2007 Outlook:

After a successful 2006 campaign that saw the Kansas City Chiefs reach the playoffs, there seems to be more uncertainty surrounding the upcoming season. The major story circulating around KC is the departure of former Pro Bowl starting quarterback Trent Green to Miami. The rumors were a persistent distraction both before and after the NFL draft. Well, Green is finally gone and now the future for Kansas City rests in the hands of two largely unproven quarterbacks. Damon Huard, with his incredible line of 11 touchdowns to only one interception, was brought back and will fight to be the starting QB out of training camp, but the KC brass have been hinting that former Alabama star Brodie Croyle is actually the field general of the future. Will this platoon of quarterbacks be able to lead Larry Johnson and crew back to the playoffs? That's the ultimate uncertainty.

2007 Draft Review:

Headlined by WR Dwayne Bowe of LSU, this draft class is a nice haul for Herm Edwards and his staff. The selection of Bowe in the first round followed by defensive tackles in rounds 2 and 3 will help to improve two of the Chiefs' problem areas. I would have liked to see Kansas City address the offensive line earlier in this draft. Yes, they drafted OT Herbert Taylor in the sixth round, but that was the only choice that will help replace recently departed Jordan Black and Willie Roaf, who retired prior to the 2006 season.Draft Grade: B

Key Acquisition:

Any time that you can bring in a guy who amassed 141 tackles last season and snatch him away from a divisional rival, that classifies as a major acquisition. Bringing in linebacker Donnie Edwards from the San Diego Chargers was an excellent move and one that will be sure to help the Chiefs defense this season. More than a few Kansas City fans will fondly remember Edwards' early career as a member of the Chiefs when he averaged 121 tackles per season (excluding his rookie season). Expect more of the same this year.

Key Departure:

With an offense built around the run, the loss of offensive tackle Jordan Black could be difficult to stomach if anything happens to newly acquired Damion McIntosh. Black started 15 out of 16 games for KC last season, but he'll be lining up in front of Matt Schaub this season as a member of the Houston Texans. McIntosh has started every game in which he has played over the past 6 seasons, so he should be a solid replacement. With all the questions already surrounding the Chiefs offensive line, it will be key for McIntosh to step up and clear some holes for LJ.

Offensive Preview:

Larry Johnson will be the workhorse in the backfield for Kansas City, that much is for certain. The rest of the offense, however, is very much up in the air. The quarterback could end up being youngster Brodie Croyle, career back-up Damon Huard, or former Pro Bowler Trent Green. The coaching staff appears to be leaning towards handing the ball to Croyle, the former Alabama signal caller. Wide receiver is somewhat of a mystery as well. Eddie Kennison, Samie Parker, and Tony Gonzalez are all getting up there in age, so it's uncertain whether or not they'll be able to produce like they used to. First round draft pick Dwayne Bowe will also be thrown into the mix and could end up being the primary receiving target by the end of the season. The offense is actually simple...give the ball to LJ!

Defensive/Special Teams Preview:

This offseason the Chiefs have largely restructured their defense and I like the results. Along the defensive line, defensive end Tamba Hali will look to build upon his strong 8-sack rookie campaign. He'll be joined by a newly-acquired trio of defensive tackles, Alfonso Boone from Chicago, 2nd round draft pick Turk McBride, and 3rd round pick DeMarcus "Tank" Tyler. They will join incumbent DTs Ron Edwards and James Reed. On the whole, the defensive line has been built into a source of strength for years to come. MLB Napoleon Harris and OLB Donnie Edwards will join 3rd-year OLB Derrick Johnson to form a nice linebacking corp. The secondary, anchored by veteran Ty Law, will be a solid unit as well. The Kansas City special teams unit took a big hit this offseason with the departure of return specialist extraordinaire. Lawrence Tynes will be handling the kicking responsibilities and he's an average kicker at best.

Season Prediction:

Although this team has a premier running back and a solid defense, I just don't see them putting together a playoff-caliber season. The quarterback situation is too much of a mess. They have a former Pro Bowler that they can't seem to trade and doesn't want to play, instead preferring to go with young talent that they can develop for the future. Inexperience at the quarterback spot rarely translates into victories. Furthermore, Larry Johnson continues to cause turmoil in the locker room as he has yet to show up for training camp and is threatening a holdout to game 10 of the season.

Projected Finish

6 Wins, 10 Losses (3rd in the AFC West)

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