where were the tacklers?  Did anyone play defense?

Secondary-F-How do you let the Broncos without Brandon Marshall throw for 400 yards?  200 to one guy?  Did anyone think he needed guarded or what?

Special Teams-D-Good play by the kickers but two kickoff returns for touchdowns! In the Same game!!!!!

 

OVERALL

In the end the Chiefs started rough but ended on a hot note.  For a team coming off of a horrible season and several changes in key spots the Chiefs handled it well.  They finished at 4-12 but left two or three wins on the field.  Next year should be about finishing the way they started and practicing fundamentals.  The Chiefs are heading in the right direction though.  They have a decent quarterback, electrifying running back and some solid pass catchers.  They are young on defense and need to learn discipline.  A few pieces here and there and they could be contenders in a couple of years.

FINAL GRADES

Quarterback-D-While Cassel made some plays and looked solid at times in the end he cost us more than he helped us.  Moving forward the Chiefs can’t afford interceptions on game winning drives or game tying drives, they need points.

Running Back-C-I give the Chiefs a C at running back because it took them half the season to realize what they had on the bench.  For that I give Charles an A, Johnson an F.  Equals out to a C.

Wide Receiver-C-With Chambers, Bowe, Long and Wade the Chiefs have potential to at least complement Charles.  Too many drops and not enough YAC but another playmaker and this receiving corps is dangerous.

Tight End-F-Please tell me that there is help coming to this position.  Horrible all year.  Need to find the guy here that can block and catch.

Offensive Line-D-Despite better play with Charles still could not pass protect and run blocking was sketchy.  Need some help on the front to improve on offense as a team.

Defensive Line-F-No pass pressure, can’t stop the run.  What are these top picks doing?  Hopefully with a full offseason Coach Haley can whip them into shape.  If not maybe the new D-Coordinator can help with that.

Linebackers-F-Vrabel showed his age but was vital to the linebacking corps.  DJ was great in Denver but needs to play at that level 16 games a year.  Definitely need more solid linebacking corps to run the 3-4 for the future.

Secondary-D-With a little pass pressure they could be immensely better.  Flowers is a star.  Carr has potential.  Need to work on communication.  Too many missed assignments.

Special Teams-B-Succop and Colquit have solidified the kicking game for the Chiefs.

 

Haley-C-Struggled at the beginning but the players believed and stuck with him.  Adversity will help in the future.

Pioli-B-Got Haley, Got Cassel and Vrabel, Removed LJ when it became necessary.

All in all the Chiefs future looks bright but they will still need to keep making good decisions and Pioli will have a tough job on his hands trying to right the ship.

The Chiefs as a whole final grade is a D.  Not an F only because of the close losses and the stellar play of Charles for a half a season.